What Does The First Down In Football Mean?

First down is a term which is often used in American and Canadian Football. It refers to the first chance out of 4 that a side on offence has to move forward 10 yards down the field; as soon as it gains those yards, it receives a new first down. It is basically the first play of every series. If they cover the ten yards needed within four downs, they are given a new set of downs. This is called getting a first down. However, if they do not make it, that is the required ten yards, the other team's offence takes possession of the ball. Each possession begins with first down. The first down line is marked 10 yards downfield from the start of this possession, and the situation is described as "1st and 10".If the offensive team moves the ball past the first down line, they make a new first down.

The team that has possession of the football is allowed four tries ( by running or passing the football ) to move the ball 10 yards or more each time this is accomplished the offensive team will be allowed four new tries or downs that are refered to as 1st. , 2nd. , 3rd. , and 4th. down.

In football that is played in the countries of the United States and Canada, a down is that period in which a play takes place.

A down starts with a snap, a kick off or a free kick, and terminates when the ball or the player who has the ball is announced down by a referee or another official person, or if a team makes a score, or the ball or the player with the ball departs from the field of play.

Every possession starts with first down. The first down line is denoted ten yards downfield form the beginning of this possession, and the condition is called as '1st and 10'. If the offending squad shifts the balls past the first down line, they create a new first down.

Why do they use the word down as a football term, what does the word mean