football play

/ˌfʊtˈbɔl pleɪ/

Other forms: football plays

Definitions of football play

1. noun

   (American football) a play by the offensive team
   types:

   audible

   a football play is changed orally after both teams have assumed their positions at the line of scrimmage

   touchback

   (American football) a play in which the opposing team has kicked the football into your end zone

   run, running, running game, running play

   (American football) a play in which a player attempts to carry the ball through or past the opposing team

   pass, passing, passing game, passing play

   (American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

   power play

   a play in which there is a concentration of players in one location on the field of play

   handoff

   (American football) a play in which one player hands the ball to a teammate

   tackle

   (American football) grasping an opposing player with the intention of stopping by throwing to the ground

   draw, draw play

   (American football) the quarterback moves back as if to pass and then hands the ball to the fullback who is running toward the line of scrimmage

   end run, sweep

   (American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running around the end of the line

   return

   (American football) the act of running back the ball after a kickoff or punt or interception or fumble

   reverse

   (American football) a running play in which a back running in one direction hands the ball to a back running in the opposite direction

   rush, rushing

   (American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line

   aerial, forward pass

   a pass to a receiver downfield from the passer

   lateral, lateral pass

   (American football) a pass parallel to the line of scrimmage or away from an opponent's goal line

   spot pass

   a pass to a designated spot on the field; the receiver should arrive at that spot the same time the ball does

   type of:

   play

   a preset plan of action in team sports