Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific, planned action or sequence executed by the offensive team during a game of American football: A "football play" is a strategic maneuver designed to advance the ball, gain yardage, or score. It involves coordinated actions by the offensive players based on a pre-determined plan called from the sidelines.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The term is used to describe the fundamental unit of strategy in an American football game. It begins with the snap of the ball and ends when the ball is declared dead by the officials.
  • It is often discussed in terms of its type (e.g., a running play, a passing play, a trick play) and its success or failure.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The coach called a brilliant football play that resulted in a touchdown.
  • On third down, they executed a short passing play to gain the first down.
  • The quarterback changed the football play at the line of scrimmage after reading the defense.

Advanced Usage

• "to call a play": For the coach or quarterback to select and communicate which specific play the team will run.

  • The offensive coordinator calls the play from the booth.

• "to execute a play": For the players to carry out the actions of the play as designed.

  • The team failed to execute the play properly, resulting in a loss of yards.

• "broken play": A play where the planned action breaks down, often forcing the players to improvise.

  • The quarterback scrambled for yards on a broken play.

Variants and Related Words

• Playbook (n): The collection of all the team's designed and practiced football plays.

  • The rookie spent the summer learning the team's complex playbook.

• Play-action (n/adj): A type of football play where the offense fakes a running play before attempting a pass.

  • The play-action fake fooled the linebackers and left the receiver wide open.

• Running play (n): A football play designed for a player to advance the ball by carrying it.

• Passing play (n): A football play designed for the quarterback to throw the ball to an eligible receiver.

Synonyms

• Offensive play: A more general term that can be used interchangeably in the context of American football.
• Down: While not a perfect synonym, a "play" occurs on each "down" (e.g., first down, second down).

Related Phrases

• "Draw play": A specific type of football play that initially looks like a pass but is designed as a delayed run.
• "Screen play": A specific type of football play where the offensive line lets defenders through, and the quarterback throws a short pass to a receiver behind them.
• "Blitz": While typically a defensive strategy, it directly influences the offensive team's choice and execution of a football play.

Noun

1. (American football) a play by the offensive team