Football Terms To Know
Are you trying to get into football? Whether it's out of your own interest or you're getting started with friends and family, football is a lot more enjoyable when you can follow what the commentators are actually saying without pausing to look things up. To make your viewing experience the best it can be, we've provided below five pieces of football lingo that will make your next watch noticeably smoother.
1) Down
No, we're not talking about down as a direction in this scenario. In football, a “down” is one of the four attempts an offense gets to move the ball at least 10 yards. If they succeed, they earn a new set of "downs" and keep possession. But if they fail after the fourth "down", they typically give the ball to the other team, unless they punt or try a field goal.
2) First Down
Remember what we just taught you? Well, it's time to apply it now. A “first down” is awarded when the offensive team gains enough yards to meet the 10-yard requirement within their set of downs. The count is then reset back to first down, and gives the offense four more attempts to advance.
3) Touchdown
Perhaps the most familiar term on this list, a touchdown is worth six points and is scored when a team brings the ball into the opponent’s end zone or catches it there. It’s the most valuable single scoring play in standard football scoring. We wouldn't be surprised if you've heard people using this phrase in other ways in day-to-day life, too!
4) Interception
At least this football term basically means what it sounds like! An interception happens when a defensive player catches a pass intended for an offensive receiver. In other words, they "intercepted" it. This immediately ends the offense’s possession and gives the defense the ball.
5) Sack
Not the object, but a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage on a passing play. It results in a loss of yards and usually makes the next play more difficult for the offense. Sacks can also affect strategy by pushing a team out of comfortable passing or field-goal range. This term definitely requires a higher understanding of the game.
