Football season is well underway and there is a good chance that you will find yourself watching a game with family or friends. Therefore, it is important that you have a general understanding of the sport and the teams playing so that you don’t appear completely lost. If you don’t have much knowledge about the game of football, there are simple ways to make your viewing experience better. Here is a guide that can help make you seem like you know about football, even if you don’t know anything:

First, you should pick a team to follow. This is imperative in case someone asks what your favorite team is. If you can’t think of one, then just say the team your family follows or the team that is from somewhere close to your home. For example, if you live near New York, pick the New York Giants or New York Jets. 

Next, you should know which teams are playing in the game that you are watching. If it is a college game, then know which two schools are playing. If it is an NFL game, then know the name of the city and the team, such as the Chicago Bears (you may also want to note that NFL stands for National Football League).

Third, you should be aware of the basic football lingo. Even if you don’t know exactly what some of the words mean, at least know what they are. Here are some of the terms you should know:    

• Offense: the team with the ball trying to score 
• Defense: the team trying to prevent the offense from scoring
• Quarterback: He directs the team’s offensive play. He calls the plays in the huddle, yells the signals at the line of scrimmage, and receives the ball from the Center. He can then either give the ball to a running back, throw it to a receiver, or run with it
• Center: the player who passes the football to the quarterback
• Running back: the player who runs with the football
• Wide receiver: the player who catches the football from a pass, using his speed and agility
• Linebacker: on defensive side, the tackler who is trying to stop the players who are running and passing the ball.
• Safety: the players in the last line of defense, also trying to stop the players who are running and passing the ball. 
• Down: the gameplay that starts when the ball is put into play and ends when the ball is ruled dead (the play is completed). The offense gets four downs to advance the ball 10 yards.
• End Zone: the area at each end of the field where a touchdown can be scored. 
• Fumble: when a player loses possession of the ball while running with it or being tackled. 
• Interception: when a pass is caught by a player on defense, ending the offense’s possession of the ball
• Pass Interference: when a player on defense makes contact with intended receiver on offense before the ball arrives, preventing a fair catch.
• Touchdown: when a player in possession of the ball crosses the opposing teams endzone, scoring six points 

Furthermore, you should know at least one player on each team, usually the best one or the most renowned one. This way you can say things like “Lets go Manning,” if the Giants are playing.   

Lastly, make sure you do your best to interact with the game. This is the best way to show that you are paying attention and that you are genuinely interested in the game. Cheer when your team scores, and act upset if they loose possession of the ball or the other team scores. Say things like: “What the hell was that?” “Go go go!” “Defense!” “He was wide open!” “That was a pass interference!” “Touchdown!” Try to mimic the reactions of the people you are watching with. If you know a player on your team, root for them. Trash talk your friends and family who are rooting for the opposing team. But, do not overdo this. Do it only when you see an opportunity to within the game.   

With the implementation of all the tips I mentioned above, you should be able to successfully trick your friends and family into believing you know about football.