🟩 Playing the Field

Every line, number, and marking on a football field — explained.

END ZONEEND ZONE102030405040302010MIDFIELD
End ZoneGoal Line (0 yd)Yard Lines (10–50)Hash MarksSidelinesUprights (Goal Posts)
End Zone
Each team has one end zone at their defending goal line. Crossing into the opponent's end zone with the ball scores a Touchdown (6 pts). It's 10 yards deep.
Goal Line (0 yd)
The line at the front edge of each end zone. The offense must cross this line to score a touchdown.
Yard Lines (10–50)
Lines marked every 10 yards show how far the ball is from the nearest end zone. The 50-yard line is the midfield centre of the field.
Hash Marks
Short marks between yard lines, spaced 1 yard apart. Every play begins with the ball placed on or between the hashes, keeping the ball near the centre of the field.
Sidelines
The boundary lines running the full length of the field. Step outside and you're out of bounds — the play stops immediately.
Uprights (Goal Posts)
The yellow Y-shaped posts at the back of each end zone. The kicker must send the ball through these for a Field Goal (3 pts) or Extra Point (1 pt).