In an official American football game, there are a total of 22 players with 11 players from each team on the field per play. Any team that fields more than 11 players per play receives a penalty.
The positions of the players on the field are primarily determined by whether their team is on offense or defense. The usual offensive formation involves five offensive lineman, a quarterback and a mix of various running backs, wide receivers and tight ends. The defensive side consists of three to four defensive lineman, followed by a row of three or four linebackers. The last part of the defense is normally made up of two safeties and two cornerbacks.
