1-
History & Object of the
Game
2- The
Essentials (Offense & Defense,
Scoring, etc.)
3- Fouls
4- Field
Diagram & Positions
5- Glossary of Football
Terms
Glossary
Audible:
Quarterback calls a different
play at the line of scrimmage
when the defense appears to
anticipate the current play.
Blitz:
To rush linebackers, cornerbacks,
or safeties into the backfield.
Down:
One of the four opportunties
the offensive team has to score
or advance 10 yards.
False
start: Penalty for
illegal movement by offense
prior to the snap.
First
down: Term used when
a new set of downs is achieved.
The “line-to-gain”
is the line that must be reached
for a first down and is marked
on the sidelines by the first
down marker (colored stick and
chain).
Forward
pass: Occurs from from
behind the line of scrimmage
and is thrown farther up the
field than the thrower.
Fumble:
A “live” ball that
is dropped can be recovered
by either team.
Holding:
Penalty for holding a player
to impede progress.
Huddle:
Inbetween plays, members of
a team gather in a circle to
receive instructions for the
upcoming play.
Incomplete
pass: A forward pass
that is not caught.
Interception:
A pass that is caught by the
defense.
Lateral:
A ball thrown to the side or
backward. A lateral that is
not caught is a fumble, not
an incomplete pass.
Line
of scrimmage: The yard
line at which a down begins.
Offsides:
Penalty for team members not
on their own side of the line
of scrimmage during a snap.
Onside
kick: When the kicking
team tries to field its own
kickoff after the ball travels
10 yards.
Pass
interference: Penalty
for illegal contact on a pass
play.
Play
action pass: When a
quarterback fakes a handoff
for a running play before passing
the ball. Used to deceive the
defense.
Punt:
Kick to the opponent on a fourth
down when scoring or achieving
a first down is unlikely.
Rush:
Attempt to sack the quarterback
or force the pass attempt earlier
than desired.
Sack:
To tackle the quarterback behind
the line of scrimmage for a
loss of yards.
Snap:
Transfer of the ball from center
to quarterback that starts each
play. Also called a “hike.”
Tackle:
Forcing a ball carrier to the
ground.
Touchback:
Balls recovered in team’s
own end zone during kickoffs,
punts, and turnovers can be
“downed” and the
team then starts the first down
at the 20-yard line.
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