The foundation

Start here

A down is one play. The offense normally needs ten yards within four plays to earn a new first down. The line to gain moves ten yards from the previous first-down spot, while the ball position changes after every play.

See it in context

  1. On first-and-10, a six-yard run creates second-and-4 because four yards remain to earn another first down.
  2. On fourth down, an offense may run a play, punt for field position, or attempt a field goal when range and score make that sensible.