48 football terms defined, including safety, blitz, audible, Hail Mary and pick six, each explained in a single line.
Football terms come from three places at once: the playbook, the rule book and the broadcast booth. What follows is American football terminology the way it is actually spoken, including the football slang that never made it into a rule book. The words related to American football cover more than plays, so the list also takes in the field, the officials and the penalties. Words associated with American football that you only half recognize from a Sunday broadcast are collected again in the American football glossary further down, where every entry gets a one-line answer.
Must-Know American Football Terms, Phrases and Slang:
- Audible
- Blitz
- Down
- End zone
- Field goal
- Gridiron
- Hail Mary
- Interception
- Kickoff
- Linebacker
- Nose tackle
- Offside
- Punt
- Quarterback sneak
- Red zone
- Sack
- Safety
- Tackle
- Tight end
- Touchdown
- Two-point conversion
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
- Wildcat
- Yardage
- Zone defense
- Bootleg
- Chain gang
- Fullback
- Nickel defense
- Pick six
American Football Glossary: Every Term A to Z
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Audible | The quarterback changes the called play at the line of scrimmage after reading the defense. |
| Blitz | Extra defenders rush the quarterback instead of dropping back into coverage. |
| Bootleg | The quarterback fakes a handoff, hides the ball on his hip and runs toward the edge. |
| Chain gang | The sideline crew that carries and sets the ten-yard chains used to measure a first down. |
| Down | One of the four chances a team has to gain ten yards. Gain them and the count starts over. |
| End zone | The ten-yard scoring area at each end of the field. |
| Extra point | The one-point kick attempted from short range after a touchdown. |
| Field goal | A kick through the opponent's uprights, worth three points. |
| First down | A fresh set of four downs, earned by advancing the ball ten yards. |
| Fullback | A back who lines up in front of the running back and blocks, with the occasional short carry. |
| Fumble | The ball carrier loses the ball before being down. Either team can recover it. |
| Gridiron | The field itself, named for the pattern its yard lines make. |
| Hail Mary | A long, desperate pass thrown toward the end zone as the clock runs out. |
| Handoff | The quarterback gives the ball to a back by hand instead of throwing it. |
| Hot route | A shortened route a receiver switches to when the quarterback reads a blitz. |
| Interception | A defender catches a pass meant for the offense and his team takes over. |
| Kickoff | The kick that opens each half and restarts play after a touchdown or field goal. |
| Line of scrimmage | The line across the field where the ball sits before the snap. Neither side may cross it early. |
| Linebacker | A defender behind the line who tackles runners, covers receivers and sometimes rushes the passer. |
| Man coverage | A defense in which each defender follows one specific receiver. |
| Nickel defense | Five defensive backs on the field instead of the usual four, used against the pass. |
| Nose tackle | The lineman lined up over the center in a 3-4 front, there to tie up blockers. |
| Offside | A five-yard penalty for having any part of the body past the line of scrimmage at the snap. |
| Pick six | An interception returned all the way for a touchdown. |
| Pigskin | An old nickname for the football, kept alive by commentators long after leather took over. |
| Play action | A fake handoff meant to pull the linebackers forward before the quarterback throws. |
| The protected space behind the offensive line where the quarterback stands to throw. | |
| Punt | A kick that hands the ball to the other team as far downfield as possible, usually on fourth down. |
| Quarterback sneak | The quarterback takes the snap and drives straight ahead for a yard or two. |
| Red zone | The last twenty yards of field before the goal line, where drives are won or wasted. |
| Sack | A tackle of the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, costing the offense yards. |
| Safety | Two points for the defense when the ball carrier is downed in his own end zone. Also the name of a deep defensive back. |
| Screen pass | A short pass to a back or receiver with blockers already out in front, thrown after the rush is let through on purpose. |
| Secondary | The defensive backs as a group, meaning the cornerbacks and the safeties. |
| Shotgun | A formation with the quarterback standing several yards behind the center rather than under him. |
| Snap | The center's pass back between his legs that starts every play. |
| Special teams | The units on the field for kickoffs, punts, field goals and returns. |
| Spill | A defensive technique that forces the ball carrier away from the middle and out toward the sideline. |
| Tackle | Bringing the ball carrier to the ground to end the play. Also the name of a position on both lines. |
| Tight end | A hybrid who lines up next to the tackle and both blocks and catches passes. |
| Touchdown | Six points, scored by carrying or catching the ball in the opponent's end zone. |
| Turnover | Any loss of possession without a kick, by interception or by lost fumble. |
| Two-minute drill | The hurried offense a team runs at the end of a half to score before time expires. |
| Two-point conversion | Instead of kicking after a touchdown, the offense runs one play from the two-yard line for two points. |
| Unsportsmanlike conduct | A fifteen-yard penalty for taunting or other behavior outside fair play. |
| Wildcat | A formation in which the snap goes straight to a back rather than to the quarterback. |
| Yardage | Ground gained or lost. The currency the entire game is measured in. |
| Zone defense | Defenders guard areas of the field instead of tracking individual receivers. |
#1 Audible
When the quarterback changes the play at the line of scrimmage due to the defensive setup. This on-the-fly decision-making can drastically alter the offense’s approach before the snap.
#2 Blitz
A defensive strategy where additional players rush the quarterback to disrupt the pass play. The high-risk, high-reward move can lead to sacks or force hurried throws but may leave the secondary vulnerable.
#3 Down
One of the four chances (or “downs”) a team has to advance the ball 10 yards and earn a new set of downs. If they fail by the fourth down, the ball is turned over to the opponent.
#4 End Zone
The area at each end of the football field where players score touchdowns. Measuring 10 yards deep, it is the ultimate destination for offensive players to accumulate six points for their team.
#5 Field Goal
A scoring play worth three points, attempted by kicking the ball through the opponent’s goalposts. Field goals can be pivotal in close games, especially as time winds down.
#6 Gridiron
A term used to describe the football field itself, marked by a pattern of parallel lines resembling a cooking gridiron. This classic reference hails back to the early days of the sport.
#7 Hail Mary
A long, desperate pass thrown towards the end zone in hopes of a last-minute score, typically at the end of a half or game. When successful, it’s a dramatic, game-changing play.
#8 Interception
Occurs when a defensive player catches a pass intended for an offensive player, gaining possession for his team. Interceptions disrupt offensive drives and can significantly shift the momentum of the game.
#9 Kickoff
The action that starts the game and resumes play after every touchdown and field goal, where a team kicks the ball downfield to the opposing team, who then attempts to run it back.
#10 Linebacker
A defensive player positioned behind the front linemen whose role involves tackling the ball carrier, covering receivers, and rushing the quarterback, making them key in both run defense and pass coverage.
#11 Nose Tackle
A central defensive lineman in a 3-4 defensive alignment responsible for controlling the line of scrimmage, often by engaging multiple offensive linemen to prevent them from reaching linebackers.
#12 Offside
A penalty incurred when any part of a player’s body is beyond the line of scrimmage when the football is snapped, leading to a five-yard penalty against the offending team and a potential redo of the down.
#13 Punt
A strategic kick performed on the fourth down if the offensive team believes they are too far to score or attempt a field goal, aiming to push the opposing team farther back from their end zone.
#14 Quarterback Sneak
A play where the quarterback takes the snap and immediately rushes forward with the ball, usually in short-yardage situations or to catch the defense off guard, aiming for a quick gain of yards or a touchdown.
#15 Red Zone
The area of the football field between the 20-yard line and the goal line. Scoring opportunities are critical in this zone, where teams aim to execute plays that maximize their chances of scoring a touchdown or field goal.
#16 Sack
When a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, resulting in a loss of yards. Sacks are significant defensive plays that disrupt offensive strategies and can lead to lost downs.
#17 Safety
A safety is a scoring play that grants the defending team two points and occurs when an offensive player is tackled or commits a penalty in their own end zone. It is one of the rarest ways to score.
#18 Tackle
A fundamental defensive move, a tackle is when a player brings down the ball carrier, effectively stopping the play. It is the primary method for a defensive player to end the offensive team’s advance.
#19 Tight End
A hybrid position, the tight end serves as both a receiver and a blocker on offense. They line up on either side of the offensive line and are versatile, contributing to both the passing and running games.
#20 Touchdown
The most valuable scoring play in American football, worth six points, a touchdown occurs when a player carries the ball into or catches it within the opposing team’s end zone. It is followed by an extra point attempt or a two-point conversion.
#21 Two-point Conversion
After a touchdown, the scoring team can attempt to add two points by taking the ball into the end zone again from the two-yard line, instead of kicking the traditional one-point field goal.
#22 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
A penalty for behavior that violates the sport’s rules of fair play and sportsmanship, such as taunting or physically abusing an opponent; it results in a 15-yard penalty against the offending player’s team.
#23 Wildcat
An offensive formation in American football where the ball is snapped not to the quarterback but directly to a player in the backfield, usually a running back or wide receiver, who then runs, passes, or hands off the ball. This strategy can confuse defenses and leverage specific player skills.
#24 Yardage
The total number of yards gained or lost during plays in a football game. Offensive success is often measured in yardage, as moving the ball downfield is the objective to score.
#25 Zone defense
A defensive strategy where players cover specific areas of the field rather than marking individual opponents. It focuses on guarding spaces effectively to prevent offensive gains through teamwork and spatial awareness.
#26 Bootleg
A play where the quarterback fakes a handoff and hides the ball on their hip before running around the end of the line. It’s a deceptive tactic designed to confuse the defense and create opportunities for a pass or run.
#27 Chain gang
The sideline crew responsible for managing and positioning the yardage chains that measure the ten-yard distance for a first down. Their precise work ensures that the game runs fairly and smoothly.
#28 Fullback
A position in the offensive backfield primarily responsible for blocking for the running back. The fullback sometimes carries the ball on short runs and can serve as a receiver.
#29 Nickel defense
A defensive formation that uses five defensive backs instead of the standard four. It’s brought on to defend against the opponent’s passing game, especially in obvious passing situations.
#30 Pick six
Refers to an interception returned by the defense for a touchdown. It’s a game-changing play that not only prevents the offense from scoring but also adds points for the intercepting team.
FAQ
What is it called when the defense tackles an offensive player in their own end zone?
A safety. It is worth two points to the defending team, which then also receives the ball on a free kick. It is the rarest way to put points on the board.
What is a desperate pass in American football called?
A Hail Mary. The quarterback throws the ball as far as he can toward the end zone at the end of a half or a game, hoping a receiver comes down with it in a crowd.
What is it called when a defensive player catches a pass intended for a receiver?
An interception, or a pick. If the defender runs it back all the way for a touchdown, it is a pick six.
What does spilling mean in football terms?
Spilling is a defensive technique. Instead of taking on a blocker head-on, the defender wedges under him and forces the ball carrier away from the middle of the field and out toward the sideline, where help waits.
What is another name for the American football field?
The gridiron. The name comes from the grid of parallel yard lines painted across it, and it is still used for the sport itself as well as the field.
What is another word for the defense on a football team?
Broadcasters simply call it the D. Its parts have names of their own: the defensive line and linebackers together are the front seven, and the cornerbacks and safeties behind them are the secondary.
The vocabulary falls into groups: scoring (touchdown, field goal, safety, two-point conversion), plays (audible, blitz, bootleg, play action, screen pass), positions (linebacker, tight end, fullback, nose tackle) and the field itself (gridiron, red zone, end zone, line of scrimmage). The American football glossary above lists all of them together.
What are some American Football terms for beginners?
“Audible,” “Down,” and “End Zone” are some American Football terms beginners should start with. These include play changes, game progress, and scoring areas.
What are some funny American Football terms?
“Hail Mary” and “Punt” are some funny American Football terms that add levity; the former is a desperate, long pass, and the latter refers to kicking the ball away on fourth down.
What is a famous American Football phrase?
“It ain’t over till it’s over,” is a famous American Football phrase, often attributed to Yogi Berra, emphasizing the unpredictability and potential for comebacks in the sport.
