Kickoff The receiving team lines up with six players on its 40 yard line, three on the 20 yard line, and two in the first row of the endzone (the endzone row closest to the field). The ball carrier is one of the two players in the endzone. There are 11 offensive players. The extra checker is placed on the ball carrier to help identify him. The kicking team moves first. All moves for both teams must be forward (either straight or diagonally) until three blocks are made. After the third block, the players can move in any direction. The ball carrier cannot move until after the third block. A star will signify the extra checker and ball carrier.