WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO DOWN A FOOTBALL?

Down is one of the most important ideas in football, and a down is just another word for “play.” On each down, a piece is formed.

THERE ARE 4 DOWNS

The offensive team has four declines or games to score or win 10 yards. If the team wins 10 yards, the declines will start again. If they do not win 10 yards after the fourth attempt, the opposing team gets possession of the football at the tackle. Each down is called by its name or number: First, second, third, and fourth down.

PLAYS EVERY DOWN

To start football, hike from the middle of the quarterback. From there, the quarterback can run with the football, hand it out to another player as a fullback, or throw the ball to another player as a wide receiver. The down or the game is over when the player with the football is tackled, goes off the field of play, or a team scores a goal. The next relegation round starts when the player is attacked or goes outside the playing field.

FOURTH DOWN

The offensive team’s final attempt to gain 10 yards is the fourth attempt. If they do not reach the 10-yard line, the other team gives the ball. There are a few possibilities: Take a Chance: A football team might choose to play a standard game and try to win 10 yards on the fourth try. If they don’t, the ball is passed to the other team at the tackle. This can provide them with a great field position in various circumstances. Kick a field goal: If a football team is close enough, they will kick a field goal for three points. If they miss, the ball is given to the opposing team when it was seen on the fourth try. Fact: A football squad will frequently choose to bet. They kick the ball down to the opposing team as far as possible and then try to tackle the player who collects it. The team loses the ball by tipping, but they gain field position.

TO SPEAK LINGO

When declines are described, the number is followed by how many yards remain. So the typical first decline will be described as “first and ten.” That means it’s first down, and there are 10 yards left to get the next first down. When someone says “fourth and 1”, this means it’s the fourth attempt, and there is 1 yard left to get another first attempt.