Spectator's Primer: Football Terms

You say football is hard to understand? Well, here's a quick outline of some of the common terms you may see and hear during the Super Bowl.

Terms

Line of scrimmage: One of two imaginary lines, each of which passes through a tip of the ball and runs parallel to the goal lines. Opposing teams line up on these lines at the beginning of each play.

Snap: The action of the center in which he hands or passes the ball back between his legs to the quarterback, ballholder, or punter to begin a play.

Down: An offensive play which begins with a center snap and ends when the ball becomes dead. You are given four downs to move the ball at least 10 yards. By getting 10 yards you are awarded a first down, which gives you four more attempts at another first down.

Field Goal: A place kick that goes through the uprights and is worth three points. A field goal may be attempted from anywhere on the field. A team generally tries a field goal when they have failed to achieve a first down and are within a distance close enough for the kicker.

Extra Point: Extra points are earned after a touchdown. One point can be earned by kicking the ball through the uprights (looks kinda like a field goal). Two points are earned by passing or running the ball across the goal line.

Punt: A team punts when it has failed to achieve a first down and is too far away for a field goal.

Fair Catch: This a catch of a punted ball. If the receiver feels he is about to get creamed by a tackler, he may signal a fair catch by raising his hand. He may not be hit by opposition nor may he advance the ball.

Touchback: When a team receives a kick in their own end zone, they can elect to kneel down signaling a touchback. Play then begins from the receiving team's 20 yard line.

Interception: A forward pass caught by the defense (which then becomes offense).

Now that you know the terms, learn about the penalties.

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