answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

18y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

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.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

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.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

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.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

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.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Ten yards equals thirty feet.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

10

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

10

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

10

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How many yards in a first down?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How many yards are needed for a first down?

10 yards


How many yards does it take to make a first down?

Ten yards.


How many yards are there in a firstdown in football?

10 Yards is the First Down.


How many yards are needed for the offense to get a first down?

10


How many yards equals first down in football?

10


How many yards needed for a first down?

Seriously...? Its 10


How many yards are required for a first down?

In a normal set of downs, the ball must be advanced (by play or penalty) 10 or more yards to get a first down.


How many yards is the penalty in the nfl for intentional face-masking?

15 yards and an automatic first down.


What is a third down conversion?

In football, you have 4 down or attemps to get so many yards, a third down conversion is where you failed to get the amount of yards on first down and second down then reach it on the third, making it first down again


First touch down pass by Tom Brady in 2007 was how many yards?

11 yards to Wes Welker


How many yards are accesed for holding in nfl?

10 yards for offensive holding, 5 yards and an automatic first down for defensive holding.


It's the 2nd down with 6 yards to go for the first down your team completes a pass and you advance 4 yards it is now down and yards to go for the first down?

It would then be third down with 2 yards to go.