What does down mean?

Answer 1

In American football, a down is a play. A team has four plays to advance the ball 10 yards. If they are able to advance the ball 10 yards, they are given another four plays to get another 10 yards. If they are not able to advance the ball 10 yards in four plays, the other team gains possession of the ball. When you hear the term 'first down' that means the upcoming play is the first play in the series of four the team has to advance the ball 10 yards. 'Second down' is the second play in the series of four, 'third down' is the third play in the series of four, and 'fourth down' is the fourth play in the series of four.