Hey girls, now that football season is underway, its time to get with the program. I know many of you simply don’t understand the sport, but want to get in on the game day fun. Well, look no further. Check out some basic football terminology below. Soon you will be feeling cool, rockin’ your favorite team’s jersey and understanding what the heck is going on. Oh, by the way, Go Bucks!
Kick Off: This is when the game officially begins. The football is placed on the kicking tee and the team on defense kicks the ball to the team on offense. A player on offense will try to catch the ball and make a play in hopes of making a touch down or at least advancing the ball toward the end zone.
Ball in Play: Each football play starts with a snap at the spot on the field where the play begins (line of scrimmage.) The quarterback calls a play, using a code and the player in front of him (center) passes the ball under his legs to the quarterback. Once the quarterback has the ball he can either throw, pass or run the ball.
First Down: When a team makes progress in a game, it is counted in yards (yardage.) The goal of the team on offense is to get the ball in the opposite teams end zone to score a touch down. To get there, each team is given four chances (downs) to gain 10 yards. If the offensive team gains 10 yards in an attempt, they will earn a first down.
Fumble: A fumble occurs when the ball carrier drops the ball before he can be taken down (tackled.) Once the ball hits the ground, any player from either team can recover the ball by picking it up and running to an attempt to score or dive on the ball to secure possession.
Interception: The ball can be caught by the opposite team (team on defense) to regain possession of the ball.
Sack: If the quarterback or another offensive player acting as the passer is taken down before he can advance the ball past the line of scrimmage, the play is called a sack.
Touchdown (6 points): A touchdown is the ultimate goal of each team. A team must carry the ball over the goal line (line right before the end zone.) The ball can be thrown, carried or recovered on an untouched ball by kicking team. After the touchdown is made, the team with the ball has a chance to earn one or two extra points.
Extra Point & Two Point Conversion : After the team has scored, the ball is placed on the two yard line and the team can either go for one or two extra points. The kicker can kick the ball and if it passes through the goal posts, the team earns one point. The team can earn two points by running or throwing the ball in the end zone as if they were scoring a touch down.
Field Goal (3 points): If a team’s offense is unable to score a touchdown, they may try to earn three points by kicking a field goal through the goalposts at the back of the end zone. A field goal is the perfect way to get some points on the board if the offense is near the end zone or to inch a win in close games. Field goals are normally kicked from inside the defense’s 45-yard line on fourth down.
Safety (2 points): A safety happens when the ball carrier on offense is taken down behind his own goal line. This usually occurs during passing plays when the quarterback gets sacked before he can throw the ball.
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