After a play is called on the sideline, a quarterback can change the play after the offense is set up depending on what he anticipates the defense doing. The quarterback will often shout the change to [..]

When an unusual number of defensive players, usually linebackers, go after the quarterback throwing the ball rather than staying in the backfield waiting to see where the quarterback throws it. A blit [..]

Often referred when a punter kicks the ball out of bounds between the opponents' end zone and 5-yard line. It is named "coffin corner" because of the difficulty of the punt and the fact [..]

A type of defensive formation where six defensive backs are used instead of the normal four. Dime packages are used only in obvious passing situations to maximize coverage.

When a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage and makes contact with an offensive player before the play begins. Encroachment often occurs when a defensive player tries to anticipate when the [..]

During a kick or a punt, the return specialist can signal for a fair catch and be allowed to catch the football without the threat of being tackled. If a fair catch is signaled, a returner cannot adva [..]

A special teams player who often lines up near the sideline and is trained to race downfield after a kick or punt and tackle the return specialist as quickly as possible.

When a defensive player catches a ball intended for an offensive player. An interception results in a change of possession.

Most commonly defined as when a ball carrier throws the ball to a teammate. A team is allowed one forward lateral (a pass) per play, but there is no limit to the number of backward laterals allowed.

In a 4-3 defense