Empty white book.

Glossary:

Field Geography:

  • The Box:The area near the line of scrimmage between the offensive and defensive linemen.
  • Line of ScrimmageThe invisible line where the ball is placed, often indicated by a yellow line in the NFL.
  • End Zone: the 10-yard area at opposite ends of the field.
  • Red ZoneThe area between the opponent’s 20-yard line and the endzone

Personnel & Positions:

  • The Mike: The middle linebacker the leader of the defense.
  • Edge Rusher: A player aligned on the outside of the line of scrimmage, whose primary job is to contain and get to the quarterback.
  • Skill Positions:: Players who generally handle the ball usually quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.

Scheme & Strategy:

  • Audible:A change to the play call by the quarterback after reading the defense post huddle.
  • Blitz: A defensive strategy where other players, besides the usual four linemen, rush the quarterback.
  • Zone Coverage:A defensive scheme where each player is designated as a specific area of the field to cover.
  • Man Coverage: A defensive scheme where each player is designated a specif offensive player to guard.

Game Actions:

  • Snap:The action of the Center passing the ball between their legs to the quarterback.
  • Pancake:When an offensive lineman blocks a defender so effectively the defender ends flat on their back.
  • Pocket:The protected area formed by the offensive linemen around the quarterback during a pass play.
  • Touchback:When the ball is kicked into or goes into the end zone on a kickoff or punt, resulting in the receiving team starting at their own 25 yard line.

Common Penalties:

  • False Start:When an offensive player moves after being set in their stance, but before the ball is snapped. (5-yard penalty)
  • Offsides:When a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage and contacts a offensive player before the snap. (5-yard penalty)
  • Delay of Game: when the offense fails to snap the ball before the play clock expires. (5-yard penalty)
  • Holding:When a player illegally grabs or pulls an opponent to impede their movement. (10-yard penalty)
  • Face Mask: When a player grabs the face mask of an opposing player while attempting to block or tackle. (15-yard penalty)