Football words

Downs & distance

Down — one play attempt. Teams usually get four downs to gain 10 yards. First down — a fresh set of up to four plays to gain 10 yards (or reach the line to gain). 10 yards — the distance an offense needs to earn another first down. Third down — usually the last real chance to keep the drive alive before a punt or field goal.

Scoring words

Touchdown — six points for getting the ball into the end zone (run or catch). Field goal — three points for kicking the ball through the uprights. Extra point — the short kick after a touchdown for 1 more point. Safety (score) — two points when the offense is tackled (or forced) in the offense’s own end zone. Not a touchback.

Coverage & defense

Coverage — how defenders guard receivers: man (follow a person) or zone (guard space). Blitz — extra defenders rush the quarterback instead of dropping into coverage. Cover-2 — two deep safeties split the deep field. Cover-3 — three deep defenders each take a deep third of the field.

Special teams

Special teams — the kicking units: kickoffs, punts, field goals, and returns. Punt — kicking the ball away on 4th down to flip field position. Kickoff — starts each half and usually follows touchdowns and field goals. Field position — where you start a drive; better field position means a shorter path to score.

Flags you’ll hear

False start — an offensive player moves too early before the snap. Offside — a defender is in or across the neutral zone when the ball is snapped. Holding — illegal grab that restricts a player. Pass interference — illegal contact that prevents a fair chance to catch a pass.

Search below for the full list. These are the phrases you’ll hear first in the stands.