What it is

A drive is the whole sequence of plays one team’s offense runs, from the moment it gets the ball until it scores, punts, loses the ball on a turnover or the half ends.

In a game

Coaches often judge an offense by how many of its drives end in points.

More detail

A drive is measured by the number of plays, the yards gained and the time it takes. A long drive that ends in a score keeps the opposing offense on the bench and tires the defense. A three-and-out, a drive with three plays and a punt, does the opposite.

Animated play

Blue circles are the team with the ball. X marks the other team. The yellow oval is the ball.

1. A drive is the whole stretch during which one team has the ball, from the moment it gets it until it scores or gives it up.
2. This one starts on the team’s own 20-yard line. Every play moves the ball a few yards: runs and passes together.
3. After seven plays and 80 yards the ball is over the goal line. The green bar shows how far the drive has gone.
4. A drive can also end with a punt, a field goal, or a turnover.