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OFFENSE

 

AUDIBLE - A play called by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage based on what he sees from the defense.  This play changes what was called in the huddle.

 

BLOCK - When an offensive player blocks the opposing teams player with his body to make way for the runner with the ball.

 

DOWN - How the game is measured.  First down is the first play of a new set of “downs”. There are 4 downs to gain 10 yards.  On the 4th down, the team has to decide to punt the ball back to the other team or run or pass to get the yards left to gain the 10 yards.

 

FOURTH DOWN CONVERSION - When a team decides to go for the yards in order to get a new first down and succeeds in doing so.  Once a fourth down conversion happens, they are given a new set of downs.

 

FUMBLE - When a player loses possession of the ball.  The ball can be knocked out or mishandled.  Either team can retain possession once the ball is loose.

 

HAIL MARY - A long pass thrown into the end zone as a last resort as time runs out hoping for a catch to score.

 

HUDDLE - The offensive players create a huddle before the play to discuss the play they will execute.

 

INCOMPLETE PASS - A forward pass by the quarterback that has not been caught.

 

LINE OF SCRIMMAGE - The line where the ball is placed to start the next play.  The offensive players must stay behind the placement of the ball prior to the snap.

 

POCKET - The area that is formed by the blockers to protect the quarterback.

 

RECEPTION - A catch from the quarterback to a receiver.

 

RED ZONE - This is the area on the field between the 20 yard line and the goal line.  It’s a term used to indicate the sweet area when the offense is close to scoring points.

 

SCRAMBLE - When the quarterback runs outside of the pocket to avoid being sacked.

 

SNAP - The ball is transfer from the center to the quarterback to start the play.  A snap also occurs when the ball is transfer from the center to the place holder to kick either an extra point or field goal.

 

TURNOVER - When the ball is lost to the other team, either though a fumble or an interception.

 

 

DEFENSIVE 

 

AUTOMATIC FIRST DOWN - When the defense commits a foul in some cases, the offense is rewarded with a first down allowing them to continue to advance.

 

BLITZ - When the linebackers charge in directly to attempt to tackle the quarterback.

 

INTERCEPTION or PICK - When the defensive player catches the ball the quarterback from the other team throws.

 

SACK - When the defense tackles the quarterback so he cannot throw the ball and gain yards.

 

TACKLE - The defense must stop the offense by tackling the player with the ball so their knee touches the ground to stop the player from advancing.

 

 

 

SCORING 

 

2 POINT CONVERSION - Immediately after scoring a touchdown, the team can decide to run or catch the ball over the goal line for 2 points.  This typically is not done unless the score warrants an extra point.  This is not a high percentage play and if it’s not made, there are no points scored.

 

EXTRA POINT - A single point after the touchdown when the ball is kicked through the inside of the goal post.  This is a high percentage play to score one point.

 

FIELD GOAL - 3 points scored when the ball is kicked through the inside of the goal post 

 

SAFETY - If the offense is tackled in their own end zone it results in 2 points.

 

TOUCHDOWN - Carrying the ball across the goal line or catching the ball in the end zone results in 6 points.

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FOOTBALL FIELD

 

END ZONE - The area between the end line and the goal line.  This area is x in size.  Crossing over the goal line by running or catching a ball in this area will score a touchdown.

 

HASH MARKS - Every 5 yards there is a hash mark used to measure where the ball is advanced.

 

MIDFIELD - The 50 yard line is considered midfield.  It is the middle of the field that separates each side of the field.  At midfield, the yards count down towards each end zone.

 

 

KICKING

 

PUNT - One player is designated as the team punter.  He kicks the ball on 4th down back to the other team.

 

FAIR CATCH - The player who is waiting for the punt.  He can decide to wave his hand in the air indicating to the players that he should not be tackled and he cannot advance the ball from where he catches it.

 

KICK OFF - At the start of each half and after each score, the kicker kicks the ball from a tee (standing point) to the opposing team to start a new possession.

 

KICK - One player is designated to kick the ball through the goal posts, either after a touchdown or at the spot of a ball that’s in range to kick.

 

 

PENALTIES

 

Yellow flag - When a referee sees a rule being broken, one or more refs will throw the flag on the ground to indicate a penalty has been committed.

 

Red flag - Each coach has the opportunity to challenge a call on the field.  They get 2 challenges per half.  

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