.png)
In American football, a down is a single play that begins with the snap of the ball and ends when the ball becomes dead.
The offensive team has four downs to advance the ball at least 10 yards. If they succeed, they earn a new set of four downs to continue their drive. If they fail, possession of the ball is turned over to the opposing team.
Understanding Downs
- First Down: The beginning of a new series of four downs for the offense. The line to gain is marked 10 yards downfield from the start of the possession.
- Second Down: The second attempt for the offense to gain 10 yards. If they fail on the first down, they move on to second down.
- Third Down: The third and final attempt for the offense to gain 10 yards before facing fourth down. If they fail to gain 10 yards on the first three downs, they must decide whether to punt, attempt a field goal, or go for it on fourth down.
- Fourth Down: The last chance for the offense to gain 10 yards. If they fail, possession of the ball is turned over to the opposing team at the spot where the ball became dead on the fourth down.
RELATED: Is It Better to Never Bluff in Poker?
How Downs Work
- The offense begins a new possession with first down and 10 yards to go.
- On each down, the offense attempts to advance the ball as far as possible.
- If the offense gains 10 or more yards at any point, they earn a new first down, and the process starts over.
- If the offense fails to gain 10 yards after four downs, possession of the ball is turned over to the opposing team at the spot where the ball became dead on the fourth down.
- The defensive team takes over possession and begins their own series of downs.
RELATED: What is a Touchdown, and How Many Points is it Worth?
Importance of Downs
Downs are a fundamental aspect of American football that add strategy and excitement to the game. Teams must carefully consider their options on each down, balancing the risk of going for a big play with the need to gain at least some yardage to keep the drive alive. The constant pressure of the downs system keeps the game moving and creates many opportunities for both teams to make plays and score points.
Downs are a unique and essential part of American football that set the sport apart from other sports. By understanding how downs work and the importance of gaining 10 yards within four attempts, fans can better appreciate the strategy and excitement of the game. Whether you're a seasoned football enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, mastering the concept of downs is a crucial step in fully enjoying the thrilling experience of watching and playing American football.
