It’s Sunday afternoon, you’re with your friends, and the Detroit Lions are playing their division rival, the Green Bay Packers. As you watch the game, you sit back and think to yourself, “this game would be so much better if I had an idea of what is going on.”
Because of the complexity of football, many people often find themselves in this situation. Some people’s lack of sports knowledge may cause them to dread watching football because of the fear of being judged or teased about their ignorance.
Although football can be confusing at times, the following terminology will make you better equipped to enjoy this all-American pastime.
Offensive terminology
1. Extra Point: Many people who are unfamiliar with football often confuse an extra point with a field goal kick. An extra point is worth one point, and can only be attempted after a touchdown (6 points) has been scored.
2. Field goal kick: A field goal kick is worth 3 points and can be attempted anytime while the team is on offense.
3. Fair catch: A fair catch takes place on a kickoff or punt return. In this situation, the return man for the offense waves their hand in the air to signal that the player will not return the kick. Once the player catches the ball, the referee blows the whistle to signal that the play is over.
4. Touchback: A touchback comes off of a punt of kickoff return when the football bounces into the back of the end zone. Once the ball lands, the whistle will blow, and the ball will be placed at the offense’s twenty yard line.
Defensive terminology
1. A sack: As defenses continue to improve, the word “sack” is becoming used more and more. A sack is when a defensive player is able to tackle the quarterback on the offense before he is able to get the ball to another offensive player.
2. Safety: A safety is one of the rarest plays in football and is worth 2 points. When the offense is tackled in their end zone, it’s called a safety. Not only does the opposing team receive 2 points, but they also get the ball back.
3. Face masking: A face masking penalty is exactly what it sounds like. Face masking is simply when the defensive player grabs, twists, or pulls on the offensive player in order to tackle him. The amount of penalty yards the defense gives up depends upon the severity of the facemask. If the penalty was committed accidently and the defensive player releases the facemask, it’s only a five yard penalty for the defense. However, if the defensive player twists and holds on to the facemask to tackle the offensive player, it’s a fifteen yard penalty.
Neutral terminology
1. Pass interference: Pass interference can be called on the offensive or defensive player. Pass interference is essentially pushing or tripping up an opposing player, and doesn’t allow the player to catch the football.
2. Offside: A player is offside when any part of their body is over the line of scrimmage. Similar to offsides, Encroachment is another common penalty. Encroachment is when one player touches an opposing player before the play begins.
3. Special Teams: Special teams is the name of the unit that comes on the field to punt or kickoff the ball, receive the ball on a punt or kick, and for field goal attempts.
Although these aren’t all the terms of football, these terms will help you understand and enjoy watching the sport much more. Not only will you understand what big plays happen when you watch a game next fall, these terms will also help impress your significant other while watching the game.
Photo credit
Sources