Post by Coach Campbell on Sept 27, 2005 17:53:55 GMT
Gaining yardage
Moving the ball upfield 10 yards is done by a series of 'plays' by the offensive team. The coach will deliver strategies to the quarterback who is effectively the team leader.
The simplest way to gain yards is to throw the ball through the air to the receiver. When the ball is caught by the receiver, it is called a 'completion', but the receiver must be in bounds (on the field), and must have both feet on the ground.
Another way is for the quarterback to pass the ball to the half back or running back who will run forward with the ball. This is called the running game. This is effective when running into the defensive pocket (finding a gap in the defense and running through it), or by a sweep (when the running back takes the ball from the quarterback and 'sweeps' around the scrimmage).
Only one member of the offensive team is allowed to move just before the snap, and even then, is only allowed to move parallel with or away from the line of scrimmage.
A player attempting to catch a pass cannot be blocked or interfered with. The ball can be intercepted. Accidentally interfering is not against the rules, although it is of course difficult for the official to judge it.
When a pass receiver makes a catch and goes downfield, they cannot be blocked after they have gone five yards. Tackling is allowed.
A receiver can make a catch, and then step out of bounds. Play would restart at a point level with where the player went out.
Not every player is allowed to receive a pass. The offensive linemen, the center, the guards and the tackles are known as ineligible receivers for this reason. Ineligible receivers cannot move downfield until the ball has been passed.
If the receiver and a defender both catch a pass at the same time, the pass is said to have been completed and the receiver keeps possession.
Fair catch kick
After a fair catch, the receiving team has the option to put the ball in play by a snap or a fair catch kick (field goal attempt), with fair catch kick lines being ten yards apart. The same rules apply as for a field goal attempt from scrimmage.
The clock starts when the ball is kicked. There is no tee or placeholder allowed for the ball. If playing time ends while the ball is still in play and a fair catch is awarded, the receiving team can decide whether to continue the period with one fair catch kick down.
Moving the ball upfield 10 yards is done by a series of 'plays' by the offensive team. The coach will deliver strategies to the quarterback who is effectively the team leader.
The simplest way to gain yards is to throw the ball through the air to the receiver. When the ball is caught by the receiver, it is called a 'completion', but the receiver must be in bounds (on the field), and must have both feet on the ground.
Another way is for the quarterback to pass the ball to the half back or running back who will run forward with the ball. This is called the running game. This is effective when running into the defensive pocket (finding a gap in the defense and running through it), or by a sweep (when the running back takes the ball from the quarterback and 'sweeps' around the scrimmage).
Only one member of the offensive team is allowed to move just before the snap, and even then, is only allowed to move parallel with or away from the line of scrimmage.
A player attempting to catch a pass cannot be blocked or interfered with. The ball can be intercepted. Accidentally interfering is not against the rules, although it is of course difficult for the official to judge it.
When a pass receiver makes a catch and goes downfield, they cannot be blocked after they have gone five yards. Tackling is allowed.
A receiver can make a catch, and then step out of bounds. Play would restart at a point level with where the player went out.
Not every player is allowed to receive a pass. The offensive linemen, the center, the guards and the tackles are known as ineligible receivers for this reason. Ineligible receivers cannot move downfield until the ball has been passed.
If the receiver and a defender both catch a pass at the same time, the pass is said to have been completed and the receiver keeps possession.
Fair catch kick
After a fair catch, the receiving team has the option to put the ball in play by a snap or a fair catch kick (field goal attempt), with fair catch kick lines being ten yards apart. The same rules apply as for a field goal attempt from scrimmage.
The clock starts when the ball is kicked. There is no tee or placeholder allowed for the ball. If playing time ends while the ball is still in play and a fair catch is awarded, the receiving team can decide whether to continue the period with one fair catch kick down.