Entertainment / Football Glossary

Single Wing: A term used to describe a diverse set of formations, now out of fashion but highly popular between 1906 and World War II, that typically used an unbalanced line, direct snap, and one wingback.

Single-Elimination: A tournament where a team is eliminated after one loss.

Slant: A receiver route. In the slant route, a receiver runs straight up field a few yards, plants his outside foot hard while in full stride, and turns 45 degrees towards the quarterback. A staple . . . View Full Definition

Slobber-Knocker: A particularly gruesome tackle or hit.

Slot: The area between a split end and the offensive line. A pass receiver lined up in the slot at the snap of the ball may be called a slotback or slot receiver.

Snap: The handoff or pass from the center that begins a play from scrimmage.

Snap Count: The 'hut' sound the quarterback will use to signal for the snap to be made.

Sneak: An offensive play in which the quarterback, immediately on receiving the snap dives forward with the ball. The play is used when a team needs a very short gain to reach either the goal line . . . View Full Definition

Special Teams: The units that handle kickoffs, punts, free kicks and field goal attempts. Often manned by second and third team players.

Spike: A play in which the quarterback throws the ball at the ground immediately after the snap. Technically an incomplete pass, it stops the clock. Note that a spike is not considered intentional . . . View Full Definition

Spiral: A ball passed or kicked with a spin which propels it further with more accuracy; the ball points the same direction throughout its flight.

Split End: A player position on offense. A receiver who lines up on the line of scrimmage, several yards outside the offensive linemen. The term is now rarely used in American Football, having been lon . . . View Full Definition

Split-T: T formation in which the gaps between offensive guards & tackles are nearly twice as large as the gaps between the center & the guards.

Splits: The distance between the feet of adjacent offensive linemen. Said to be wide, if there is a large gap between players, or narrow, if the gap is small.

Spot: A location on the field, determined by an official, to mark forward progress or the place of a foul.

Squib Kick: A type of kickoff in which the ball is intentionally kicked low to the ground, typically bouncing on the ground a few times before being picked up. This is done in the hopes of preventing a . . . View Full Definition

Starter: A player who is the first to play his position within a given game or season. Depending on the position and the game situation, this player may be replaced or share time with one or more pla . . . View Full Definition

Steal: In case of players, they are the opposite of a bust, they are either: Players that are drafted later (or later than expected) in the draft or not drafted at all, but ended up being great pla . . . View Full Definition

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