Glossary of American Football - B

B

back

A position any position not typically aligned on the line of scrimmage (exception: defensive linemen are off the line in Canadian rules, but are not backs). Offensively: Runningback, Tailback, Quarterback, Halfback, Flankerback, Fullback and Wingback. Defensively: Linebacker, Cornerback, Rover, Defensive Halfback and Safety.

backfield

The area of an American football field behind the line of scrimmage. The backfield or offensive backfield can also refer to members of offense who begin plays behind the line, typically including any backs on the field, such as the quarterback, running back and/or fullback.

backup

A second string player who does not start the game, but comes in later in relief of a starter.

backward pass

A pass thrown backward. Also called "onside pass" in Canadian football. There is no limit to the number of backward passes or where they may be thrown from. Sometimes referred to as a "lateral," which specifically refers to a pass thrown with no motion toward either end zone (the best known of which is the Music City Miracle).

ballcarrier

The player currently in possession of the football. If the ball is "loose", meaning nobody has possession, there is no ball carrier.

ball control

A strategy that is based on low-risk plays in an effort to avoid losing possession of the ball; examples of when a ball-control strategy would be used include when a team is in the red zone and when a team is protecting a lead late in a game.

baseball score

A low and uncommon score in a game. As the predominant forms of scoring are field goals and touchdowns, most scores can be expressed as the sum of multiples of 7 and 3. If a safety (see below) is scored, this is no longer valid, and the score will look unfamiliar, more likely to be encountered in a game of baseball than football, especially if the score is already low (examples: 5-3, 7-2).

Black Monday

The day following the final Sunday of the National Football League season (Week 17) in which coaches and administration are fired or resign their position. The term is also attributed to the day following the annual NFL Draft where players contracts may be terminated once new players are added to a roster.

blitz

A defensive maneuver in which one or more linebackers or defensive backs, who normally remain behind the line of scrimmage, instead charge into the opponents' backfield. However, in the 3-4 defense, one linebacker typically rushes the passer with the three down linemen. This is not considered a blitz. If an additional linebacker is sent, bringing the total number of rushers to five, it is a blitz.

block

The act of one player obstructing another player with his body, either to push him back or to prevent him from moving beyond the blocker. Some types of blocks include: a run block, where the blocker pushes a defensive player back and away from the ball carrier; a pass block, where a blocker protects a player by moving laterally and backwards to slow or halt an incoming pass rusher; a cut block; a zone block, which is any block executed in a zone blocking scheme; a trap block; a pull block; a screen block, which is a kind of pass block; and a double-team block, where two blockers simultaneously block one player.

blocking

The act of executing a block; the collective play of those players performing blocks; the performance of a blocker or blockers during a game.

blocking back

Used to describe a running back who is assigned to block. It describes either an assignment for a single play or the back's primary function throughout his career, such as when describing a fullback who is particularly skilled at blocking. Also an early term for quarterback.

blocking sled

A heavy piece of practice equipment, usually a padded angular frame on metal skids, used for developing strength and blocking techniques.

blowout

A game in which one team dominates another in scoring from an early point in the contest.

bomb

Also Long Bomb; a long, distinctly arcing pass.

bootleg

An offensive play predicated upon misdirection in which the quarterback pretends to hand the ball to another player, and then carries the ball in the opposite direction of the supposed ballcarrier with the intent of either passing or running (sometimes the quarterback has the option of doing either). A naked bootleg is a risky variation of this play when the quarterback has no blockers pulling out with him. Contrast with scramble, sneak, and draw.

box, the

An area on the defensive side of the ball, directly opposite the offensive linemen and about 5 yards deep; having 8 players in the box means bringing in a defensive back, normally the strong safety, to help stop the offensive team's running game

bust

Term often used to refer to a player, usually one drafted in the first day of the NFL Draft, who failed to meet the expectations of the drafting team. (Ex : JaMarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith, Tim Couch, Mike Williams (offensive lineman), Mike Williams (wide receiver b. 1984), or in the pre-draft era, Walter Koppisch)

bubble screen

A type of screen pass where the quarterback takes the snap and immediately throws to a wide receiver lined up to the far right or left of the center. The receiver catches the ball, and then turns to run downfield.

busted play

A play which, due to unforeseen circumstances, deteriorates to the point that it no longer conforms with coach's playbook and leads to confusion or chaos on the field.

buttonhook (hook, dig)

The buttonhook route is when a receiver runs straight upfield a certain distance and then plants hard and runs straight back towards the quarterback. Often simply called a hook route or a dig route. In some cases, a dig route is considered a very long buttonhook, such as 15+ yards downfield. Hence the receiver must dig his cleats in hard to stop and come back at the quarterback after running so far and fast.