What it is

A turnover is any play where the offense loses the ball without punting or kicking it: an interception, or a fumble recovered by the defense.

In a game

Turnovers are among the biggest swings in a game, since they give the ball to the opponent, often in good field position.

More detail

A team that fails to convert on fourth down also gives up the ball, which is called a turnover on downs, though many statistics count only fumbles and interceptions. Analysts track turnover margin, the difference between takeaways and giveaways, because it is closely tied to winning.

Animated play

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

1. A turnover means the team with the ball loses it to the other team.
2. There are three common kinds: a fumble that the defense recovers, an interception, and a turnover on downs.
3. On fourth down the offense is stopped short of the yellow line. Its four tries are used up.
4. The other team takes over the ball at that spot and starts its own drive the other way.