ARENA FOOTBALL GLOSSARY

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National Football League

the largest professional American football league.

neutral zone

the region between the lines of scrimmage or between the free kick restraining lines

nickel back

an extra, or fifth, defensive back. Named after the coin, worth five cents. Popularized by the Miami Dolphins in the 1970s, now common.

no-huddle offense

a tactic wherein the offense quickly forms near the line of scrimmage without huddling before the next play.

nose tackle

a tackle in a 3-man defensive line who lines up "opposite the center's nose".

offside

an infraction of the rule that requires both teams to be on their own side of their restraining line as or before the ball is put play.

one back formation

a formation where the offensive team has one running back in the backfield with the quarterback. Other eligible receivers are near the line of scrimmage.

onside kick

a play in which the kicking team tries to recover the kicked ball.

option

Usually, a type of play in which the quarterback has the option of handing off, keeping, or laterally passing to one or more backs. Often described by a type of formation or play action, such as triple option, veer option, or counter option. Teams running option plays often specialize in them.

Less often, a play in which a back may either pass or run

pass interference

when a player illegally hinders an eligible receiver's opportunity to catch forward pass.

passing play

a play in which a forward pass is made

place kick

kicking the ball from where it has been placed stationary on the ground or, where legal, on a tee.

play

the action between the snap of the ball, and the end of play signaled by the official's whistle for a tackle or out of bounds

the plan of action the offensive team has for each snap, for example a running play or pass play

Play action

a tactic in which the quarterback fakes either a handoff or a throw in order to draw the defense away from the intended offensive method

Play clock

a timer used to increase the pace of the game between plays. The offensive team must snap the ball before the time expires. Currently, the NFL uses 40 seconds (25 seconds after a time out).

pocket

an area on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage, where the offensive linemen attempt to prevent the defensive players from reaching the quarterback during passing plays

position

a place where a player plays relative to teammates, and/or a role filled by that player

prevent defense

a defensive strategy that utilizes deep zone coverage in order to prevent a big pass play from happening downfield, usually at the expense of giving up yards at shorter distances. Often used against hail mary plays, or at the end of the game when the defending team is protecting a lead. Disparaged by many fans. John Madden, legendary player, coach, and commentator, has been quoted as saying, "The only thing a prevent defense prevents is a win."

pulling

a term used to describe an offensive lineman who, instead of blocking the player in front of him, steps back and moves down the line("pulls") to block another player, usually in a "trap" or "sweep."

punt

a kick in which the ball is dropped and kicked before it reaches the ground. Used to give up the ball to the opposition after offensive downs have been used, as far down the field as possible.

punter

a kicker who specializes in punts as opposed to kickoffs or field goals.

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ARENA FOOTBALL GLOSSARY