What it is

A three and out is a series in which the offense fails to get a first down in three plays and has to punt.

In a game

It is a successful drive for the defense, since it quickly gives the ball back to its own offense. It also gives the offense little time to rest.

More detail

Fans use the term in conversation, though the offense actually has four downs. It refers to the fact that teams usually punt on fourth down, so the series ends after three plays and the punt.

Animated play

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

1. The offense has three plays that gain very little.
2. It never reaches the yellow line, so there is no first down.
3. On fourth down the team usually punts, giving the ball to the other side.
4. The series was short: three plays and a punt. That is why it is called a three and out.