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What is a down and in football?

Updated: 9/28/2023
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Wiki User

10y ago

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The team that takes possession of the ball (the offense) has four attempts, called downs, to advance the ball 10 yards towards their opponent's (the defense's) end zone. When the offense gains 10 yards, it gets a first down, or another set of four downs to gain 10 yards. If the offense fails to gain a first down (10 yards) after 4 downs, it loses possession of the ball. Click on the web link at the bottom of the page for more information.

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16y ago
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11y ago

A down is a cetain time of pessesion method in football each offense have 4 downs to gain more yards in but if the offense doesn't gain the required yards in a certain down. they may have to punt the ball.

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13y ago

how many times u are allowed to try and get the ball 10 yards... 1st down is ur first try... the 2nd... then 3rd... if u dont make it on the 3rd down its fourth down and u either get to try one more time or punt the ball to the other team... if u get the ball ten yards you get a fresh set of downs.

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12y ago

A "down" is the term for a single play (from scrimmage). On offense, a team has four "downs" with which to gain ten yards, or else they must forfeit possession of the football to the other team. When they do gain the required ten yards, they get a new series of four downs. This process continues until the team scores, or loses/forfeits possession of the ball.

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Q: What is a down and in football?
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