Football has plenty of jargon. This glossary explains the terms you’ll hear most on TV broadcasts and at practice.
Terms A to Z
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Audible | A play change called at the line of scrimmage |
| Blitz | Sending extra defenders to rush the quarterback |
| Blind side | The side the quarterback is facing away from when throwing |
| Down | A single play; teams get four to gain 10 yards |
| End zone | Scoring area at each end, 10 yards deep |
| Extra point | One-point kick after a touchdown |
| Fair catch | Signaled catch of a kick; the returner can’t be hit and can’t advance |
| Field goal | Three-point kick through the uprights |
| First down | Gaining 10 yards to earn a new set of downs |
| Fumble | Losing possession of the ball while carrying it |
| Hail Mary | A long, desperate pass, usually at the end of a half |
| Handoff | Giving the ball directly to a teammate |
| Hash marks | Lines marking where the ball is spotted between plays |
| Interception | A pass caught by the defense |
| Line of scrimmage | Imaginary line where each play begins |
| Nickel | A defense using five defensive backs |
| Onside kick | Short kickoff the kicking team tries to recover |
| Play action | A fake handoff before a pass |
| Protected area formed by blockers around the QB | |
| Punt | Kick to the other team, usually on fourth down |
| Red zone | Area inside the opponent’s 20-yard line |
| Sack | Tackling the QB behind the line before a pass |
| Safety | Two points for tackling a ball carrier in their own end zone, among other ways |
| Shotgun | Formation with the QB several yards behind the center |
| Snap | Center passing the ball back to start the play |
| Touchback | Ball downed in the end zone, placed at a set yard line |
| Touchdown | Six points for carrying or catching the ball in the end zone |
| Two-point conversion | Running or passing into the end zone after a touchdown for 2 points |
Rules behind some terms differ between the NFL, college and high school; check the rulebook for your level.
Frequently asked questions
What is the red zone?
The area inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
What is a touchback?
When the ball is downed in the end zone after a kick or turnover, giving the receiving team the ball at a set yard line.
What is an audible?
A play changed at the line of scrimmage.
