NFL Football Glossary

Astroturf:
an artificial surface used instead of grass on many football fields.

audible:
verbal commands shouted by the quarterback to his teammates at the line of scrimmage to change a play on short notice.

backfield:
the area behind the line of scrimmage .

backs:
the running backs; the halfback and the fullback.

ball carrier:
any player who has possession of the ball.

beat:
when a player gets past an opponent trying to block or tackle him.

blackout:
when a regional network TV affiliate is forbidden from showing a local game because it is not sold out.

blitz:
a play where the defensive team sends players rushing towards the line of scrimmage as soon as the ball is snapped to try to sack the quarterback .

blocking:
the act of preventing a defensive player from getting to the ball carrier ; blockers use their arms and bodies but may not hold an opponent.

bomb:
a long pass thrown to a receiver sprinting down the field.

bowl game:
a college football game played in late-December or early-January, after the regular season, between two successful teams.

bump-and-run:
a technique used by pass defenders , where they hit a receiver once within 5 yards (1 yard in college) of the line of scrimmage to slow him down, and then follow him to prevent him from catching a pass.

call a play:
instruct players to execute a pre-planned play.

clipping:
blocking an opponent below the waist from behind; this illegal block is a personal foul , punishable by a 15-yard penalty.

complete pass:
a forward pass to a teammate who catches it in the air.

conferences:
groups into which teams are divided in professional and college football; the NFL is divided into National and American Conferences.

controlling the game clock:
the use of tactics by an offensive team to either save or use up time on the game clock, which often dictates its choice of plays.

cover or coverage:
preventing a player from gaining yards; in pass coverage, a defender follows a receiver to prevent him from catching a pass; in kick coverage, members of the kicking team try to prevent a long kick return .

cut back:
a sudden change in direction taken by a to make it more difficult for defenders to follow and tackle him.

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