1. Backfield

The area of the field behind the line of scrimmage where the quarterback and running backs line up.

 

2. Blitz

A defensive strategy where players rush the quarterback immediately after the ball is snapped.

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3. Center

The offensive player who snaps the ball to the quarterback to start a play.

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4. Completion

A successful forward pass that is caught by a receiver.

 

5. Conversion

An attempt to earn extra points after a touchdown, typically worth 1 or 2 points depending on the league rules.

 

6. Defensive Back

A player who primarily covers receivers and defends against passes.

 

7. Down

A play attempt in which the offense tries to advance the ball. A team typically has four downs to reach a new set of downs.

 

8. End Zone

The area at both ends of the field where touchdowns are scored.

 

9. Extra Point

Additional points that can be scored after a touchdown by running or passing the ball into the end zone.

 

10. Flag Guarding

A penalty that occurs when a ball carrier uses their hands or arms to prevent a defender from pulling their flag.

 

11. Fumble

A loss of possession when the ball carrier drops the ball. Unlike tackle football, fumbles are usually considered dead balls in flag football.

 

12. Handoff

The act of passing the ball to a teammate by placing it directly into their hands.

 

13. Interception

A pass caught by a defensive player, resulting in a change of possession.

 

14. Line of Scrimmage

The imaginary line where the ball is placed before each play, separating the offense and defense.

 

15. Man-to-Man Defense

A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for covering a specific offensive player.

 

16. Offside

A penalty that occurs when a player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.

 

17. Pass Rush

The defensive attempt to pressure the quarterback into making a quick decision.

 

18. Pick Play

An offensive maneuver where one player intentionally obstructs a defender to free up a teammate.

 

19. Quarterback (QB)

The player who leads the offense, throws passes, and makes strategic decisions.

 

20. Red Zone

The area inside the 20-yard line where the offense has a higher chance of scoring.

 

21. Route

A predetermined path that a receiver runs to get open for a pass.

 

22. Sack

When a quarterback is tagged behind the line of scrimmage before throwing the ball.

 

23. Safety

A defensive position responsible for deep pass coverage or a rare scoring play where the offensive team is downed in their own end zone.

 

24. Screen Pass

A short pass behind the line of scrimmage where blockers help create running space for the receiver.

 

25. Snap

The action of the center passing the ball to the quarterback to begin a play.

 

26. Touchdown (TD)

A scoring play worth six points, achieved when the ball crosses into the opponent’s end zone.

 

27. Turnover

A change of possession due to an interception or a failed fourth-down attempt.

 

28. Zone Defense

A defensive strategy where players are responsible for covering specific areas of the field instead of individual players.

 

29. Audible

A last-second change in the play called by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage.

 

30. Double Pass

A play where the ball is thrown twice, with the first pass being a backward or lateral pass.

 

31. Huddle

A gathering of the offensive or defensive players to discuss the next play.

 

32. Lateral

A backward pass thrown to a teammate.

 

33. No-Run Zone

A designated area near the end zone where teams are not allowed to run the ball.

 

34. Out Route

A passing route where the receiver runs straight and then cuts toward the sideline.

 

35. Pick-Six

An interception returned for a touchdown.

 

36. Post Route

A passing route where the receiver runs straight and then cuts diagonally toward the middle of the field.

 

37. Punt

A kick used to give up possession of the ball on fourth down (not always used in flag football).

 

38. Rush Line

The designated distance from the line of scrimmage where defensive players must start before rushing the quarterback.

 

39. Shovel Pass

A short, underhand forward pass.

 

40. Slant Route

A passing route where the receiver runs forward and then cuts at an angle toward the middle of the field.

 

41. Stiff Arm

A move where the ball carrier extends their arm to push away a defender (often illegal in flag football).

 

42. Swing Pass

A short pass thrown to a running back moving laterally from the quarterback.

 

43. Tipped Pass

A ball that is touched by a defender or another player before being caught.

 

44. Wide Receiver

A player who specializes in catching passes and running routes.

 

45. Yards After Catch (YAC)

The distance a receiver gains after making a reception.

 

46. Yards After Contact (YAC)

The distance a ball carrier gains after initial contact from a defender.

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47. Z Receiver

A wide receiver who lines up off the line of scrimmage and often goes in motion before the play.

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48. Boundary Lines

The outer lines marking the playing field's perimeter, including sidelines and end zones.

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49. Line of Scrimmage

(LOS) an imaginary line running through the point of the football and across the width of the field.

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50. Line-to-Gain

The yard line the offense must reach for a first down.

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51.Rush Line

An imaginary line 7 yards from the line of scrimmage on the defense's side. Offense The team with possession of the ball.

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52. Defense

The team trying to stop the offense and regain possession.

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53. Passer

Any offensive player who throws the ball, not just the quarterback. Rusher The defensive player who starts from the rush line and tries to pressure the quarterback by either pulling flags or blocking passes.

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54. Live Ball

Refers to the period of time that the play is in action. Generally used in regard to penalties. 

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55. Live Ball

​Penalties are considered part of the play and must be enforced before the down is considered complete.

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56. Dead Ball

The time between plays when no action is occurring.

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57. Whistle

Official's signal to stop play for timeouts, end of plays, or game periods. Inadvertent Whistle An official’s whistle that is sounded in error.

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58. Charging

When a ball-carrier illegally runs directly into a set defensive player. This includes leading with the head or making contact with shoulder, forearm, or chest.

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59. Flag Guarding

An illegal act when the ball-carrier tries to block defenders from pulling their flags - whether by stiff-arming, dropping their elbow/head, or using the ball itself as a shield