Football terms part 2

An imaginary line that extends from where the football is placed at the end of a play to both sides of the field. Neither the offense nor the defense can cross the line until the football is put in play again.

• goal line

• line of scrimmage

• first down line

The human wall of five men who block for and protect the quarterback and ball carriers. Every line has a center (who snaps the ball), two guards, and two tackles.

• defensive line

• offensive line

• huddle

A kick made when a player drops the ball and kicks it while it falls toward his foot. A punt is usually made on a fourth down when the offense must surrender possession of the ball to the defense because it couldn’t advance 10 yards.

• punt

• kickoff

• field goal

The unofficial area from the 20-yard line to the opponent’s goal line. Holding an opponent to a field goal in this area is considered a moral victory for the defense.

• hot zone

• end zone

• red zone

The act of receiving a kick or punt and running toward the opponent’s goal line with the intent of scoring or gaining significant yardage.

• reception

• return

• completion

To advance the ball by running, not passing. A running back is sometimes called a rusher.

• receiving

• rushing

• return

When a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of yardage.

• sack

• personal foul

• roughing the kicker

A score, worth two points, that the defense earns by tackling an offensive player in possession of the ball in his own end zone.

• touchdown

• safety

• field goal

The four defensive players who defend against the pass and line up behind the linebackers and wide on the corners of the field opposite the receivers.

• primary

• defensive line

• secondary

The action in which the ball is hiked (tossed between the legs) by the center to the quarterback, to the holder on a kick attempt, or to the punter. When the snap occurs, the ball is officially in play and action begins.

• snap

• pass

• rushing