If the catcher chooses to kick, he must drive the ball at least ten yards, unless stopped by one of the other side.
A player is said to be "on side" when he is not between the ball and the opponent's goal, or is where the ball touches an opponent. When a ball goes out of bounds, it is called going "into touch." In such case, a player is sent to bring it back to the place where it crossed the line. A member of the side that sent the ball out of bounds puts it again into play.
When a player carriers the ball across one of the end lines he obtains what is called a "touch-down."
Any player on this side may now take out the ball; he makes a mark as he walks by twisting his heel. When he has reached a point that suits, he places the ball for one of his own side to kick. The other side meanwhile retires to its own goal line.
When the ball has been carried to within kicking distance of the goal, the question of the kind of kick needed is often a question for deliberation.
At any time a player may carry the ball across his own goal line, and touch it down there for safety. This counts two points for the other side, or instead the side may take the ball out twenty-five yards for a kick-out.
The moment the ball touches the ground it is "in play," and the enemy lines up on their goal line will block the kick, if possible.
The formation is to a great extent governed by the plays to be made, but as a general rule the seven rushers stand in line of battle facing their opponents. Just behind the rushers stands the quarter-back, and a few yards in the rear of him the two half-backs are placed; while a dozen yards further back, alone in his glory, the full-back guards his precious goal.
If a strong wind is blowing, the winner of the toss-up takes the side favored by the wind, and the other team have the kick-off. If there is no wind to speak of, and no great advantage in either goal, the winner of the toss-up chooses the kick-off, and the other side have the choice of goals.
The two teams now line up in their respective positions, and the ball is placed upon the exact center of the field by the side having the kick-off.