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American football

For the grown-up beside a child who loves american football.

There is no Whetstone tool or course for american football yet, so this page is the sideline card and your child's ladder.

The sideline card

Three numbers to notice

  1. On a full-size field: four downs to go ten yards, and the chain on the sideline is exactly ten yards long.
  2. What a score is worth: 6 for a touchdown and then 1 or 2 more, 3 for a field goal, 2 for a safety.
  3. The yard lines on a full-size field: 100 yards between the goal lines, numbered up to 50 in the middle and back down.

On the way home, ask: “Which play today do you think gained the most ground?”

Ask because you are curious, and let any answer stand. Print this page for a half-page card.

Numbers checked against: NFL Official Playing Rules (Rule 1 the field; Rule 5 downs; Rule 11 scoring)

Your child's ladder · on Spark & Anvil

The same idea at every age

  1. Ages 3–5Not made yet
  2. Ages 6–8Ten Yards in Four Tries
  3. Ages 9–14Two Lines Joined at 50
  4. Ages 15–18Kick or Go for Two

Your child will meet this idea again at every age. The sideline card is the part for you.