Welcome To Football 101 A-D

Here we will explain the genre of the game and keep you informed about the basics of the gridiron.

Audible: A play called by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage that changes the play called in the huddle. Also called an automatic.
Back: A member of the offensive backfield: the quarterback or either of the two running backs; also, a member of the defensive backfield; either of the two safeties or two cornerbacks.
Backfield: Offensive and defensive players who line up behind the linemen. (Exclusive of linebackers on defense.)
Balanced Line: A Formation in, which there is an equal number of linemen on either side of the center.
Birdcage: The facemask worn by linemen that feature extra horizontal and vertical bars.
Blind Side: The side away from which a player is looking.
Blitz: The headlong charge into the offensive backfield by one or more linebackers and defensive backs.
Block: To interfere with or otherwise prevent the movement of an opposing defensive player. Also, to clear opposing players out of the path of the ball carrier.
Buttonhook: A pass route in which the receiver heads straight down field, then abruptly turns back toward the line of scrimmage.
Center: The member of the offensive team who plays in the middle of the line and snaps the ball back between his legs to the quarterback, kicker, or holder.
Chain Crew: The group of three assistants to the officials who handle the first down measuring chain and the down box.
Cheap Shot: An act of deliberate violence against an opponent, and one that is committed when the opponent is not expecting it and is not able to defend himself.
Check Off: To change a play at the line of scrimmage by calling an audible.
Clip: To block an opponent from behind, usually across the back of the legs. Clipping is illegal and results in a 15-yard penalty.
Clothesline: To strike an opponent, often a pass receiver breaking down field, across the face or neck with an extended forearm. Clothes lining is illegal.
Coin Toss: The ceremony before a game in which a coin is flipped to decide which team will receive the kickoff. The team that loses the toss is permitted to designate which goal it wishes to defend.
Completion: A forward pass that is caught by a receiver. Also called a reception.
Cornerback: Either one of the two defensive backs who plays behind and to the outside of the linebackers, and whose duties include defending against passes and stopping running plays to the outside.
Cover: To defend an area or position.
Cud, Cud In: A pass route in which the receiver runs down field, then turns back toward the line of scrimmage.
Cut: To make a quick change of direction in an effort to elude an opponent. Also, to drop a prospective player from a roster or team.
Dead: Out of play. Said of a ball.
Defend: To attempt to prevent the opposition from scoring.
Defensive Back: Any one of the four members of the defensive backfield-the two safeties and the two cornerbacks that are positioned behind the linebackers. It's the job of the defensive backs to defend against passes and give support on running plays.
Down: Any of a series of four plays during which time a team must advance at least 10 yards in order to keep possession of the ball.
Down And In: A pass route, in which the receiver runs straight down field, then cuts sharply toward the middle of the field.
Down And Out: A pass route, in which the receiver runs down field, then cuts sharply toward the sideline.
Down Box, Down Indicator: A metal rod approximately seven feet in length on which is mounted a set of four cards numbered 1 to 4 which are used to keep track of the number of the down being played. The rod is placed along the sideline to mark where the ball is spotted.
Draw Play: An offensive play in which the quarterback drops back as if to pass (drawing the defensive linemen), but then slips the ball to a running back who shifts his way down field through the onrushing defenders to and down.
Drop Kick: A kick made by dropping the ball and kicking it just as it rebounds.