Football Terms

Shotgun

A formation where the quarterback stands five to seven yards behind the line of scrimmage to receive the snap.

Offensive Lineman

A player specializing in play at the line of scrimmage who blocks for the quarterback.

Scramble

When the quarterback leaves the area protected by the offensive line to run or evade defenders.

Blitz

A defensive tactic where more players rush the quarterback to disrupt pass attempts.

Snap

The backwards passing of the ball to start play from scrimmage.

Tackle

The act of stopping or bringing down an opponent to prevent them from advancing.

Offside

An infraction where a player is on the wrong side of the line of scrimmage at the snap.

Running Back

A player who receives handoffs, catches passes, and provides blocking in the backfield.

Extra Point

An attempt to score additional points after a touchdown by kicking the ball through the uprights.

Goal Line

The line that separates the end zone from the playing field.

Punt

A kick made by dropping the ball and kicking it before it hits the ground.

Touchdown

A score worth 6 points when the offensive team crosses into the end zone.

Field Goal

A score achieved by kicking the ball through the goalposts.

Fumble

When a player drops the ball while in possession.

Interception

When a defensive player catches a pass intended for an offensive player.

Red Zone

The area of the field between the 20-yard line and the goal line.

Sack

When the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before throwing the ball.

Quarterback

The play caller on the offensive team who begins the play.

Down

A measure of play that the offensive team must advance to keep possession.

Completion

When an offensive player successfully catches a pass.

Line of Scrimmage

An imaginary line beyond which teams cannot cross until the next play begins.

False Start

An infraction when an offensive player moves before the ball is snapped.

Huddle

A gathering of a team to strategize or motivate before a play.

Center (position)

The innermost lineman who snaps the ball to the quarterback.

End Zone

The scoring area at each end of the field.

Neutral Zone

The area between the offense and defense before the snap, equal to the length of the football.

Pigskin

Slang for the football.

Secondary

Defensive backs who play behind the linebackers.

Hail Mary

A desperate long throw downfield.

First Down

Achieved when the offensive team gains 10 yards or scores within 4 downs.

Safety

When an offensive player is tackled in their own end zone, worth 2 points for the defense.

Hash Marks

Lines marking the field that are used to place the ball for the next play.

Intentional Grounding

When a QB throws the ball away to avoid a sack.

Pocket

The area created by the offensive line around the quarterback during a passing play.

Fair Catch

A signal allowing a player to catch the ball without being hit on a kickoff or punt.