Football 101

One of four attempts to advance the ball 10 yards. The offense gets four downs to move the ball 10 yards or score.

Successfully advancing the ball 10 yards, earning a new set of four downs.

The imaginary line across the field where the ball is positioned at the start of each play.

Worth 6 points. Scored by carrying the ball into or catching it in the opponent's end zone.

Worth 3 points. Scored by kicking the ball through the opponent's uprights.

Worth 1 point. Kicked after a touchdown from the 3-yard line.

Worth 2 points. A play run from the 3-yard line after a touchdown instead of kicking the extra point.

Worth 2 points. Occurs when the offensive team is tackled in their own end zone.

The offensive player who receives the snap and distributes the ball via passes or handoffs.

Offensive player primarily responsible for rushing the ball and pass protection.

Offensive player who lines up near the sideline and runs routes to catch passes.

Hybrid offensive player who blocks like a lineman and catches passes like a receiver.

Five players (C, LG, RG, LT, RT) who block for the QB and running backs.

Players positioned on the line of scrimmage trying to stop the run and rush the passer.

Defensive players positioned behind the defensive line who defend against both run and pass.

Defensive back who covers wide receivers and defends against the pass.

Defensive back who provides deep pass coverage and run support. Types include Free Safety (FS) and Strong Safety (SS).

The action of the center passing the ball backward to the quarterback to start a play.

When the offense or defense gathers before a play to receive instructions.

When the quarterback changes the play at the line of scrimmage before the snap.

A defensive play where extra defenders rush the quarterback instead of covering receivers.

A pass play where the QB fakes a handoff to freeze the defense before throwing.

A short pass behind the line of scrimmage with blockers in front of the receiver.

A delayed run play designed to look like a pass to catch the defense off-guard.

A play where the QB fakes a handoff then rolls out in the opposite direction.

A play where the QB reads the defense and chooses to hand off or throw based on what he sees.

An option play where the QB reads a defensive end to decide whether to hand off or keep the ball.

A defensive formation with 5 defensive backs instead of the standard 4.

A defensive formation with 6 defensive backs, used in obvious passing situations.

A zone defense with two safeties splitting deep coverage and five defenders covering underneath zones.

A zone defense with three deep defenders each covering one-third of the deep field.

A defensive scheme where each defender is assigned to cover a specific offensive player.

A defensive scheme where defenders cover specific areas of the field rather than individual players.

The area between the 20-yard line and the goal line, where the offense has scoring opportunities.

A fast-paced offensive strategy used when time is limited, typically at the end of a half.

A conservative defensive strategy that gives up short gains to protect against big plays and preserve time.

A punting strategy aimed at pinning the opponent deep in their own territory near the corner of the end zone.

A short kickoff attempt where the kicking team tries to recover the ball after it travels 10 yards.

A signal by the returner to catch a punt without being tackled, giving up the right to advance the ball.

When a kickoff or punt goes into the end zone and is not returned, the ball is placed at the 25-yard line.

When the quarterback runs with the ball to avoid being sacked, often improvising outside the designed play.

When the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage while attempting to pass.

When a defensive player tackles a ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage.

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

When a ball carrier loses possession of the ball before being tackled.

A change of possession caused by an interception or fumble recovery.

Two rows of lines running the length of the field that mark yard lines and ball placement.

The space between the offensive and defensive lines, defined by the length of the football.

When an offensive player moves parallel to or away from the line of scrimmage before the snap.

When multiple offensive players change positions before the snap.

A metric measuring the point value added by a play based on field position and down/distance context.

The percentage of plays that achieve 50% of yards on 1st down, 70% on 2nd down, or 100% on 3rd/4th down.

The average EPA on successful plays, measuring a team's ability to generate big gains.

Average points added per play attempt, measuring offensive or defensive efficiency.

Percentage of plays where defense creates disruption (TFL, PBU, INT, or forced fumble).

The statistical likelihood of a team winning based on game situation (score, time, field position).

The change in win probability based on the outcome of a specific play.

Defensive players maintaining their assigned gaps against the run to prevent big gains.

A defensive line technique where a player is responsible for controlling two gaps.

A defensive line technique where a player penetrates one specific gap to disrupt plays.

A zone defense with four deep defenders each covering one quarter of the deep field.

A split-field coverage with Cover 4 on one side and Cover 2 on the other.

Pure man coverage with no deep safety help, typically used with a blitz.

A coverage scheme where a defender fakes a blitz then drops into short middle zone coverage.

A coverage technique where defenders read route combinations and adjust their zones accordingly.

A pass play with two receivers crossing at different depths to create pick opportunities.

A pass play with three receivers flooding one side of the field at different depths.

A vertical pass concept with three receivers at different depths stretching the defense.

A two-receiver concept with a corner route and a short hitch to attack Cover 2.

A short route where the receiver sits in a zone between defenders.

A quick pass option when the QB recognizes a blitz before the snap.

When a receiver changes his route based on the defensive coverage he sees.

A defensive alignment with seven players near the line of scrimmage to defend the run.

A defensive alignment with six or fewer defenders in the box, vulnerable to the run.

A defensive alignment where linebackers line up directly behind defensive linemen.

A defensive front with an odd number of linemen (3-4, 3-3-5), featuring a nose tackle.

A defensive front with an even number of linemen (4-3, 4-2-5), featuring two defensive tackles.

A defensive alignment with eight players near the line of scrimmage to stop the run.

A defensive front where the defensive ends align inside the offensive tackles.

A running play where a receiver in motion takes a handoff moving at full speed.

Similar to jet sweep but with the ball snapped as the receiver reaches the QB.

A running play with two pulling guards leading the ball carrier opposite the initial flow.

A blocking scheme where a tight end or H-back blocks a defensive lineman from the side.

A running play where a lead blocker isolates and blocks a specific defender.

A running play where the line blocks toward the sideline, creating lateral rushing lanes.

A running play where the line blocks toward the center, with the RB reading holes.

A running play featuring a pulling guard and fullback/tight end kick-out block.

A blocking scheme where offensive linemen pull and lead block through gaps.

A blocking scheme where offensive linemen move laterally in unison, creating rushing lanes.

Two offensive linemen double-teaming a defender before one peels off to the second level.

A quick block by a running back or tight end on a pass rusher before releasing into a route.

Techniques used by defensive linemen to beat blockers: bull rush, swim, rip, spin, etc.

A coordinated pass rush technique where defensive linemen loop or cross to confuse blockers.

A defensive line stunt where two players exchange gaps during pass rush.

A defensive responsibility to prevent the ball carrier from getting outside the defender.

A defensive assignment where a player shadows the quarterback to prevent scrambles.

When two defenders double-team a single receiver, one high and one low.

When a defensive back lines up directly on the line and jams the receiver at the snap.

When a defensive back gives the receiver a cushion, playing 5-10 yards off the line.

When a cornerback opens his hips and runs backward at the snap in zone coverage.

Man coverage where the defender follows behind the receiver, reacting to his moves.

Defensive positioning that dictates which side of the receiver the defender protects.

A coverage technique where the corner takes the flat and the safety covers deep outside.

A coverage technique where the safety takes the flat and the corner covers deep outside.