Glossary of Football Terms

Strong Side—The side occupied by the tight, or closed end, and the flanker.

Weak Side—The side of the spread end, away from the flanker.

Weak-Side HALFBACK-Offensively, he is the halfback to the side of the spread end.   Defensively, he is the safety man to the side of the spread end.

Spread End—The end spread away from his tackle eight to twelve yards.

Tight End—The end lined up two to three yards from the tackle.

Piano Player—Term applied to defensive lineman who doesn't charge and keeps the offensive man away from him by planting his hands on the other fellow's shoulder pads.

To "Read"—Applies to a defensive man who "reads" the offensive man playing in front of him and reacts accordingly.

To Square Off—Means charging at a perpendicular angle to the line of scrim­mage.

To Pinch—A defensive lineman charging down the line closing the hole to the inside.

Float—Applies to a defensive man who doesn't charge, but who moves laterally to his outside.

Catcher—A defensive man who catches the opponent's block instead of throwing himself forward and forcing a standstill.

Thrower—A lineman who prefers hitting to catching.

Blitz—A concerted rush involving defensive linemen and linebackers.

Red Dog—Same as blitz, but preferred by broadcasters.

Head Hunters—Hatchet men, primordial animals, much desired by timid teams.

Audible—A verbal signal used by the quarterback to change the play on the line of scrimmage from the signal called in the huddle.

Automatic—Same as audible, but preferred by broadcasters.

Drop Step—Technique of offensive linemen in pass blocking whereby he invites the pass rusher to his outside by drop stepping, then hammering him in that direction.

Key Off—Term used for a defensive individual or team to determine the direc­tion of the play.

Play Soft—The passive type of defensive lineman, somewhat like the piano player, except that he tinkles lighter, as on the glockenspiel.

Hit and Hold—The technique of hitting the man in front of you, and instead of bouncing off, holding your ground.

Revolving—Term applied to defensive secondary moving up one position, gen­erally to the strong side of the offense.

Check and Release—Delaying by faking a block, then freeing yourself in the direction called by the quarterback.

Fair Catch—A cautious punt catcher's method of escaping assault and battery.

Clothes Line—An act by the defensive end or linebacker which entails curling an arm around the opponent's neck as he swings downfield for a pass.