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Football Terms You Should Know
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
Assistant Coach The coaches that specialize in specific areas of the team and are directly under the supervision of the head coach. Artificial Turf A synthetic surface used instead of real grass on some football fields. Astroturf An artificial surface used instead of grass on some football fields. Audible A play called by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage which changes the play that was previously called in the huddle; a change of plans in game play just before the ball goes into play. Also called an automatic. Automatic Another word for "audible". See above.
Back Judge This is the official who sets up 20 yards deep in the defensive backfield on the wide receiver side of the field. His job is to: Make sure the defense doesn't have more than 11 players on the field. Watch all eligible receivers on his side of the field Watch the area between the umpire and field judge. Rule on the legality of catches and pass interference penalties. Watch for clipping on kick returns. When there is a field goal happening, stands under the goalpost and decides whether the kick was good or not. Backfield The group of offensive players who line up behind the line of scrimmage or; the area behind the offensive linemen. Balanced Line A formation with an equal number of linemen on either side of the center. Ball Carrier Any player who has possession of the ball. Birdcage The facemask worn by linemen which has extra vertical and horizontal bars. Blackout Generally, a television term. This means that a football game will not be seen on television in the same local market that it is being played. Check your local listings :-) Blindside The side opposite the side the player is looking towards. Blitz An all-out run by linebackers and defensive backs, charging through the offensive line in an effort to sack the quarterback before he can hand off the ball, or pass it. Block To contact your opponent, with any part of the body. There are many types of blocks, such as the basic block (which is chest to chest contact), the shoulder block (which uses one's shoulder to contact), the scramble or reach block (designed to tangle up an oncoming opponent who is playing outside your position), and pass blocking (delaying the oncoming defensive line to allow your quarterback to act). Bomb A long pass to a player waiting deep down the field. Bootleg The quarterback fakes a hand-off to backs going one way while he goes the other way to run or pass. Bowl Game These are games played in college football after the regular season ends. Not all teams are eligible to play in bowl games. Bump and Run A technique used by defensive backs to slow down a receiver's ability to get off the line of scrimmage. The defender bumps the receiver at the start of the play and attempts to throw him off his route by keeping contact over the first five yards. Buttonhook A pass play in which the receiver heads straight down field, then all of a sudden turns back towards the line of scrimmage.
Carry When you run with the ball. Center An offensive line position at the center (get it?) of the line of scrimmage. The center snaps the ball to the quarterback or punter. Chain Crew (or Chain Gang) Three assistants to the officials whose job it is to handle the first down measuring chain and the down box. Cheap Shot This should be fairly self-explanatory, but if not, it means to deliberately foul or commit some other violent act against an unsuspecting player. Check off Same as "audible" above. Chop Block A delayed block at the knees or below against an opponent who is in contact with a teammate of the blocker. Clipping Blocking an opponent from behind, typically at leg level. Clipping is a foul with a 15-yard penalty. Clothesline A foul. To clothesline is to strike another player across the face with one's extended arm. Coach The trainer of the team who also formulates offensive and defensive strategy. Coffin Corner One of the four corners of the field. A punter often tries to kick the ball out of bounds near a coffin corner to top the other team from returning the ball, and make them put the ball back into play close to their own goal line. Coin Toss Before the start of the game, the quarterback of the visiting team calls heads or tails of a coin flipped by the referee. The winning team kicks off; the loser chooses which goal to defend. Completion A legally caught pass. Controlling the Clock Keeping possession of the football for long periods of time, giving the other team's offense less time to use the ball. Conversion See Point After Touchdown. Cornerback A defensive backfield player, almost as deep into the backfield as the safety. There are two cornerbacks. Their job is to tackle runners and intercept passes. Count These are the numbers that a quarterback shouts out while waiting for the ball to be snapped. Example: "hut 5, 7, 4!" Counter A running play designed to get the defense going in one direction while the running back goes back against the intended pursuit of the defense. Cover To defend a position or location on the field. Coverage A defensive play designed to stop the pass, or a special teams play designed to limit the kick return. Crackback A foul. Blocking by an offensive player who goes down field and then turns back to the middle to block a player from the side. Curl/Curl In A maneuver where the receiver runs down field before turning back to run towards the line of scrimmage. Cut To suddenly change direction to lose a pursuing player. Also, to drop a prospective player from the team roster. Back to top
Dead Ball A ball that is no longer in play. A ball that is not held by a player or loose from a kick, fumble, or pass. Defense The team defending their goal line. The defense does not have the ball; rather, they try to keep the offense from passing or running the ball over their (the defense's) goal line. Defensive Backfield The area or players behind the defensive linemen. The defensive backfield is the last line of defense against the offense. There are two safeties, two cornerbacks and three or four linebackers in the defensive backfield. Defensive End A defensive player who lines up at the end of the defensive line. Defensive Holding Use of the hands to hold or push an offensive receiver or back on a passing play beyond the first five yards past the line of scrimmage. Defensive Line The defensive players who line up on the line of scrimmage opposite the offensive linemen. A team's first line of defense. Defensive Linemen The players whose job it is to rush the quarterback in an effort to sack him, or, if another player has the ball, to block him and prevent the opposing team from gaining any yards. Defensive Tackle A defensive player who lines up on the inside of the defensive line. Defensive Team The unit that begins a play from scrimmage without the ball. The general role of the defense is to keep the opposition's offense from advancing the football. Delay of Game A delay caused by a team using or requesting excessive time-outs, or by not putting the ball in play within the given amount of time, usually 25 seconds. This results in a 5-yard penalty. Dime Back The 6th defensive back using in dime coverage. Dime Coverage A pass coverage scheme that involves the use of 6 defensive backs. Dime Package The use of 6 defensive backs in a defensive formation. Division A sub-group within a conference. For example, the Hawkeyes are in the Big Ten Conference but are also in Division 1A. See what other teams are in Division 1A. Double Coverage A defensive strategy where two players cover one of the opposition's receivers at the same time. Double Foul A situation in which each team commits a foul during the same play. Double Team Playing two defensive players against one offensive player in order to stop him from making a play. Down An offensive play, starting with a center snap and ending when the ball is dead. The offense gets four downs to gain ten yards. If they gain that before using all four downs, they get a first down and another four downs to gain another ten yards. Each time they gain ten yards, the team is at their first down again, needing another ten yards (first and ten) within the next four downs, or plays. Down and In A maneuver where the receiver runs straight down field, then suddenly cuts toward the middle of the field. Down and Out The opposite of Down and In. In a down and out, the receiver runs down field then turns out, toward the sideline. Down Box (Down Indicator) A seven-foot metal rod, on the end of which are four cards (numbered 1 to 4), used to keep track of the number of the down being played. You'll see these along the sidelines and the numbers are typically bright orange. Down Lineman A defensive lineman, including defensive tackles and defensive ends. Draw Play A face pass which ends with one of the backs carrying the ball after the defensive linemen are "drawn" in on the pass rush. Drive The series of plays that begins at the time an offense takes possession of the ball until the point where they either score or turn the ball over to the other team. Drop Back An action by a quarterback, after taking the snap, where he takes a few steps backward into the pocket to set up for a pass. Drop Kick A free kick where a player drops his ball and kicks it right after it hits the ground.
Eligible Receiver An offensive player who is able (by the rules) to catch a forward pass; eligible to receive the pass. Encroachment Contacting an opposing player before the snap. Encroaching is illegal with a 5-yard penalty. End An offensive lineman on the very end of the line of scrimmage (there are two, one on each end of the line). The ends block defensive linemen to open up holes for the runner, and guard the quarterback. On professional teams, the end on the right side is referred to as a "tight" end as he lines up close to the tackle. The end on the left side is out farther to go out for passes, and is called a wide receiver. End Line The very end of the field, in either direction. There are two end lines (one at each end of the field). End Zone The area between the goal lines and the end lines. The last ten yards at either end of the field. Excessive Time-outs Calling a time out after having used the three allowed per half. Extra Points After scoring a touchdown, a team can earn one more point by making a successful place-kick.
Face Mask Grabbing an opponent's face mask. Also, the mask itself, worn by the players. Fair Catch When there is a punt, and a receiver is going to catch the ball and signals that he will not advance after catching it (by raising his hand just before the catch), this is a fair catch. Also, players may not tackle the receiver making the fair catch. Fair Catch Interference A player may not interfere with a punt returner's opportunity to catch the football after having signaled for a fair catch. Faking a Roughing An illegal act by a quarterback, kicker, or punter in which they fake being roughed by the opposition in the hopes of drawing a roughing penalty. False Start An infraction in which an offensive player moves before the ball is snapped. Field Goal When a place-kick goes through the goalpost (over the crossbar and between the upright bars), three points are earned as a field goal. Field Judge The official that lines up 25 yards deep in the defensive backfield on the tight end side of the field. His duties include: Keep track of the play clock and call delay of game if the clock expires Make sure the defensive team has no more than 11 players on the field. Rules on plays that cross the defense's goal line. Watch all eligible receivers on his side of the field. Mark the spot where a play goes out of bounds on his side of the field Watch for illegal use of the hands by the receivers and defensive backs. Field of Play The area of the field between the goal lines and the end lines. Field Position The ball's location on the field. First and Ten See down. First Down The first play of every set of events. Flanker An offensive player on the right or left side of the formation. A flanker usually plays as a receiver and is split out wider than a wingback. Flat The field on either side of the formation. Flood An attempt to swamp the opposition or an area of the field with sheer numbers of players. Formation The arrangement of the players at the beginning of each play. There are several formations. Some of the most common are the punt formation, I formation, T formation and wishbone formation. These are generally named for the shape of the formation. For instance, an I formation involves two running backs in a line (I-shaped) behind the quarterback, and was invented by college coach Tom Nugent in the 1950s. The wishbone formation as the two half-backs on each side of the full-back set back a few yards as opposed to the T formation in which all three backs are in a line parallel to the line of scrimmage. Forward Pass Throwing of the ball "forward", or in the direction of advancement (towards the opponents' goal). Forward Progress The location to which a ball carrier's forward momentum carries him before he is tackled. Foul A breaking of the rules. Common fouls are holding (grasping an opponent, unless the opponent has the ball), personal fouls (tripping an opponent or striking an opponent with one's hand, knee or head), interference (a defensive player contacting a receiver to stop the completion of a pass or kick by contacting the player before he has the ball), clipping (pushing an opponent in the back), and face mask. Free Kick Either a kickoff or a punt following a safety. Free Safety A defensive player who lines up the deepest in the secondary and defends the deep middle of the field against the pass. Freeze Attempting to keep possession of the football for a long time without scoring or attempting to score. Front Four The defensive linemen in a formation that includes two ends and two tackles. Front Seven The front line of defense that generally includes the linemen and linebackers. Fullback A member of the offense whose job it is to block for the halfback and quarterback, but he also runs the ball, and receives passes. The name derives from the fact that in an I formation the Fullback is the furthest back, or a full way back. See quarterback and halfback to further clarify. Fumble A ball that is dropped while in play.
Game Ball The ball given to a winning team's player or coach considered to have made to the most contribution to their win (supposed to be the ball or a ball the game was played with). Gap The open space between players along the line of scrimmage when they are aligned. Goal Line The line over which the ball must pass to score a touchdown. There are two, one at each end of the field, ten yards from the ends of the field. Goal Line Stand Making a stand against the opposition at or near one's goal-line in a very tough defensive effort. Goalpost The poles at the rear of each end zone through which teams score field goals and extra points. Gridiron A football field. Guard An offensive lineman. There are two guards, one on either side of the center, whose job it is to guard the quarterback. Gunner The members of the special teams unit who specialize in racing down field to tackle the kick or punt re turner. Back to top
Hail Mary The quarterback throwing the ball up in the air without really targeting any particular receiver hoping someone on his side catches it. Typically done when the quarterback's about to get sacked. Halfback An offensive player who lines up in the backfield and generally is responsible for carrying the ball on run plays. Hand off Quite literally what it says; to hand the ball off to a teammate. Hands Team A team of sure-handed players that specialize in recovering onside kicks. Hang Time The amount of time a punted football remains in the air. Hash Marks The marks that divide the field into thirds. Whenever the ball becomes dead on or outside one of these marks, it is placed on its respective hash mark. Head Coach The member of the coaching staff that is responsible for all aspects of the team, and is in charge of all the other coaches. Head Linesman The head linesman is the official that sets up straddling the line of scrimmage on the sideline designated by the referee. His duties are: To watch for line of scrimmage violations like off sides and encroachment. Rule on all out-of-bounds plays on his side of the field Keep tabs on the chain crew Mark the chain to a yard marker on the field as a reference point for a measurement on the field Mark a players forward progress after a play is whistled dead. Keep track of all eligible receivers Watch for illegal motion, illegal shifts, illegal use of hands, and/or illegal men down field. Helping the Runner Another player cannot assist the ball carrier by pushing or pulling them forward. Heisman Trophy An award presented annually by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York to the best college football player in the country. See also, Nile Kinnick. Hitch and Go A maneuver where a runner goes down field to catch a pass, fakes a quick turn (as if to catch), then continues down field for a deeper pass. Holder The player who holds the ball during a place kick. Holding Keeping another player from advancing by literally holding him back with one's hand(s). Typically illegal. Hole Number A number assigned to each gap or space between the five offensive linemen and the tight end. Home Field Advantage The benefit a team gets by playing games in its own stadium. Hook and Ladder A pass play in which the receiver catches a pass facing toward the line of scrimmage, then laterals the ball to another offensive player who is racing toward the opponent's endzone. Hot Dog A player who uses theatrics and "hams it up" for the camera. Hot Receiver A receiver designated to accept a quick pass from the quarterback in the event of a blitz by the defense. Huddle The action of the players grouping together to plan the next play(s). As a non, the group itself. Hurry-Up Offense An offensive strategy designed to gain as much yardage as possible while running as little time off the clock as possible.
I Formation An I formation involves two running backs in a line (I-shaped) behind the quarterback and was invented by college coach Tom Nugent in the 1950s. Illegal Formation An offensive formation in which not enough players are on the line of scrimmage. Illegal Motion Movement by an offensive player before the snap. Illegal motion is, obviously, illegal, and gets a five-yard penalty. Illegal Procedure Used to indicate a number of infractions, including an illegal snap, having less than seven players on the offense's line of scrimmage, and taking more than two steps after making a fair catch. Illegal Shift A foul by the offense where a player fails to reset for at least one second after two players shift position at the same time. In Bounds The region of the field that is considered in play. Incomplete Pass A forward pass that is not caught or intercepted. Incompletion A forward pass that hits the ground before the receiver has a chance to catch and control it. Intentional Grounding The quarterback purposefully throwing the ball out of bounds or into the ground to avoid throwing a bad pass (which might be intercepted). Intentional grounding can be difficult to call, but a referee may assign the offending team a five yard penalty and loss of their down. Interception The catching of a forward pass by the defense (this turns the defense suddenly into the offense). Interference There is offensive interference, when blockers run in front of a running back, and defensive interference (or defensive pass interference), when a pass defender interferes with a receiver trying to catch the ball while the defender could not catch the ball himself (intercept). Whew huh!? For example, a defender with his back to the ball who sees the receiver he's covering readying to catch the ball and then waves his arms in front of the receiver to distract him is interfering with the pass. Defense interference is an infraction of the rules.
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Key Watching a player to try and see the direction in which he is going to be moving. A player may make small movements such as foot placement, etc., that can give away his next move to an observant player who is keying him. Kick Attempting to score a point or field goal after touchdown by kicking the ball. Kicking an Opponent An illegal act in which a player kneels on or kicks a member of another team. Kicking Game The game strategy revolving around punting and place-kicking. Kickoff The kicking team (determined by the winner of the coin toss) kicks the ball from the free kick line (the 40-yard line in college football). This is the kickoff, the start of the game. Kick Returner A special teams player who specializes in returning kickoffs.
Lateral As a forward pass, but not thrown in the direction of the opponents' goalpost. Rather, the ball is thrown in any direction other than towards the opponents' goal. Linebacker Defensive players placed behind the defensive linemen. Their job is to tackle runners and block or intercept passes. There are three or four linebackers. Line Judge An official who keeps track of time and also watches for various violations, including the quarterback's position when passing (the quarterback isn't allowed to go past the line of scrimmage to pass). Linemen The players on the forward line (see offensive linemen and defensive linemen). Line of Scrimmage Before each play, a set of two imaginary lines are used to determine where the players will line up. These are the lines of scrimmage, and pass through each tip of the ball, running parallel to the goal lines. Line to Gain Term that indicates the distance needed for first-down yardage. Live Ball Opposite of a ball that is dead. A live ball is either loose as a result of a kick, fumble, or pass or is held by a player. Long Snapper The center who specializes in snapping the ball for punts and field goal attempts. Loose Ball A ball that is not in possession of either team.
Man in Motion The player who turns and runs behind the line of scrimmage, parallel to it, as the signals are called. He then runs down field just as the ball is snapped. Man to Man Coverage Covering each member of the offense with a member of the defense. Also called player-to-player defense. See also zone defense. Middle Guard The defensive lineman positioned between the tackles, opposite the offensive center. Also called the nose guard. Midfield The area of the field in the general vicinity of the 50-yard line. Motion When an offensive player begins to move laterally behind the line of scrimmage before the bal is snapped. Mousetrap See trap block. Multiple Offense Offensive strategy using a number for formations.
Necessary Line A line the offense must cross to get a new first down. Neutral Zone The area between the two lines of scrimmage, stretching from sideline to sideline. Nickel Back An extra defensive back who is used mostly in obvious passing situations. Nickel Defense A defensive formation involving five defensive backs, hence the name. Nose Guard See middle guard. Nose Tackle The defensive player who lines up directly across from the center.
Offending Team The team that committed a foul. Offense The team with the ball, the offense attempts to run or pass the ball across the defense's goal line. Offensive Backfield The area or players behind the offensive linemen. These are the running backs, the quarterback and a second wide receiver. See also Offensive Linemen. Offensive Holding See holding. Offensive Line The five offensive players that line up on the line of scrimmage and block for the quarterback and ball carriers. Offensive Linemen Seven players, made up of the center, two guards, two ends, and two tackles. Offensive Pass Interference A penalty in which an offensive player significantly hinders a defensive player's opportunity to intercept a forward pass or pushes off of the defender to give himself an advantage. Official One who supervises the game and interprets the rules. Off Season When the football teams don't play, February through the middle of August, usually. Offside When a player is over the line of scrimmage (on the opposing team's side) before the ball is snapped. Off-Tackle A running play designed to go to the strong side and take advantage of the hole supplied by the tackle, the tight end, and the full back. Onside Kick A short kick (though at least 10 yards) with the plan being to recover the kick and thus gain some yardage. Open Up Holes To push the opposition aside by blocking them to open up holes in their defense through which a runner can pass with the ball. Open Receiver Any potential receiver that breaks away from pass coverage. Option Play An offensive play wherein the player with the ball has the option of running or passing. Out of Bounds The area touching or outside the sidelines and end line. Out of Bounds at the Snap A player may not enter the field of play after the football is snapped. Outside Towards the sideline. Overtime The game goes into overtime to break a tie. In college football, overtime consists of two series with each team putting the ball in play by a snap on or between the inbounds lines on the designated 25-yard line.
Pass The act of throwing the ball to another player. Pass Defender A defensive player whose assignment is to cover an opposing receiver. Pass Interference Illegally hindering another player's chances of catching a forward pass. Pass Pattern A predetermined route run by a receiver in an attempt to get open for a pass. Pass Protection The blocking scheme used by offensive players to keep the defense from getting to the quarterback on passing plays. Pass Route A predetermined path run by a receiver in an attempt to get open for a pass. Pass Rush An attempt by the defensive players to get to the quarterback so they can tackle him before he can complete a pass. Passing Game The offensive strategy dealing with throwing the ball and receiving forward passes. PAT After a touchdown, the scoring team is allowed to add another point by kicking the football through the uprights of the goalpost. Penalty Punishment for a foul. Can consist of losing a down or even the ball, but usually sets back the penalized team five to fifteen yards. Personal Foul A flagrant illegal act that is generally deemed to unnecessarily risk the health of other players. Pick An offensive maneuver in which two receivers cross and one bumps the defender of the other or; another tem for interception. Pick Off A pass that is caught by a defensive player, giving possession to the team that intercepted it. Pigskin An old term for a football. Piling On Several players jumping on the player with the ball after he's been tackled. Also called dog piling. Piling on is illegal, with a 15-yard penalty. Pitch The act of the quarterback tossing the ball to a running back who is moving laterally away from him. Pitch Out The act of the quarterback tossing the ball to a running back who is moving laterally away from him. Place-Kick A kick made while the ball is held in place on the ground (either with a tee or by another player). Placekicker The player who kicks the ball on kickoffs, extra point attempts, and field goal attempts. Play In general, the actions of the players following a snap or kickoff. More specifically, the type of action taken as part of a planned maneuver. Play Action A passing play set up to draw the Defensive Linebackers towards the Line of Scrimmage with a Run Fake. Playbook A notebook containing a team's terms, strategies, plays, etc., issued to each player. Play Clock A clock displayed above each end zone that limits the time teams may take between plays. Playmaker A player that has a history of making big plays. The area of protection given to a quarterback by his offensive line when he drops back to pass. Point After Touchdown After scoring a touchdown, a team may score an extra point for a successful place kick through the opposition's goal post. Pooch Kick See Squib Kick. Possession When a team has control of the ball, they are considered to be in possession of it. When a player maintains control of the ball while touching both feet, or any other part of his body other than his hands, to the ground. Post A forward pass that the quarterback throws down the center of the field as the intended receiver runs toward the goalpost. Post Season The time after the regular season is over when a tournament is played to determine a champion. Post Pattern A pass pattern where the receiver runs 10-15 yards down field before turning towards the middle of the field, but at a 45 degree angle (in the direction of the goal post). Power Sweep See sweep. Previous Spot The exact location on the field where the ball was placed before the preceding play. Primary Receiver The receiver who was chosen by the quarterback in the huddle to receive the ball. Pulling Leaving one's position to move elsewhere to block. Pump Fake When the Quarterback draws his arm back and fakes a forward pass to draw the Free Safety to an area or cause a Defensive Back to pause in his coverage of a Wide Receiver. Punt When the ball is dropped from the kicker's hands and kicked before hitting the ground. Punt Return The runback of the ball after it's been punted. Pylon A short orange foam marker that marks all four corners of each end zone.
Quarter A football game is divided into four quarters, 15 minutes each. Quarterback A member of the offense. The quarterback takes the snap from the center, then either passes, hands off, or runs with the ball. The name derives from the fact that in an I formation the Quarterback is half as far back as the Halfback, or a quarter the way back. See Fullback and Halfback to further clarify. Quarterback Sneak A play where the quarterback receives the ball after the snap and immediately runs forward through the opposition, with his own team blocking for him. Quick Count When the quarterback calls the signals at the line of scrimmage very rapidly so as to throw off the other team. Quick Kick A surprise punt.
Reading the Defense The act of recognizing defensive formations and keys. Ready List A list of several plays ready to be used in an upcoming game (tailored to an opposing team's strengths and weaknesses). Receiver A receiver, or pass receiver, is a member of the offense whose job it is to get into the open to catch a pass from the quarterback and then run with the ball. Recover Grabbing a ball that has been fumbled (whether the recovering player's side initially had the ball or not). Red Dog See blitz. Redshirt A college football player who skips a year of play without losing a year of eligibility. A player will often redshirt because of an injury or academic problem. Red Zone The area between the 20-yard line and the goal line at both ends of the field. Referee The referee is the official that has control of the game and is generally the final authority in all decisions. Among his duties are: Announce all penalties Explain penalties to the offending team's captain Explain penalties to the head coach of the offending team and inform him of who it was called against Position himself in the backfield, approximately 10 yards behind the quarterback, before each snap Monitor illegal hits on the quarterback Watch for illegal blocks near the quarterback Determine whether the yardage chains should be brought on the field for a measurement You can tell the referee from the other officials because he is the only one that wears a white hat. All other officials wear black hats. Return The act of brining the ball back in the opposite direction after a change of possession. Returner A player who runs back kickoffs and punts. Reverse An offensive play. In a reverse, the player with the ball runs in one direction, then hands off the ball to another player going the opposite direction, reversing the ball's direction of travel. Roll The quarterback rolls when he moves left or right with the ball before throwing it. Roll Out The act of the quarterback moving left or right out of the pocket before throwing or running with the football. Roster A list of the members of a team. Roughing the Kicker Flagrantly running into or hitting the kicker after the ball has been kicked. Roughing the Passer Flagrantly running into or hitting the quarterback after the ball has been released. Can also be called when a defender hits the quarterback in the head. Route A predetermined direction and distance that a receiver follows when he runs from the line of scrimmage for a forward pass. Runback Returning a kickoff, punt, or interception. Running Back Positioned behind the quarterback, there are two running backs, whose job it is to run with the ball, which is typically handed off by the quarterback. Part of the offensive backfield. In college football, there are halfbacks and fullbacks in these positions, but in professional football they are simply the two running backs. Running into the Kicker Making incidental contact with a placekicker or punter after the ball has been kicked. A less serious version of the roughing the kicker penalty. Rush To run from the scrimmage line with the ball.
Sack Tackling the quarterback before he can throw a pass. Safety When a team forces the opposition to down the ball in their own end zone, they receive two points, called a safety. Also, the player position called safety is a defensive backfield position, the deepest in the backfield. There are two safeties, see Strong Safety and Free Safety. Safety Blitz A charge by one or both safeties in an attempt to tackle the quarterback. Safety Valve A short pass thrown to a running back when the wide receivers are covered. Scheme A term used to describe offensive and defensive formations and the overall strategy for using such a formation. Scramble When a quarterback runs behind the line of scrimmage and loses tacklers. Scrambler A quarterback whose gotten a reputation for scrambling. Scrambling The act, by a quarterback, of moving around to avoid the pass rush. Screen Pass A pass from behind the line of scrimmage, after a deep drop by the Quarterback. It's a play that allows the rushers to charge through as the offensive linemen fake block them, only to set up a wall for a receiver, or running back to catch the pass and run behind. Scrimmage The action between two teams, starting when the ball is snapped. Secondary The defensive backfield, or second line of defense. Second Forward Pass Behind the Line of Scrimmage An illegal pass lay in which a player catches a forward pass behind the line of scrimmage, then passes the ball forward to another receiver. Series The four downs that a team has to advance 10-yards. Shift The movement of two (or more) offensive players between positions. Shotgun A passing formation in which the quarterback stands 5-7 yards behind the center before the snap. Side Judge The official that lines up 20 yards deep in the defensive backfield. His duties are essentially the same as the back judge: Make sure the defensive team has no more than 11 players on the field Watch all eligible receivers on his side of the field Watch the area between the umpire and field judge Rule on the legality of catches and pass interference penalties Watch for clipping on kick returns. Sidelines The line along each side of the field that marks where the field of play ends. Signal Caller The player who calls the plays in the huddle or on the line of scrimmage. Signals The quarterback tells the other layers, with signals, what the next play will be. Signals are also used at the line of scrimmage to tell the center when to snap the ball. Single-Wing Formation A rarely used offensive formation devised by legendary coach Pop Warner that used three backfield teammates to block for the player carrying the ball. Slant Running, with the ball, at an angle. Slot A gap in the offensive line between a receiver and a tackle. Snap The handing of the ball by the center, reaching back between his legs, to the quarterback or punter. Spearing Contacting another player with one's head; a foul in college football. Special Teams A special group or "unit" of players specializing in one particular maneuver, such as punts or kick-offs. When the maneuver is about to be done, the coach will substitute the special team. Special teams give their all to their specialties and consequently suffer higher injury rates than the rest of the team. That's why they are also called bomb squads or suicide squads. Spike The act of slamming the football to the ground. Spiral The spin on the ball in flight after the quarterback releases it. Split End A receiver who lines up several yards away from the next player along the line of scrimmage. Spot The exact location on the field that a player's forward progress is stopped, as marked by an official. Square In/Out A pass route where the runner goes down field then turns "in" at a "square" or right angle to the center of the field, or "out" to the sideline. Squib Kick (Pooch Kick). A low flat kickoff that is difficult to handle. It is often used when the receiving team has an effective kick returner or when the kicking team does not have a long ball kicker. Stance The position that a player assumes prior to the snap of the ball. Straight Arm or Stiff Arm Using a hand and straight arm at the opponents head or chest area to avoid a tackle. Striking an Official No player may intentionally strike or push an official. Striking an Opponent A player may not strike another with a fist. Strong Safety A defensive backfield position, the deepest in the backfield. The Strong Safety is the Safety on the strong side (Tight End side) of the Offense and generally must be a solid tackler. Also, see Free Safety. Strong Side In an unbalanced line, the side with the most players. Stunt An unusual charge by the offensive linemen, sometimes in concert with the linebackers, in which they loop around each other during the charge instead of charging straight ahead. Substitution The act of replacing one player with another. Subway Alumni The followers of any college team who didn't attend or graduate from that institution. Succeeding Spot The spot where the next play begins, provided no penalty was called. Suicide Squad See special teams. Sweep A running play in which two or more offensive linemen pull out of their stances and running toward the outside of the line of scrimmage, leading the running back who receives a handoff or pitch from the quarterback.
T Formation An offensive formation that features three running backs in the backfield. From above, the center, quarterback and running backs appear to be lined up in the shape of a T. Tackle To bring down another player, i.e., to sack the quarterback is to tackle him. Also an offensive position. There are two tackles, one outside each guard, whose job it is to block the on rushing defensive line and open up holes for a runner. Tailback A member of the offensive backfield, whose job it is to run with the ball. Also called a running back or halfback. Takeaway When a defense forces a fumble and recovers the ball or registers an interception. TD An abbreviation for touchdown. Territory The half of the field defended by a particular team. Third-and-Long A situation in which a teams finds themselves forced to run a third-down play in which they need to gain considerable yardage to get the first down. Three-Point Stance The position players at the line of scrimmage take before the snap, leaning forward on one hand with their feet spread. Tight End An offensive player who serves as a receiver and also a blocker. Time In college football, the game is limited to 60 minutes. This is divided into two 30 minute halves, each of which is divided into two 15 minute quarters, or "periods." In between the two halves is halftime, which lasts 15 minutes. If the teams are tied at the end of the time limit, the game goes into overtime, continuing until one of the teams pulls ahead. Time Out A break in action requested by either team or one of the officials. Too Many Men on the Field Each team is allowed just 11 men on the field during a play. Having more than 11 is illegal. Touchback A touchback occurs when the defensive team gains possession of the ball in their own end zone on the same play in which the offensive team caused the ball to cross the goal line. Touchdown Carrying the ball into, or catching the ball in, the opposition's end zone. Worth 6 points. Trap Block When a player is allowed through the enemy line only to be blocked by surprise from another player behind the line. Also called a mousetrap. Trenches The area immediately around the line of scrimmage. Tripping Using a leg or foot to trip another player is illegal. Turn In/Out A pass route where the player runs down field then turns in toward the middle of the field or out towards the sidelines. Turnover Losing possession of the ball, typically by error. Two-minute Warning A official's timeout at the end of each half that signals just two minutes remain. Two-Point Conversion A scoring play, immediately after a touchdown, in which a team can add two bonus points by running or passing the ball into the end zone on one play starting from the opponent's two-yard line.
Umpire The umpire is the official that lines up approximately five yards off the line of scrimmage on the defensive side of the ball. His duties include: Checking the legality of the player's equipment Making sure the offense has no more than 11 men on the field. Assist the referee on decisions involving possession of the ball Record all timeouts Record all scores Record the winner of the coin toss Wipes the ball dry between plays on rainy days Unbalanced Line A formation with more players on one side of the center than the other. Unnecessary Roughness An illegal play where a player, in the judgment of the officials, uses tactics that are above and beyond what is necessary to block or tackle another player. Unsportsmanlike Conduct A dead-ball foul in which a player, in the judgment of the officials, taunts or otherwise acts in an unsportsmanlike manner. Uprights Vertical posts supporting the crossbar in the goalpost.
Veer A quick-hitting run in which the ball is handed to a running back whose routes are determined by the slant of the defensive linemen.
Weakside The side of the offense opposite the side on which the tight end lines up. Wideout An offensive player who lines up on or near the line of scrimmage, but split to the outside. His primary job is to catch passes from the quarterback. Wide Receiver An offensive player who lines up on or near the line of scrimmage, but split to the outside. His primary job is to catch passes from the quarterback. Wishbone Formation An offensive formation that features a fullback and two halfbacks in the backfield.
Xs & Os Refers to diagrams of plays on paper, chalkboard, or computer.
Yardage The amount of yards gained (or lost) during a play.
Zone Defense A defense strategy where each player has an area, or "zone", of the field to defend. See also man-to-man defense. |
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