NFL rules explained: Overtime, pitch size, how to score points, game length and more ahead of Super Bowl 58...

Super Bowl 58 is set to be one of the biggest events in NFL history as the sport continues to attract new fans around the world.

It is the most watched sport in America and is now growing rapidly in other countries, particularly the UK, as the hype around the San Francisco 49ers vs the Kansas City Chiefs shows.

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There will be plenty of new fans tuning in for the first time and, with that in mind, let's take a look at the basics of NFL.

How long is each game?

An NFL game lasts for 60 minutes and is split into four 15-minute quarters.

However, due to an extended half-time break, injuries, replay reviews, penalties and media timeouts, the whole thing usually takes four hours.

And if the scores are level at the end of normal time, there is a ten-minute overtime period.

What is overtime and how does it work?

In overtime, both teams must get the chance to have possession of the ball and create a point-scoring chance.

However, should the first team score a touchdown with their first attack, the game ends and they win.

But if not, the winners are whoever scores first.

If the teams are still level after overtime ends, the match is called a draw unless it's a knockout match to get to the Super Bowl final.

In that scenario, there will be infinite amounts of overtime until there is a winner.

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What does the pitch look like?

The pitch for all American Football matches is 100 yards in length with 10 yards on either side behind the goal line, which is known as the endzone, where touchdowns are scored.

There are also a set of posts at either end, which are similar to those you would see on a rugby field.

How do you score points?

As in rugby, there are several ways to score points with each worth a differing amount.

A touchdown is the most valuable as it carries six points.

To score a touchdown, the ball simply has to go over the opposing goal line.

Unlike in rugby, it doesn't have to be grounded, meaning that a receiver can simply catch a long pass in the endzone to score a touchdown.

After a touchdown, the scoring team can elect to kick a conversion through the post for another point or try to score a touchdown from the two-yard line for two more points.

In addition, teams can score a field goal, which is worth three points and comes when the ball is kicked through the posts from a distance.

Finally, teams can also earn extra points through a safety.

This happens when a ball carrier is tackled in their own endzone or when the attacking side commits a foul behind their goal line.

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What's the objective of the game?

As in most team sports, the aim is to outscore the opposition.

However, you have to be quick in NFL or the ball is overturned.

Each team gets three phases of play known as 'downs' to progress up the field by ten yards.

If they manage to do this, the play resets until they score or fail to make ten yards.

If after the 'downs' the ball hasn't progressed, the attacking team are forced to turnover possession and the other side starts their phase of play.

If a team fails to make much progress after three 'downs', they will usually elect to try and score a field goal or punt the ball down the pitch to keep the other team further away from their goal line.

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Who are the players?

Unlike in football or rugby, players in the NFL are usually there to either attack or defend rather than both at the same time.

Teams are allowed 11 players on the field at one time but can make as many changes to that side as they like, meaning that a team with the ball will likely have an entirely different XI to one when they don't.

This is because the game is very clearly defined in two phases, defence and offence and most players in the NFL are either good at one or the other.

Chiefs vs 49ers: talkSPORT coverage

talkSPORT will provide you with live coverage of Super Bowl 58 beginning at 10.30pm UK time.

Commentary from the Allegiant Stadium will come from Will Gavin and Jeff Reinebold.

Throughout Super Bowl week, talkSPORT 2 will also host daily live shows from Radio Row in Las Vegas.

Early Sports Breakfast on Thursday, February 8 and Friday, February 9 will also be presented live from Vegas at 5am UK time.