Down: A unit of the game that starts with a legal snap or legal free kick after the ball is ready for play and ends when the ball next becomes dead. First down is the first of the plays; fourth is the last down in American, and third in Canadian, football. A first down occurs after a change of possession of the ball, after advancing the ball 10 yards following a previous first down or after certain penalties.

 

Related Words

Down: 1. (also 'as it lies') playing the ball as you find it, with no alteration of its position or condition 2. Behind in a match (usually counted by holes in match play, but could also apply to . . . View Full Definition

Up And Down: Holed in two shots from off the green (most commonly thought of as a chip, pitch or sand shot followed by one putt, as in 'up' onto the green and 'down' into the hole)

Playing The Ball Down: (also 'playing it down') playing the ball as it lies, as opposed to improving the lie

Automatic First Down: For several of the most severe fouls against the defensive team, a first down is awarded to the offensive team even if the result of the penalty does not advance the ball beyond the line to . . . View Full Definition