football

backfield:

A group of offensive players, quarterback and running backs, who line up behind the line of scrimmage.

Down

A period of action on the field that starts when the ball is put into play and ends when the whistle blows. There are four downs in a series in
which the offense tries to move the ball at least 10 yards or more. Every 10 yards = I st down!

Drive

An offensive series that either leads to a 1st down, punt or touchdown.

end zone

The area at each end of the field where touchdowns are scored when players carry or catch the ball. The end zone measures 10 yards long.

extra point

A kick through the goal posts after a touchdown good for 1 point.

fair catch

When a player returning a punt waves his arm over his head side to side. This player can't advance the ball and no one can touch him.

field goal

A kick through the goal posts worth 3 points done anywhere on the field. Usually within 40 yards of the goal post.

fumble

When the offensive player with the ball loses possession/drops the ball while running, getting tackled or on a bad snap, etc.

huddle

When the 11 players on the field come together to discuss strategy.

incomplete pass

When the quarterback throws a pass and it is dropped or caught out of bounds.

interception

When the quarterback throws a pass and it is caught by a defensive player.

kickoff

When the ball is kicked to the opposing team at the beginning of the game, beginning of the second half, or after each score.

line of scrimmage

An imaginary line that extends from where the ball is placed at the end of a play to both sidelines.

punt

A drop kick made by the offense if they fail to make a first down in 3 downs. Punts are attempted during 4th down plays.

red zone

An unofficial area from the opponent's 20 yard line to the goal line. The offense is more likely to score when they reach the red zone.

sack

When a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage while he is in possession of the ball.

safety

A 2-point score that the defense earns when they tackle an offensive player in their own end zone. Also results in the team that was on defense receiving the ball.

center

He is the center of the offensive line, first person to touch the ball as he snaps to the quarterback then blocks.

fullback

He blocks for the running back, protects the quarterback and can be used to run the ball for short yardage.

LEFT AND RIGHT GUARD:

They line up on either side of the center, they protect the quarterback and the ball carriers.

LEFT AND RIGHT TACKLE:

They line up on either side of the left and right guard and block.

quarterback

Leader of the team. He calls the plays, hands the ball off to a running back, throws to a receiver or keeps the ball and runs it himself.

running back

He runs the ball or receives a pass out of the backfield.

tight end

Can be used as a receiver but also blocks.

wide receiver

Typically a fast athlete, he runs pass routes in order to get open to catch the ball.

cornerback

They line up directly across from the wide receivers to defend all passes, they can also make tackles.

defense lineman

They line up across from the opponent's offensive linemen, they explode off the line to tackle running backs and/or the quarterback and keep the other team from scoring.

linebacker

They line up behind the defensive line, generally the best tacklers, they tackle running backs and/ or the quarterback but may cover short passes as well.

safety

They line up behind the linebackers, the last line of defense and they must defend the pass and run.