1. Audible

A last-second change in the play called by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage.

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2. Backfield

The area of the field behind the line of scrimmage where the quarterback and running backs line up.  

 

3. Blitz

A defensive strategy where players rush the quarterback immediately after the ball is snapped.  

 

4. Boundary Lines

The outer lines marking the playing field's perimeter, including sidelines and end zones.  

 

5. Center

The offensive player who snaps the ball to the quarterback to start a play.  

 

6. Charging

When a ball-carrier illegally runs directly into a set defensive player, leading with the head or making excessive contact.  

 

7. Completion

A successful forward pass that is caught by a receiver.  

 

8. Conversion

An attempt to earn extra points after a touchdown, typically worth 1 or 2 points depending on the league rules.  

 

9. Dead Ball

The time between plays when no action is occurring.  

 

10. Defense

The team trying to stop the offense and regain possession.  

 

11. Defensive Back

A player who primarily covers receivers and defends against passes.  

 

12. Double Pass

A play where the ball is thrown twice, with the first pass being a backward or lateral pass.  

 

13. Down

A play attempt in which the offense tries to advance the ball. A team typically has four downs to reach a new set of downs.  

 

14. End Zone

The area at both ends of the field where touchdowns are scored.  

 

15. Extra Point

Additional points that can be scored after a touchdown by running or passing the ball into the end zone.  

 

16. Flag Guarding

A penalty that occurs when a ball carrier uses their hands or arms to prevent a defender from pulling their flag.  

 

17. Fumble

A loss of possession when the ball carrier drops the ball. Unlike tackle football, fumbles are usually considered dead balls in flag football.  

 

18. Handoff

The act of passing the ball to a teammate by placing it directly into their hands.  

 

19. Huddle

A gathering of the offensive or defensive players to discuss the next play.  

 

20. Interception

A pass caught by a defensive player, resulting in a change of possession.  

 

21. Lateral

A backward pass thrown to a teammate.  

 

22. Line of Scrimmage (LOS)

An imaginary line running through the point of the football and across the width of the field.  

 

23. Line-to-Gain

The yard line the offense must reach for a first down.  

 

24. Live Ball

Refers to the period of time that the play is in action. Penalties during this time must be enforced before the down is complete.  

 

25. Man-to-Man Defense

A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for covering a specific offensive player.  

 

26. No-Run Zone

A designated area near the end zone where teams are not allowed to run the ball.  

 

27. Offside

A penalty that occurs when a player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.  

 

28. Out Route

A passing route where the receiver runs straight and then cuts toward the sideline.  

 

29. Pass Rush

The defensive attempt to pressure the quarterback into making a quick decision.  

 

30. Passer

Any offensive player who throws the ball, not just the quarterback.  

 

31. Pick Play

An offensive maneuver where one player intentionally obstructs a defender to free up a teammate.  

 

32. Pick-Six

An interception returned for a touchdown.  

 

33. Post Route

A passing route where the receiver runs straight and then cuts diagonally toward the middle of the field.  

 

34. Punt

A kick used to give up possession of the ball on fourth down (not always used in flag football).  

 

35. Quarterback (QB)

The player who leads the offense, throws passes, and makes strategic decisions.  

 

36. Red Zone

The area inside the 20-yard line where the offense has a higher chance of scoring.  

 

37. Route

A predetermined path that a receiver runs to get open for a pass.  

 

38. Rush Line

An imaginary line 7 yards from the line of scrimmage on the defense's side, where rushers must start before pressuring the quarterback.  

 

39. Sack

When a quarterback is tagged behind the line of scrimmage before throwing the ball.  

 

40. Safety

A defensive position responsible for deep pass coverage or a rare scoring play where the offensive team is downed in their own end zone.  

 

41. Screen Pass

A short pass behind the line of scrimmage where blockers help create running space for the receiver.  

 

42. Shovel Pass

A short, underhand forward pass.  

 

43. Slant Route

A passing route where the receiver runs forward and then cuts at an angle toward the middle of the field.  

 

44. Snap

The action of the center passing the ball to the quarterback to begin a play.  

 

45. Stiff Arm

A move where the ball carrier extends their arm to push away a defender (often illegal in flag football).  

 

46. Swing Pass

A short pass thrown to a running back moving laterally from the quarterback.  

 

47. Tipped Pass

A ball that is touched by a defender or another player before being caught.  

 

48. Touchdown (TD)

A scoring play worth six points, achieved when the ball crosses into the opponent’s end zone.  

 

49. Turnover

A change of possession due to an interception or a failed fourth-down attempt.  

 

50. Whistle

Official's signal to stop play for timeouts, end of plays, or game periods.  

 

51. Wide Receiver

A player who specializes in catching passes and running routes.  

 

52. Yards After Catch (YAC)

The distance a receiver gains after making a reception.  

 

53. Yards After Contact (YAC)

The distance a ball carrier gains after initial contact from a defender.  

 

54. Z Receiver

A wide receiver who lines up off the line of scrimmage and often goes in motion before the play.  

 

55. Zone Defense

A defensive strategy where players are responsible for covering specific areas of the field instead of individual players.