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Quizzes > Sports

General Knowledge Football Quiz: Basic Football Questions and Answers

Quick, free football knowledge quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Payton Van TassellUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art style football icons quiz title with downs formations text on dark blue background

This quiz helps you check your basic football knowledge, from core rules to positions and formations. Answer short, clear questions and see where you stand with instant feedback and tips to learn more. Want another challenge? Try our football trivia quiz, sharpen details with a soccer rules quiz, or test names with a soccer player quiz.

How many yards must the offense advance to achieve a first down?
5 yards
20 yards
10 yards
15 yards
In American football, the offense has four attempts, or downs, to gain at least 10 yards to earn a new set of downs. If they fail to do so, possession is turned over to the defense. This requirement is universal across professional and college levels. For more details, see .
What is the standard length of an American football field, excluding end zones?
90 yards
100 yards
80 yards
120 yards
A regulation football field is 100 yards from goal line to goal line, with each end zone adding an extra 10 yards. This measurement is standardized in both college and professional play. The total length including end zones is 120 yards. For field dimensions, refer to .
How many points is a touchdown worth in American football?
3 points
6 points
8 points
7 points
A touchdown is scored when a player carries the ball into or catches it in the opponent's end zone, awarding 6 points. After a touchdown, the scoring team has an opportunity to add extra points via a kick (1 point) or a two-point conversion. This scoring system is used in both the NFL and college football. More on scoring can be found at .
Which position typically receives the snap from the center on offense?
Quarterback
Wide Receiver
Linebacker
Running Back
The quarterback lines up directly behind the center to receive the snap at the start of each play. This position is responsible for reading the defense and leading the offense. In certain trick plays, other players may receive the snap, but the QB is the standard. Read more at .
How many total points can be scored by a safety?
3 points
1 point
2 points
4 points
A safety occurs when the offense is tackled, loses the ball out of bounds, or commits a penalty in their own end zone, awarding the defense 2 points. After a safety, the scoring team receives the ball via a free kick. It is one of the rare scoring plays in football. More on safeties at .
What does the term 'line of scrimmage' refer to?
An imaginary line where the ball is placed before a play
The track around the field
The sideline boundary of the field
The width of the end zone
The line of scrimmage is an imaginary transverse line that marks where the football is placed at the start of a play, and neither team can cross it until the ball is snapped. This line shifts as the offense gains or loses yardage. It's critical for organizing legal motion and offsides rules. Further details at .
How many players from one team are on the field during a standard play?
9 players
12 players
11 players
10 players
Each team fields 11 players on the field during plays in both offense and defense. Having more or fewer players on the field results in a penalty for illegal substitution. Special teams also use 11 players. Learn more at .
What formation uses three wide receivers, one tight end, and one running back?
Pro Set
I-Formation
Wishbone
11 Personnel
In football personnel terminology, '11 personnel' denotes one running back and one tight end, with three wide receivers making five eligible receivers, and five offensive linemen. It's a common spread formation used to balance running and passing. More on personnel groups at .
If a quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage while attempting a pass, what is it called?
Sack
Strip
Interception
Safety
A sack occurs when a defender tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage while the QB still has possession of the ball, before he can throw a legal forward pass. It results in a loss of yardage. Sack statistics are important for measuring pass rush effectiveness. Read more at .
Which penalty is called when a lineman moves before the snap?
Encroachment
Offside
False Start
Illegal Motion
A false start is called when any offensive player, usually a lineman, moves in a way that simulates the start of play before the snap. It is penalized by five yards and replay of the down. It's distinct from offsides, which is a defensive infraction. For rules distinctions see .
What is the term for a running play where the ball carrier follows a lead blocker between the tackles?
Option
Dive
Sweep
Draw
A 'dive' play (or 'off-tackle dive') is a quick-hitting run designed to go between the tackles, where the running back takes the handoff and follows a lead blocker. It's often used to exploit inside defensive weaknesses. The sweep goes outside, and the draw delays run action. Learn more at .
During a punt, what score is awarded if the kicking team recovers the ball in the opponent's end zone?
No score; touchback
Do-over
Safety
Touchdown
If the punted ball enters the end zone without being touched by the receiving team, it is ruled a touchback, and the receiving team starts at their 20-yard line (NFL) or 25-yard line (college). This is not a score for either team. Details can be found at .
Which formation is characterized by the quarterback under center and two running backs lined up directly behind him?
Shotgun
Wishbone
Singleback
I-Formation
The I-Formation features the quarterback under center with a fullback and a halfback lined up directly behind him, forming a straight 'I' alignment. It's a traditional power-running formation. The Wishbone adds a third back to a similar structure. More on formations at .
What happens when a field goal attempt hits the uprights and bounces back into the field of play?
Kicking team gets one point
Play continues until tackled
It's a dead ball and no score
Kicking team can attempt again
If a field goal attempt hits the uprights or crossbar and remains inbounds, it is live and either team can recover and advance the ball. If the kicking team recovers it in the end zone, it's a touchdown; if the defending team gains possession, they take over at the spot of recovery. The play remains live until ruled dead. Reference: .
In college football, by how many yards does the offense start after a touchback on a kickoff?
20-yard line
30-yard line
25-yard line
35-yard line
Since 2012, the NCAA moved the touchback starting position on kickoffs to the 25-yard line to reduce return-related injuries. The NFL still places it at the 20-yard line. This rule change impacted kickoff returns significantly. More at .
Which rule allows an offensive lineman to report as eligible and catch a pass?
Formation Shift Rule
Eligible Receiver Rule
Motion Before Snap Rule
Illegal Touching Rule
An offensive lineman wearing a number outside the eligible receiver range (50 - 79) can report to the referee as eligible before the play. This must be announced so the defense is aware. It's often used in trick plays. See .
What is the primary objective of a 'zone blitz' defense?
Zone coverage with only one rusher
Combine zone coverage with unexpected pass rushers
Man coverage with four rushers
Bring all defenders into coverage
A zone blitz sends linebackers or defensive backs to rush the quarterback while replacing them in coverage with defensive linemen, creating confusion. It balances pressure and coverage by disguising who is rushing. Developed prominently by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Learn strategy at .
In the NFL, how long must the offense wait after calling a timeout to snap the ball before they can do it again?
25 seconds after timeout
They can snap immediately after timeout
15 seconds after timeout
40 seconds after timeout
After a timeout, the play clock is set to 25 seconds in the NFL, giving the offense time to substitute or regroup before snapping the ball. This differs from the standard 40-second play clock between plays. It ensures fair play time after stops. See .
Which penalty is called when a defensive player contacts a receiver beyond five yards from the line of scrimmage before the ball is thrown?
Holding
Pass Interference
Offside
Illegal Contact
Defensive pass interference is called when a defender makes contact to impede a receiver's opportunity to catch beyond five yards from the line of scrimmage. Illegal contact is similar but occurs before the ball is thrown. Interference results in a spot foul. More at .
What is a 'red zone' in football terms?
Between the opponent's 20-yard line and goal line
Between the 50-yard line and red hash mark
Area between the goal lines
Between the 20- and 10-yard lines
The red zone refers to the area between the opponent's 20-yard line and the goal line, where scoring is most likely. Teams often adjust play-calling to focus on high-percentage plays in this crowded field. Defensive strategies also shift here. See stats and analysis at .
Which defensive formation features four down linemen and three linebackers?
4 - 3 Defense
3 - 4 Defense
Dime Defense
Nickel Defense
The 4 - 3 defense employs four down linemen and three linebackers, balancing pass rush and run stopping. It's been a staple in both college and NFL due to its versatility. The 3 - 4 uses three linemen and four linebackers instead. More at .
What is the maximum number of players allowed in motion before a play?
Two players
One player
Only one player and he must move parallel to the line
Unlimited players
Only one offensive player may be in motion at the snap, and that player must remain parallel to or away from the line of scrimmage. If more players move or the motion is toward the line, it's illegal motion. This rule prevents unfair advantages. See .
Which rare formation involves five wide receivers and no tight ends or running backs on the field?
Jumbo Package
Wishbone
Pistol Formation
Empty Backfield
An 'empty backfield' formation features no running backs or tight ends, replacing them with an extra wide receiver. This spreads out the defense and creates mismatches in the passing game. It's often used in obvious passing situations. Tactical analysis at .
In NFL history, which coach is credited with popularizing the West Coast offense?
Bill Walsh
Tom Landry
Don Shula
Vince Lombardi
Bill Walsh developed and popularized the West Coast offense in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the San Francisco 49ers, emphasizing short, precise passing routes. The system revolutionized offense in both NFL and college football. His coaching tree spread these concepts league-wide. More at .
What is the primary objective of a 'run-pass option' (RPO) play?
To deceive the quarterback's read
To establish a power run before passing
To force the defense into a covering back
To allow the quarterback to choose between running or passing based on a defender's reaction
An RPO play gives the quarterback a post-snap read of a specific defender to decide whether to hand off, keep the ball and run, or throw a quick pass. It exploits defenses by forcing them to choose between defending the run or the pass. RPOs have become extremely common in modern offenses. Technical breakdown at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand game fundamentals -

    Describe essential rules of play, including the structure of downs and yardage, to build a strong foundation in basic football knowledge.

  2. Identify downs and yardage -

    Determine the role of each down and calculate yardage requirements to confidently answer basic football questions and answers.

  3. Analyze common formations -

    Recognize and differentiate between standard offensive and defensive formations used in football trivia quizzes.

  4. Apply scoring rules -

    Explain how points are awarded for touchdowns, field goals, and safeties, sharpening your skills for football trivia quiz challenges.

  5. Recall key terminology -

    Memorize important football terms like blitz, snap, and first down to enhance performance in basic football trivia.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Down System Basics -

    Teams have four downs to advance the ball at least 10 yards or turn it over on downs, according to NCAA and NFL rules. Remember the "4 and 10" rule as your go-to phrase for basic football knowledge. Mastering downs is essential for any football trivia quiz and helps you predict play-calling strategies.

  2. Key Offensive Formations -

    The I-formation, shotgun, and spread look distinct but all aim to balance run and pass options (NFL.com/formations). Use the mnemonic "I-SPREAD" (I-formation, Shotgun, Pistol, Red-zone, Empty, Ace, D-back) to recall six core sets. Recognizing formations quickly boosts your basic football trivia confidence.

  3. Scoring Methods & Values -

    Touchdowns are worth 6 points, field goals 3, extra-point kicks 1, two-point conversions 2, and safeties 2 (NFL Official Rulebook). A handy mnemonic is "6-3-1-2," helping you calculate scores in a flash. This fact frequently appears in basic football questions and answers.

  4. Common Penalties and Yardage -

    Offside and false start cost 5 yards, holding is typically 10 yards, and pass interference varies by spot (NFL or NCAA rulebooks). Remember "OFP" (Offside, False start, Pass interference) as your penalty recap. Knowing penalty yardage helps in both live games and trivia scenarios.

  5. Field Layout & Markings -

    The regulation field is 100 yards long with two 10-yard end zones and hash marks defining play width (NCAA Field Diagram). A quick tip: visualize "100-10-10" to recall field length and end zone size. Solid grasp of the field helps answer basic football questions and improves strategic understanding.

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