What Do Downs Mean in Football?

Dedicated philanthropist Jeffrey Pikus is the founder of Kids Do Care, Inc. He has also supported and co-chaired a fundraising event for Hale House, another non-profit organization in New York City. Outside of work, Jeffrey Pikus is an avid sports fan and played on the junior varsity football team in college.

The down system in American football is a key concept for the game. The offensive team is allowed four downs, or four plays, to advance 10 yards or score. If the offensive team fails to score or move forward 10 yards within four plays, the ball switches to the opposing team. This keeps the game moving instead of leaving teams perpetually stuck on the field without getting anywhere.

If the offensive team gains 10 yards within four downs, they are given a new set of downs and retain possession of the ball. This is called the first down. The same rules apply after a team gets a new set of downs. Teams must either gain another 10 yards or score within four plays or the ball switches to the opposing team.

During the game, the attempt that the offensive team is on will be displayed with the number of yards they need to reset their attempts. For example, the first play of the series is often denoted as first-and-ten. This indicates that the team is on its first attempt and must move the ball 10 yards. If they move the ball only three yards during this first play, the second play is then second-and-seven. This is because only seven yards are needed to get the first down.