Downs & distance

What a down is

Football is a game of progress. The offense is trying to move the ball toward the end zone. A down is one play attempt. After the ball is snapped, the play runs, then the down is over. The next play is usually the next down — unless the offense just earned a first down.

Four downs, usually ten yards

Instead of unlimited tries, the offense usually gets four chances — called downs — to advance a certain distance. That distance is often ten yards at the start of a series. If they make it, they get a fresh set of downs. If they gain the required yards before using all four tries, they earn a new first down and start the count over.

Reading 1st-and-10

The first number is which try this is (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th). The second number is how many yards are still needed to earn a new first down. So 2nd-and-6 means second try, six yards still needed. Distance is that second number: yards still to go.

The line to gain

The line to gain is the invisible yard line the offense must reach (or cross) to get a new first down. Reach it and the chains move. Fall short after four tries and the series is over.

Fourth down and turnover on downs

On fourth down, the offense often punts (kicks the ball away to flip field position), attempts a field goal if close enough, or goes for it if they need the yards. If they go for it and do not reach the line to gain, the other team takes over — that is a turnover on downs.

Four tries to gain the yards. Make it: new 1st-and-10. Fail on fourth: turnover on downs, or you should have punted.