American Football Terms To Know | Practice Test / Quiz / MCQs

Home > Trivia > Quizzes > American Football Terms To Know

American Football Terms To Know

Fast practice, instant feedback. Timer auto-submits when time’s up.

Avg score: 3% • Most missed: “scramble”

Study First Challenge a Friend Stats

American Football Terms To Know

Time left 00:00

25 Questions

1. touchback

the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.when a player touches the ball without successfully holding it. For example, a punt returner may bobble the ball and let it hit the ground without ever actually managing to grab it. Like a fumble, the other team is allowed to recover a muffed ball to cause a turnover.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.

2. coffin corner kick

happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.when a player touches the ball without successfully holding it. For example, a punt returner may bobble the ball and let it hit the ground without ever actually managing to grab it. Like a fumble, the other team is allowed to recover a muffed ball to cause a turnover.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.

3. pocket

happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.when a player touches the ball without successfully holding it. For example, a punt returner may bobble the ball and let it hit the ground without ever actually managing to grab it. Like a fumble, the other team is allowed to recover a muffed ball to cause a turnover.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.

4. muff

when a player touches the ball without successfully holding it. For example, a punt returner may bobble the ball and let it hit the ground without ever actually managing to grab it. Like a fumble, the other team is allowed to recover a muffed ball to cause a turnover.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.

5. cornerback

happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.a defensive position that is usually positioned in the middle of the defense between the linebackers and safeties. Typically, they either play man coverage or they watch a specific area (zone) of the field. They often have to make decisions on the fly depending on what happens during a play.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.

6. special teams

refers to the players who are on the field during kicking plays - e.g kickers and punters.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.

7. man coverage

a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.pass coverage in which a defensive player is assigned to a specific offensive player. The defending player’s main job is to prevent that specific offensive player from successively catching the ball or making a big play.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.

8. Hail Mary

the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.a desperate pass in which a quarterback hurls the ball many yards down the field and hopes one of his receivers jumps up to catch it.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.

9. huddle

happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.the ring of offensive or defensive players that gather in between plays to decide what they are going to do when the next play starts.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.

10. safety

the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.has two meanings in football.
1. A scoring play in which an offensive player is tackled in their own end zone, which awards the defending team two points.
2. The name of a defensive positional player who is usually lined up the furthest back from the line of scrimmage.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.

11. tight end

an offensive position that acts as a blend of a lineman and a wide receiver. Usually physically larger players who can block defensive rushers, but are also legally able to catch passes.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.

12. ice the kicker

the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.when a coach calls a timeout before the kicker is able to kick a field goal. The thought process behind this move is that the kicker has to think longer about the kick and may be more likely to make a mistake when they eventually have to kick the ball.

13. squib kick

the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.a short, low kick that usually bounces along the ground before being caught. This is kicked short so that the kicking team has the numbers advantage and can easily tackle whoever picks up the ball.

14. two-point conversion

refers to the two-point attempt a team is allowed to make after scoring a touchdown. To get the two extra points, the offense must successfully reach the end zone in a single play starting a short distance from the end zone.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.

15. sack

happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.when a quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage while still in possession of the ball.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.

16. line of scrimmage

a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.the imaginary invisible line that extends from an unsnapped ball to the two sides of the field. Neither team is allowed to cross this line until the ball is snapped and play begins.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.

17. O-line

happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.short for offensive line, are the five players who line up in front of the quarterback and are assigned the job of protecting them from tacklers. According to the rules, these are typically only allowed to block defenders and cannot run the ball or catch passes.

18. flea flicker

happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.an unusual offensive play that occurs in three stages. First, the quarterback hands the ball off to a running back. Second, the running back laterals the ball backwards to the quarterback. Finally, the quarterback passes the ball to a receiver. A risky trick play designed to try to confuse the defense.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.

19. blitz

a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.a high-risk play in which the defense sends more players than normal to try to tackle the ball carrier. happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.

20. PAT

the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.“point after touchdown” and “an extra point.”
After scoring a touchdown, a team is allowed to either try for one or two extra points. To score a single extra point, the PAT, the team’s kicker must successfully make a kick.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.

21. wildcat

an unusual offensive formation in which the ball is snapped to another offensive player besides the quarterback. Can often result in very unusual situations, such as a quarterback catching a touchdown pass.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.

22. fumble

a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.to fumble the ball means to lose hold of it after having grabbed or carried it. The other team is allowed to pick up the loose ball, which is a turnover.

23. pick six

a scoring play in which a defending player intercepts a pass and returns it for a touchdown.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.

24. lateral

the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.a maneuver in which a player tosses the ball to another player that is either parallel to them or behind them. Unlike a forward pass, this can legally be performed by any player, including defensive players and players returning kicks.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.

25. shotgun

an offensive formation where the quarterback is positioned a distance away from the center rather than right behind them. Often used in passing plays because the quarterback is positioned further away from the defense and will have more time to pass the ball once the play starts.the physical space that the quarterback has to move while attempting to throw the ball. After a play begins, the offensive linemen often move backward to form a horseshoe-like shape around the quarterback while they protect them. The linemen are trying to prevent a defensive player from getting into this area and tackling the quarterback.a punt in which the punter tries to kick the ball out of bounds at the corner of the field next to the end zone. The goal of this kick is to try to ensure the opposing team has to move nearly the entire length of the field to score a touchdown.happens when either a punt/kick travels behind the end zone with no chance to be caught or a kick-receiving player voluntarily kneels down in their own end zone immediately after catching a kicked ball. In either case, the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line before the next play begins.

⚡ Recently practiced quizzes in this topic

Live quiz activity

U.S. Presidents Trivia Quiz The Impossible Quiz Answers Biscuit Trivia Quiz Oil & Gas Trivia Quiz 'Who am I?' Football Quiz Questions General Knowledge Trivia Questions Online Quiz League (OQL) Question Bank Technology Trivia Quiz Mothers Day Quiz 2 Food Trivia Questions

25 Questions

❤ If you liked Fatskills, consider supporting us by checking out The Life Manuals You Never Got.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | OSHA Basics Quiz | What Should We Know?
Privacy | Terms |

Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
© 2026 Fatskills.com

All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.

25 Questions

❤ If you liked Fatskills, consider supporting us by checking out The Life Manuals You Never Got.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | OSHA Basics Quiz | What Should We Know? Privacy | Terms |

Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson© 2026 Fatskills.com

All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | OSHA Basics Quiz | What Should We Know?
Privacy | Terms |

Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
© 2026 Fatskills.com