Football terms for new parents

How to use this glossary

Skim the list once, then come back to it during games. Terms are in alphabetical order and use standard definitions. Youth leagues sometimes adjust rules, so ask your coach if something works differently in your league.

The glossary

Audible

A change to the play that the quarterback calls at the line of scrimmage, usually after seeing how the defense is lined up.

Blitz

A defensive play in which extra players, such as linebackers or defensive backs, rush the quarterback.

Block

Using the body to keep a defender away from the ball carrier or quarterback.

Down

One play. In standard rules the offense gets four downs to gain 10 yards.

End zone

The scoring area at each end of the field, just past the goal line.

Extra point

A kick through the uprights after a touchdown, worth one point in standard rules.

Field goal

A kick through the uprights during regular play, worth three points in standard rules.

First down

The first of a new set of downs, earned when the offense gains enough yards.

Fumble

When the ball carrier loses possession of the ball. Either team can recover it.

Handoff

When the quarterback gives the ball directly to a running back instead of throwing it.

Huddle

A short gathering where the team hears the next play before lining up.

Incomplete pass

A forward pass that is not caught. The play ends and the clock rules depend on the league.

Interception

When a defender catches a pass meant for the offense, giving the defense the ball.

Kickoff

A kick that starts each half and follows many scores. Some youth leagues change or limit kickoffs.

Line of scrimmage

The imaginary line across the field where the ball is placed before the snap. Neither team may cross it early.

Offside

A penalty when a player is beyond the line of scrimmage (in the neutral zone) when the ball is snapped.

Punt

A kick in which the punter drops the ball and kicks it before it hits the ground, usually on fourth down, to push the other team farther from the end zone it is attacking.

Sack

When the defense tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, usually as he or she is trying to pass. In flag football it is a flag pull.

Safety

A play in which the offense's ball carrier is tackled in the offense's own end zone, giving the defense two points in standard rules.

Snap

The start of a play, when the center passes the ball back to the quarterback.

Special teams

The units that play on kickoffs, punts and kicks at the goal.

Tackle

Bringing a ball carrier to the ground. Also the name of an offensive and a defensive line position.

Touchback

When the ball is downed in the end zone after a kick, so the receiving team starts from a set spot. The exact rule varies.

Touchdown

A score worth six points, made by getting the ball into the opponent's end zone.

Turnover

When the offense loses the ball to the defense by a fumble or an interception. Losing the ball on a failed fourth down is sometimes called a turnover on downs.

Clock and game flow words

A few more words come up often. A timeout stops the clock briefly, and each team has a limited number. Halftime is the break between the second and third quarters. Possession means which team has the ball. A drive is the series of plays the offense runs from the time it gets the ball until it scores or gives it up. Overtime is extra play to break a tie, and youth leagues often handle ties differently, so ask yours. Rules for how the clock runs after incomplete passes or going out of bounds also vary by league.

Where to go next

Terms stick best when you see them in a game. Read football rules for beginners for how plays fit together. For the names of positions, see football positions explained.

You may also hear coaches use team-specific words, such as play names and formation names. These are usually custom to a team, so ask if you want to learn them.