The Super Bowl is around the corner and if you’re one of the many who just watches for the delicious snacks, the cool beverages, the Sunday party, or simply the spectacular halftime show, you probably don’t know anything about the game itself.
Worry not, you’re not alone, but if you’re looking for some basic knowledge on football to at least understand a little bit of what’s happening while you enjoy your delicious guac and hotdogs, this basic glossary is for you.
Touchdown:
Let’s start with the most basic one which can be achieved in different ways. One is when a player in possession of the ball crosses the opponent’s goal line. It can also be achieved if a player catches the ball while standing in the goal line or the end zone, or when a defensive player catches a loose ball in the opponent’s end zone. A touchdown is worth 6 points.
Backfield:
The offensive players, that is the running backs and the quarterback, lined up behind the line of scrimmage.
Scrimmage:
Every time a play is about to start, the ball is placed on the ground right between the offensive and defensive lines of both teams. This is the line known as a scrimmage.
Down:
Every period that starts when the ball is put to play. This period ends when the ball is ruled dead meaning that the down is completed. Every offense has four downs to make the ball advance 10 yards and get closer to the finish line.
End zone:
The 10-yard area at the end of each side of the field. A touchdown is marked when the ball enters the end zone.
Safety:
If a player is tackled once he is in the end zone while in possession of the ball or if a player steps out of bounds on the end zone, the contrary team gets a safety. This means that the other team gets 2 points. This is helpful for the other team to score points while not owning the ball.
Extra point:
Extra points are basically a kick that a team is granted after making a touchdown. It’s also known as “the point after touchdown” or PAT. The ball is placed in the 2nd-yard line and the kicker must direct it right above the crossbar of the goalpost.
Field goal:
This one is self-explanatory. A field goal is that goes above the crossbar and between the uprights of the goalpost. This goal is worth three points and can be kicked from anywhere on the field. The most common ones are made within 40 yards of the goalpost.
Fumble:
A fumble happens when a player loses possession of the ball while running or while being tackled.
Handoff:
Whenever the ball is passed to another player. Generally, these happen between the quarterback and another offensive player.
Huddle:
When the 11 players active on the field gather to discuss their upcoming strategy.
Incompletion:
As the name suggests, this is when a pass fails to be caught by a receiver and falls to the ground or out of bounds.
Interception:
Probably the one we hear the most, this is when a pass is caught by a player from the other team, this ends the offenses’ possession of the ball and their attempt to make a touchdown within their four downs.
Kickoff:
A free-kick that can’t be intercepted nor blocked by the other team. This is made at the start of the first and third quarters of the game and after a touchdown or a field goal.
Offensive line:
The wall formed of five players to block and protect the quarterback.
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