How many yards in a first down?

Answer 1

One of the main objectives in American football -- and a necessary one to score points -- is to gain a first down. In order to get a first down, the offense must gain 10 yards within a series of four plays. One problem that football players and officials have always had to deal with is how to measure the 10 yards needed. Even with all of our technology, the NCAA and the National Football League still uses a length of metal chain attached between two poles.

Answer 2

There is no limit to the number of tackles that can be made before a team scores, nor is time stopped after each tackle. Hence 'first down' does not exist in Rugby.

ANSWER:

There are two types of rugby. In rugby union, the more popular variety, a team can possess the ball indefinitely, and there are no downs. However, the ball carrier must release the ball when he's tackled and allow players from both teams to fight for possession of the ball in the ruck.

In rugby league, which is mostly played in northern England and Australia, a team gets six tackles to score. There's no way to get a new set of tackles, except if the defending team commits certain infractions. So if a team isn't in scoring position after the fifth tackle, they usually punt the ball away. Unlike rugby union, there's no contest for possession when the ball carrier is tackled. The defender must release the ball carrier so he can play the ball back to a teammate.

Answer 3

The longest I've ever heard of is a 3rd and 43 which was converted for a 1st down astoundingly enough. There also has been a 4th and 46 on which a punt ensued. I can't say these are records with all certainty though.

Answer 4

It depends. A standard first down is earned when the ball is progressed 10 yards.

If the defense earns a penalty however, the distance can be changed by the amount of the penalty - resulting in shorter distances or entire first downs altogether.

Also if the offense is given a penalty and is backed up down the field, it can take many yards to get a first down (sometimes more than 30).

A "standard" first down is earned when the ball is progressed 10 yards without any major incidents, however.

Answer 5

The record for the most yardage needed for a first down is 65 yards. In 2006 in a game between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears, Detroit needed the 65 yards to get a first down.

Answer 6

Ten yards equals thirty feet.

Answer 7

10

Answer 8

10

Answer 9

10