Down (American and Canadian Football) - Terminology

Terminology

• 1st & 10: First down with 10 yards to go for a new first down. This is the usual starting point for a possession. On occasion the yards to go may be a number other than 10, due to a penalty calling for both moving the ball backwards or forwards (depending on whether the penalty is against the offense or the defense respectively) and replaying the down.
• 2nd & 5: Second down with 5 yards to go. Similarly, 2nd and 10, 3rd and 2, etc.
• 3rd & long: In American football, third down with an unspecified but significant distance to go (usually over 7 or 8 yards). Often used as a metaphor for a desperate situation that demands risky actions be taken. The corresponding Canadian football term is 2nd and long. 3rd and long is also a time that is likely to produce a pass play. 2nd and long is also sometimes used in American football when over 10 yards, as a result of a loss of yardage (such as via a quarterback sack) or a penalty.
• 3rd & 1: Third down with one yard to go. This is often used in tense situations in Canadian football where the offense is tempted to scrimmage the ball rather than kick for a chance to get another first down. A similar term used in American football is 4th & inches. If the ball is deemed too close to visually determine whether or not a first down has been achieved, the official chain crew will be brought onto the field for a measurement.
• 1st & goal: First down, where the goal line is the line to gain, for example, 1st and goal on the 8 yard line. A team cannot make another first down (barring a defensive penalty) without actually scoring. Similarly, "2nd and goal", etc.
• down by contact: When a player with possession of the ball is made to touch the ground (other than hands or feet) by a defensive player; for example, if the ball-carrier slips and falls, he can get up and continue, but if he was pushed by a defensive player, he is said to be down by contact and the play is dead. This term is only applicable to professional football; in college and high-school football, the play ends when the player with possession goes down for any reason. The kneeling holder of a place kick attempt is not considered down even though normally a player with the ball who touches a knee to the ground is considered down.
• turnover on downs: Failure to make a new first down on the final (4th) down.
• 4th & ballgame: Informal term referring to the late-game situation where the team with the ball is losing and has reached 4th down, and failure to convert that 4th down will seal the outcome by being either the final play before the clock runs out, or a turnover would allow the winning team to run out the clock.