American football
Holding (Offensive) Penalty
10 Yards
Endzone length
10 yards
Field length
100 yards
How big is a football field?
100 yards long and 53 1/3 yards wide. Each end zone is 10 yards deep. Consequently, all football games are played on a rectangular field that's 360 feet long and 160 feet wide.
Players on the field at a time
11
min per quarter
15
Personal Foul Penalty
15 yards
Face Mask Penalty
15 yards and Automatic First Down
Horse Collar Tackle Penalty
15 yards and Automatic first down
Helmet to Helmet Collision Penalty
15 yards and automatic first down
Roughing the Kicker Penalty
15-yard penalty and an automatic first down.
Roughing the Passer Penalty
15-yard penalty and an automatic first down.
Timeouts
3
field goal
3 points
How many downs
4
How many downs in total?
4
quarters
4
Players on a team
46
Delay of Game Penalty
5 yards
Encroachment penalty
5 yards
False Start Penalty
5 yards
Offside Penalty
5 yards
Holding (Defensive) Penalty
5 yards and Automatic First Down
Field width
53 yards
Touchdown
6 points
timeout time
60 seconds
Cornerback (CB)
A defensive player who generally lines up on the outside of the formation and is usually assigned to cover a wide receiver.
Draw
A disguised run that initially looks like a pass play. The offensive linemen retreat like they're going to pass-protect for the quarterback. The quarterback drops back and, instead of setting up to pass, he turns and hands the ball to a running back.
Sweep
A fairly common run in every football team's playbook. It begins with two or more offensive linemen leaving their stances and running toward the outside of the line of scrimmage. In football, the ball carrier takes a handoff from the quarterback and runs parallel to the line of scrimmage, waiting for his blockers to lead the way around the end.
Incompletion
A forward pass that falls to the ground because no receiver could catch it, or a pass that a receiver dropped or caught out of bounds.
Kickoff
A free kick (meaning the receiving team can't make an attempt to block it) that puts the ball into play. This is used at the start of the first and third quarters and after every touchdown and successful field goal.
Pass Interference
A judgment call made by an official who sees a defensive player make contact with the intended receiver before the ball arrives, thus restricting his opportunity to catch the forward pass.
Punt
A kick in which the ball is dropped and kicked before it reaches the ground. Used to give up the ball to the opposition after offensive downs have been used, as far down the field as possible.
Punt
A kick in which the ball is dropped and kicked before it reaches the ground. Used to give up the ball to the opposition after offensive downs have been used, as far down the field as possible. This is usually made on a fourth down when the offense must surrender possession of the ball to the defense because it couldn't advance ten yards.
punt
A kick in which the ball is dropped and kicked before it reaches the ground. Used to give up the ball to the opposition, usually on 4th
Extra point
A kick, worth one point, that's typically attempted after every touchdown (it's also known as the point after touchdown, or PAT). The ball is placed on either the 2-yard line (in the NFL) or the 3-yard line (in college and high school) and is generally kicked from inside the 10-yard line after being snapped to the holder. It must sail between the uprights and above the crossbar of the goalpost to be considered good.
extra point
A kick, worth one point, that's typically attempted after every touchdown (it's also known as the point after touchdown, or PAT). The ball is placed on either the 2-yard line (in the NFL) or the 3-yard line (in college and high school) and is generally kicked from inside the 10-yard line after being snapped to the holder. It must sail between the uprights and above the crossbar of the goalpost to be considered good.
Field Goal
A kick, worth three points, that can be attempted from anywhere on the field but is usually attempted within 40 yards of the goalpost. Like an extra point, a kick must sail above the crossbar and between the uprights of the goalpost to be ruled good.
Interception
A pass that's caught by a defensive player, ending the offense's possession of the ball.
Down
A period of action that starts when the ball is put into play and ends when the ball is ruled dead (meaning the play is completed). The offense gets four downs to advance the ball 10 yards. If it fails to do so, it must surrender the ball to the opponent, usually by punting on the fourth down.
Fullback
A player who's responsible for blocking for the running back and also for pass-blocking to protect the quarterback. _________, who are generally bigger than running backs, are short-yardage runners.
Touchdown
A score, worth six points, that occurs when a player in possession of the ball crosses the plane of the opponent's goal line.
touchdown
A score, worth six points, that occurs when a player in possession of the ball crosses the plane of the opponent's goal line.
Safety
A score, worth two points, that the defense earns by tackling an offensive player in possession of the ball in his own end zone.
Pigskin
A slang term for the football, which is actually made of leather.
Coffin Corner
A strategy used by the punting team to on purpose kick the ball out of bounds in the area of the 10 yard line and the goal line of the receiving team. This puts the offensive team deep in their own territory as a starting point for their offensive possession.
Which are the harshest penalties in football?
A tackler using his helmet to butt, spear, or ram an opponent. When a tackler twists, turns, or pulls an opponent by the face mask. A punter, placekicker, or holder simulates being roughed by a defensive player. When the captains for either team fail to show up (or fail to show up in uniform) in the center of the field for the coin toss three minutes prior to the start of the football game.
How do you score points in football?
A touchdown (6 points); an extra point (PAT) after a touchdown (1 point); A two-point conversion attempted after a touchdown (2 points); A field goal (3 points); and a safety (2 points)
Two point conversion
After touchdown is scored, team gets one more play to get ball into the end zone for two extra points
Defensive End (DE)
Aligns across from TE or Tackle, good pass rusher; The outer two members of the defensive line. Generally, their jobs are to overcome offensive blocking and meet in the backfield, where they combine to tackle the quarterback or ball carrier. On running plays to the outside, they're responsible for forcing the ball carrier either out of bounds or toward (into) the pursuit of their defensive teammates.
Running Back (RB)
Also known as the Halfback. This player does it all. Lining up either behind or beside the quarterback, he runs, he catches, he blocks and he'll even throw a pass from time to time. If this is your kid, he is likely a quick runner who thrives on contact.
Delay of Game
An action which delays the game; for example, if the offense allows the play clock to run out
Personal Foul
An illegal, flagrant foul considered risky to the health of another player.
Line of scrimmage
An imaginary line, or vertical plane, passing through the end of the ball nearest a team's goal line and parallel to the goal lines. Thus there is a ______ for each team, and the area between the two lines is called the neutral zone. Any player of either team if offside if he encroaches upon the neutral zone before the ball is snapped.
Wide Receiver (WR)
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.
Offense moves 10 yards within 4 downs
Awarded another 4 downs to get 10 more yards
Downs
Chances to move the ball 10 yards
Red Flag
Coach's challenge: the team charged with the foul disagrees with the referee's decisious.
Offense fails to move the ball 10 yards within 4 downs
Defense gets the ball
How many players are on the field in football?
Each football team has 11 players per side: 11 on offense and 11 on defense. Football teams are allowed to play with fewer than 11 players (why would they want to do that?), but they're penalized for having more than 11 players on the field during play.
What is the most common penalty in football?
Holding
Takeaway
How a defense describes any possession in which it forces a fumble and recovers the ball or registers an interception. In football, any turnover that the defense collects is called a ______.
Pass Interference Penalty
In the NFL, this penalty awards the offensive team the ball at the spot of the foul with an automatic first down. In college, this penalty is a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down.
Usually done on fourth down to make it harder for defense to score later on
Kicks the ball
goal line
Line at beginning of end zone ball must cross to get touchdown
tackle
Most forms of football have a move known as a tackle. The primary and important purposes of tackling are to dispossess an opponent of the ball.
Offense job
Move the ball up the field and try to score a point
Three teams of eleven
Offense, defense, special team
Defense job
Prevent offense from moving the ball
Yellow Flag
Referee is calling a foul on the play
Kickoff
Starts the game
Offense
Team in possession of the ball
Defense
Team without the ball
Special Teams
The 22 players who are on the field during kicks and punts. These units have special players who return punts and kicks, as well as players who are experts at covering kicks and punts.
Handoff
The act of giving the ball to another player. _____ usually occur between the quarterback and a running back.
Fumble
The act of losing possession of the ball while running with it or being tackled. Members of the offense and defense can recover a _____. If the defense recovers the _____, the ____ is called a turnover.
Return
The act of receiving a kick or punt and running toward the opponent's goal line with the intent of scoring or gaining significant yardage
Snap
The action in which the ball is hiked (tossed between the legs) by the center to the quarterback, to the holder on a kick attempt, or to the punter. When the _____ occurs, the ball is officially in play and action begins.
Neutral Zone
The area in football between the two lines of scrimmage, stretching from sideline to sideline. The width of this area is defined by the length of the football. Other than the center, no player can be in this area prior to the snap; otherwise, the official calls an encroachment or offside penalty.
The area where the quarterback stands when he drops back to throw the ball. This area extends from a point two yards outside of either offensive tackle and includes the tight end if he drops off the line of scrimmage to pass-protect. The ______ extends longitudinally behind the line back to the offensive team's own end line.
Quarterback (QB)
The field general. He calls the plays, initiates action and handles the "snap." He either hands the ball to the running back or passes the ball to a receiver. He may also run with the ball. If this is your kid, then he can throw the ball with some power and accuracy.
Secondary
The four defensive players who defend against the pass and line up behind the linebackers and wide on the corners of the field opposite the receivers.
Backfield
The group of offensive players — the running backs and quarterback — who line up behind the line of scrimmage.
offensive line
The human wall of five men who block for and protect the quarterback and ball carriers. Every line has a center (who snaps the ball), two guards, and two tackles.
Left Guard (LG) and Right Guard (RG)
The inner member of the offensive line whose job is to block for and protect the quarterback and ball carriers
Defensive Tackle (DT)
The inner two members of the defensive line, whose jobs are to maintain their positions in order to stop a running play or run through a gap in the offensive line to pressure the quarterback or disrupt the backfield formation
Hash Marks
The lines on the center of the field that signify 1 yard on the field. Before every play, the ball is spotted between the hash marks or on the _________, depending on where the ball carrier was tackled on the preceding play.
Count
The numbers or words that a quarterback shouts loudly while waiting for the ball to be snapped. The quarterback usually informs his teammates in the huddle that the ball will be snapped on a certain ____
Left tackle and right tackle
The outer two members of the offensive line.
Center
The player who snaps the ball to the quarterback. He handles the ball on every play.
Safety
The players who line up the deepest in the secondary--the last line of defense. There are free _______ and strong ______, and they must defend the deep pass and the run
Drive
The series of plays when the offense has the football, until it punts or scores, and the other team gets possession of the ball
Weak Side
The side of the offense opposite the side on which the tight end lines up.
Offensive Side
The side that has the ball
Spiral
The tight spin on the football in flight after the quarterback releases it. The term "tight _____" is often used to describe a solidly thrown football.
Red Zone
The unofficial area from the 20-yard line to the opponent's goal line. Holding an opponent to a field goal in this area is considered a moral victory for the defense.
Linebacker
These players line up behind the defensive linemen and generally are regarded as the team's best tacklers. Depending on the formation, most teams employ either three or four linebackers on every play. Linebackers often have the dual role of defending the run and the pass.
Tight End (TE)
This guy is a hybrid between a receiver and an offensive lineman. Generally he lines up next to the LT or RT or he can "split out" like a wide receiver (see below). His duties include blocking for both the quarterback and the running backs, but he can also run into the field and catch passes. If this is your kid, he catches like a receiver, but has the strength and size to survive on the line.
Rushing
To advance the ball by running, not passing. A running back is sometimes called a rusher.
Offense's goal
To get to the opponent's end zone to score (either by touchdown or field goal)
field goal
To score a ______, the team in possession of the ball must place kick, or drop kick, the ball through the goal, i.e., between the uprights and over the crossbar. Worth 3 points.
Pick-Six
When a defender intercepts, or picks off, a pass in football and runs it back for a touchdown, thereby scoring six points.
Encroachment
When a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage and makes contact with an opponent before the ball is snapped.
Roughing the kicker
When a defensive player makes any contact with the punter, provided the defensive player hasn't touched the kicked ball before contact.
Roughing the Passer
When a defensive player makes direct contact with the quarterback after the quarterback has released the ball.
Holding (Defensive)
When a defensive player tackles or holds an offensive player other than the ball carrier.
Sack
When a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of yardage.
Face Mask
When a player grabs the face mask of another player while attempting to block or tackle
Option
When a quarterback has the choice to either pass or run.
False start
When an interior lineman on the offensive team moves prior to the snap of the ball, or when any offensive player makes a quick, abrupt movement prior to the snap of the ball.
Holding (Offensive)
When an offensive player uses his hands, arms, or other parts of his body to prevent a defensive player from tackling the ball carrier.
Horse Collar Tackle
When one player tackles another by grabbing inside their shoulder pads (or jersey) from behind and yanking them down
Helmet to Helmet Collision
When one player uses his helmet to hit into another player's helmet.
Huddle
When the 11 players on the field come together to discuss strategy between plays. On offense, the quarterback relays the plays in the _______.
Fair Catch
When the player returning a punt waves his extended arm from side to side over his head. After signaling for a __________, a player can't run with the ball, and those attempting to tackle him can't touch him.
Audible
When the quarterback changes the play at the line of scrimmage by calling out prescribed signals to his teammates
Roll Out
When the quarterback runs left or right away from the pocket before throwing the ball.
Scramble
When the quarterback, to gain time for receivers to get open, moves behind the line of scrimmage, dodging the defense.
Hail Mary
When the quarterback, usually in desperation at the end of a game, throws a long pass without targeting a receiver with the hope that a receiver will catch the ball and score a touchdown
Attempt a judgement call if...
You're behind by 1, 4, or 11 points.
Attempt a Two Point Conversion if...
You're behind by 2, 5, 9, 12, or 16 points or if you're ahead by 1, 4, 5, 12, 15, or 19 points
Blitz
a defensive strategy in football where a linebacker or defensive back vacates his customary position or responsibility in order to tackle the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage (also known as a sack) or force the quarterback to hurry his pass. (Prior to World War II, this defensive strategy was called a red-dog)
fumble
a fumble is when a football player drops the ball in a game and the other the teams picks it up.
field goal
a place kick that passes between the uprights, earning the kicking team 3 points
quaterback
a player that gives the play in the huddle and leads offense
fumble
ball carrier drops the ball
tight-end
blocks other players and catches the ball in the middle of the field
challenge
coach throws red flag if disagrees with ruling
interception
defense gains possession by catching ball meant for offense
Safety
defense tackles an offensive player behind his own goal line (2)
sack
defense tackles quarterback while he has possession
intercection
happens when a player on the defensive team catches a ball from the quarterback instead of the intended receiver.
safety
is a position in American and Canadian football played by a member of the defense
huddle
is an action of a team gathering together, usually in a tight circle,
Kicker
is the player in American and Canadian football who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals and extra points.
extra points
kick into goal (1), or run into end zone (2)
Quarterback
most important
Special team
on field when kick involved. mix of offense and defense
incomplete pass
pass hits ground or goes out of bounds
PAT
point after touchdown that can be worth 2 points if you run or catch the ball in the end zone or 1 point if the ball is kicked
Offensive linemen
protect the quarterback
penalty
rule broken. yards removed/added
wide receivers
run down the field to catch the ball
fullback/running back
run up the field
linebackers
stop running backs from coming through the offensive line
cornerback
stops wide receivers
End Zone
the area between the end line and goal line bounded by the sideline, which a team on offense tries to enter to score a touchdown
Gridiron
the playing field on which football is played
linebacker
the position of a defensive football player who plays close behind the line of scrimmage
pass
throw the ball to another person
Challenge overruled
timeout revoked
Four ways to score
touchdown, extra points, field goal, safety
safety
try and stop pass from going up the field
defensive linemen
try to move past offensive line
Offside
when any part of a player's body is beyond his line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped
fumble recover
whichever team recovers fumble gains possession