Football

  • FOOTBALL STUDY GUIDE

    I.  Terms

    A.                Offense – team with possession of the ball.

    B.                 Defense – team without possession of the ball.

    C.                 Line of Scrimmage – imaginary line where the ball is placed to start each play. The line of scrimmage divides the offensive and defensive teams.

    D.                Interception – a turnover where the defense catches a passed ball.

    E.                 Fumble – a turnover where a player with possession of the ball drops it.

    F.                  Turnover on Downs- When a team goes for it on 4th down, but fails to convert, and the ball is turned over to the opposition.

    G.                Pass – when the ball is thrown

    H.                Punt – on 4th down, when the ball is kicked away to the opposing team.

    I.                    Off –Sides – when a player lines up on or over the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. 

    J.                   Down – the offensive team gets 4 downs (plays) to move the ball. If the ball is moved 10 or more yards, the result is first down; the team then gets another 4 downs. If the ball in not moved the 10 yards, the ball is usually punted on the 4th down.  Down and distance is usually written as what down it is, and how many yards the team has to convert the first down.  So 2nd and 7 means its 2nd down, and 7 yards to go. 

    II.            Players and Positions – 11 players per team for a regulation game.

    A.                Quarterback – player that throws a pass or hands off to running back.

    B.                 Running Back- Offensive players who “carry” the ball on run plays, but can also block or catch on pass plays. 

    C.                 Wide Receiver – player that catches a thrown ball.

    D.                Defensive Linemen – line up along the line of scrimmage; rush to attempt to sack the quarterback.

    E.                 Center – part of the offensive line; hikes or snaps the ball to the quarterback.

    F.                  Offensive Linemen – line up along the line of scrimmage and block for and protect the quarterback.

    G.                Tight End- Offensive players who can either line up to block, or go down field for a pass.

    H.                Linebackers- Defensive players who line up usually between the defensive line and the safeties and can help in pass rush, drop back into coverage, or zone in on running plays. 

    I.                    Cornerbacks- Defensive players, who are usually matched up with wide receivers for pass coverage. 

    J.                   Safety- Usually the last line of defense on pass plays, but can play up closer to the line on run plays. 

    III.         Scoring

    A.                Touchdown – when the ball crosses the goal line; 6 points

    B.                 Point After Touchdown – when the ball is kicked through the goalposts after a touchdown; 1 point

    C.                 2 Point Conversion – can be done instead of the Point after Touchdown. The ball is passed or a player can run across the goal line; 2 points.

    D.                Field Goal – when the ball is kicked through the goal posts on 4th down; 3 points.

    E.                 Safety – when an offensive player is caught behind their own goal line with possession of the ball; 2 points.

    IV.         Playing Area – Field

    A.                100 yards between goal lines

    B.                 10 yard end zone between each goal line

    C.                 Total field – 120 yards long

    D.                160 feet wide