ENRUES
Glossary

First down

Terms

What it is

A first down is the start of a fresh set of four tries, called downs, to move the ball ten more yards. A team earns one by gaining enough yards to reach or pass the first-down line.

In a game

Officials measure with a pair of poles joined by a ten-yard chain. TV adds a yellow line to show the target. When the runner or receiver reaches or crosses it, the ball is marked and the chain crew moves forward for another ten yards. If the ball is close to the line, the officials may bring out the chain to measure.

More detail

A team can also get a first down from certain defensive penalties, such as a roughing-the-passer foul. Inside the ten-yard line, the target is the goal line, and the down is called first and goal. Converting first downs is how a team keeps the ball and the clock under its control.

Animated play

101020203030404050504040303020201010END ZONEEND ZONEXXXXXFirst down!Chain crew with the markersThe offense needs to reach the yellow line.A pass sails over the line.The receiver catches it past the line.The chains move up. A fresh set of downs begins.

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

  1. The offense needs ten yards for a first down. On TV the target is drawn as a yellow line.
  2. The quarterback throws a pass and the receiver catches it past that line.
  3. The officials, with the chain crew on the sideline, move the markers up to the new spot.
  4. The team starts again with first down and ten yards to go.