Forward passIn several forms of football, a forward pass is the throwing of the ball in the direction in which the offensive team is trying to move, towards the defensive team's goal line. The legal and widespread use of the forward pass distinguishes gridiron football (American football and Canadian football) from rugby football (union and league) in which the play is illegal.
Skill positionSkill position is a gridiron football term that covers offensive positions that handle the ball and are primarily responsible for advancing yards and scoring points. Offensive players such as quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers are typically considered skill positions, as are tight ends. The running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends on a team are often referred to as offensive weapons or simply weapons for a quarterback on the offensive side of the ball.
Line of scrimmageIn gridiron football, a line of scrimmage is an invisible transverse line (across the width of the field) beyond which a team cannot cross until the next play has begun. Its location is based on the spot where the ball is placed after the end of the most recent play and following the assessment of any penalty yards. HistoryThe line of scrimmage first came into use in 1880.
Center (gridiron football)Center or centre (C) is a position in gridiron football. The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense who passes (or "snaps") the ball between his legs to the quarterback at the start of each play. During the period of the one-platoon system, centers frequently played defensively as "middle guards", off the opposing center on the opposite side of the line as with a modern nose tackle.
Tight endThe tight end (TE) is an offensive position in American football, arena football, and Canadian football. It is a hybrid that combines the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a receiver. As part of the receiver corps, they play inside the flanks (tight), contrasted with the split end who plays outside the flanks (wide). Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be effective blockers.
InterceptionIn ball-playingcompetitiveteam sports, an interception or pick is a move by a player involving a pass of the ball—whether by foot or hand, depending on the rules of the sport—in which the ball is intended for a player of the same team but caught or otherwise brought under control by a player of the opposing team, who thereby usually gains possession of the ball for their team.
QuarterbackThe quarterback (QB) is a position in gridiron football who is a member of the offensive side of the ball and usually lines up directly behind the offensive line. In modern American football, the quarterback is usually considered the leader of the offense, and is often responsible for calling the play in the huddle. The quarterback also touches the ball on almost every offensive play, and is almost always the offensive player that throws forward passes.
Lineman (gridiron football)In gridiron football, a lineman is a player who specializes in play at the line of scrimmage. The linemen of the team currently in possession of the ball are the offensive line (OL), while linemen on the opposing team are the defensive line (DL). A number of National Football League (NFL) rules specifically address restrictions and requirements for the offensive line, whose job is to help protect the quarterback from getting sacked for a loss or fumbling.
FumbleA fumble in gridiron football occurs when a player who has possession and control of the ball loses it before being downed (tackled), scoring, or going out of bounds. By rule, it is any act other than passing, kicking, punting, or successful handing that results in loss of ball possession by a player.Play from scrimmageA play from scrimmage is the sequence in the game of gridiron football during which one team tries to advance the ball, get a first down, or score, and the other team tries to stop them or take the ball away. Once a play is over, and before the next play starts, the football is considered dead. A game of American football (or Canadian Football) consists of many (about 120–150) such plays.
Rush (gridiron football)Rushing is an action taken by the offense, usually by the halfback or running back, but it can also be by the quarterback, fullback or wide receiver, that means to advance the ball by running with it, as opposed to passing, or kicking.
American footballTeam field sportAmerican football, referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada and also known as gridiron football, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.