American Football Terms: Full List Updated 2023

Are American Football terms difficult to understand? In this article from Wikifootball.net, you get the full list of American Football terms with definitions that help you learn this sport so quickly. 

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What is American Football?

American Football is a sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The object of the game is to score points by advancing the ball into the opponent’s end zone, either by carrying the ball or throwing it to a teammate. The team with possession of the ball, known as the offense, has four downs, or opportunities, to advance the ball 10 yards. 

If they are successful, they receive a new set of four downs. 

If they fail, possession of the ball goes to the other team, known as the defense. 

Points can also be scored by kicking the ball through the opponent’s goalposts for a field goal. The game is played on a rectangular field, with the length of the field typically around 100 yards and the width around 160 feet. American Football is a popular sport in the United States and is played at the amateur and professional level.

What is the American football term? 

As American football is different from general football/ soccer, it has a unique set of terms and terminology used to describe various aspects of the sport. The terms can describe actions on the field, positions, rules, and plays. Understanding these terms is important for fully comprehending the game of American Football.

List of American football terms

Common American football terms

1. Touchdown: when an offensive player carries the ball into the end zone or catches a pass in the end zone. Learn more what is touchdown in football. 
2. Interception: when a defensive player catches a pass intended for an offensive player
3. Fumble: when a player loses control of the ball while carrying it
4. Sack: when a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage
5. Field goal: when a player kicks the ball through the opponent’s goalposts
6. Safety: when a defensive player tackles an offensive player in their own end zone
7. Blitz: a defensive tactic in which extra players rush the quarterback
8. Route: a predetermined pattern run by a receiver to get open for a pass
9. Snap: the action of the center hiking the ball to the quarterback to start a play
10. End around: an offensive play in which a player takes a handoff and runs in the opposite direction of the rest of the offense
11. Audible: a change made by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage to a different play than the one that was called in the huddle

Offense

1. Quarterback (QB): the leader of the offense who takes the snap and makes decisions on where to throw the ball
2. Running back (RB): a player who runs with the ball
3. Wide receiver (WR): a player who runs routes to catch passes from the quarterback
4. Tight end (TE): a player who can both block and catch passes
5. Offensive line (OL): the five players who protect the quarterback and open holes for the running back
6. Huddle: a gathering of players to hear the play call before the snap
7. Scrimmage: the line of scrimmage, where the ball is placed before the start of each play
8. Play call: the signal given by the quarterback to start the play

Defense

1. Linebacker (LB): a defensive player responsible for stopping the run and covering receivers
2. Defensive back (DB): a player responsible for covering receivers and defending against the pass
3. Defensive end (DE): a player who rushes the quarterback and defends against the run
4. Defensive tackle (DT): a player who helps stop the run and pressures the quarterback
5. Cornerback (CB): a defensive back who covers receivers on the outside
6. Safety (S): a defensive back responsible for covering the deep part of the field
7. Nickelback: a defensive back who comes onto the field in passing situations
8. Dimeback: a defensive back who comes onto the field in passing situations, replacing a linebacker

Special Teams

1. Kickoff: a play that starts a half or after a score, where the kicking team kicks the ball to the receiving team
2. Punter (P): a player who kicks the ball on fourth down to the opposing team
3. Kicker (K): a player who kicks field goals and extra points
4. Long snapper: a player who snaps the ball on punts and field goals
5. Returner: a player who returns kicks and punts

Officials

1. Referee: the head official who makes the final call on most penalties and rule interpretations
2. Umpire: an official responsible for positioning themselves to watch for low blocks and the line of scrimmage
3. Linesman: an official responsible for marking the line of scrimmage and assisting with measuring for first downs
4. Side judge: an official who watches for fouls on the side of the field opposite the referee
5. Field judge: an official who watches for fouls on the side of the field opposite the umpire
6. Back judge: an official who watches for fouls in the end zone and deep part of the field
7. Head linesman: an official responsible for marking the line of scrimmage and determining the spot of the ball.

Also read: 

1. German football terms
2. Spanish Football Terms
3. Football terms in Italian

Benefits of learning American football terms

Learning American football terms can bring numerous benefits, both for fans of the sport and for those looking to develop a deeper understanding of the game. Here are some of the key benefits:

Improved Understanding: Having a comprehensive knowledge of American football terms can help you better understand the strategies, plays, and tactics used by teams during games. This can enhance the overall viewing experience and make it easier to follow the action on the field.

Increased Engagement: Knowing the terminology used in the sport can make it more enjoyable to follow and talk about American football with other fans. This can lead to increased engagement and a deeper connection with the sport.

Improved Analysis: Understanding the technical terms used in American football can help you analyze the game more effectively. This can help you appreciate the nuances of the sport and better understand what makes certain players or teams successful.

Enhanced Communication: If you are a coach or player, having a solid grasp of American football terms can help you communicate more effectively with your team, as well as with officials and other coaches.

Career Advancement: Knowing the terms used in American football can be beneficial for those looking to pursue a career in sports journalism, coaching, or broadcasting. A comprehensive understanding of the sport can help you stand out and become a more knowledgeable and effective professional.

Learning American football terms can bring numerous benefits, whether you are a fan, player, coach, or professional in the industry. Whether you are looking to improve your understanding of the sport, enhance your engagement, or advance your career, having a solid knowledge of the terms used in American football can help you achieve your goals.

Who wants to learn American football terms?

People who are interested in American Football, including players, coaches, fans, and sport commentators, may want to learn the terms used in the sport in order to better understand and participate in the game. Additionally, those who are new to the sport or are teaching someone else about American Football may also find learning the terms useful.

Tips: 5 best ways to learn American football term

There are a variety of resources available for those who want to learn American Football terms, both online and offline.

One of the easiest ways to learn American Football terms is by watching games. Whether you watch on TV or attend games in person, you can learn by observing the action on the field and hearing the commentators describe what’s happening. As you watch, take note of the terms used and what they mean, and try to put the terms into context. Over time, you’ll become more familiar with the terms and be able to use them with greater ease.

Another great resource for learning American Football terms is the internet. There are many websites dedicated to the sport that provide lists of terms and definitions, as well as articles and videos explaining their meaning. Some of these sites are run by fans and enthusiasts, while others are run by sports organizations and media outlets. For example, ESPN and CBS Sports have sections dedicated to American Football that provide news, analysis, and information on the sport, including terms and definitions. Or you can head to a specific blog like Wikifootball.net which only focuses on football terms. Besides American football terms, you can learn other German football terms, Spanish football terms, and more. 

In addition to watching games and using the internet, you can also learn American Football terms by reading books on the subject. There are many books available that cover the history, strategies, and terms of American Football, and reading these books can be a great way to deepen your understanding of the sport. You can find books on American Football at your local library or bookstore, or you can purchase them online.

You can also learn American Football terms by participating in the sport. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, getting involved in American Football can give you a deeper understanding of the sport and its terminology. You can join a local league, attend practices, and interact with other players and fans to learn more about the sport and the terms used to describe it.

Conclusion 

Hope these American football terms and tips from Wikifootball.net can help you understand the game more and make better decisions.

Visit us more often or refer to other blog posts to deeply grasp other difficult football term slang.