What it is

A strip sack is a sack in which the pass rusher also knocks the ball out of the quarterback’s hand, causing a fumble.

In a game

It is a double blow: the offense loses yards and may lose the ball. A defender who recovers it can run for a touchdown.

More detail

Pass rushers practice swiping at the ball as they reach the quarterback. The hit usually comes from behind when the quarterback is holding the ball loosely in a throwing position.

Animated diagram

1. A pass rusher beats the tackle and reaches the quarterback from behind.
2. As he makes the tackle, he swipes at the ball in the quarterback’s hand.
3. The ball comes loose, and the defense can recover it. That is a sack and a fumble on one play.