OSU: American Football

Outdoor Sports Unit

Centre

The person on offence who throws the ball between their legs back to the QUARTERBACK in order to start a play.

Down

Is a play that begins at the line of scrimmage. Each team has four attempts to advance the ball ten yards (American). If successful, they receive another down. If not, the ball is given to the opposing team. In class, the team has four downs to move the ball into the opposition’s end zone.

Canadian Football: Three downs to advance the ball 10 yards.

Fumble

When a player in possession of the ball accidentally drops the ball, it is a live ball and anyone can pick it up to continue.

Huddle

Teams form a huddle before each play to explain the play or defense to be used on the next down. It is usually a circle formation and is made behind the line of scrimmage.

Kick Off

Used at the beginning of the game or at the start of the second half. The scoring team will kick off following a touchdown.

Line of Scrimmage

The point from which the ball is put into play. An imaginary line is drawn from the ball to the side lines and no offensive (attacker) player is allowed to cross it until the ball is snapped.

Quarterback

The field general for the offensive team. They call the plays in the huddle and executes them once the ball is snapped to them by the center.

Touchdown

When the team in possession of the ball runs or passes the ball over the opponent’s goal line.

Interception

When a defender catches a forward pass or lateral intended for an offensive player.