A play from scrimmage is the sequence in the game of
dead
. A game of American football (or Canadian Football) consists of many (about 120–150) such plays.
Specifications
The term is also used to denote a specific plan of action, or its execution, under a particular set of circumstances faced by either team.
downs left in a possession and still ten or more yards to go to earn a new set of downs. In this instance, they may decide to employ a forward pass. Well in advance of the particular game, a number of different kinds of forward pass plays will have been planned out and practiced by the team. They will be designated by obscure words, letters and/or numbers so that the name of a play does not reveal its exact execution to outsiders. The team's coach, or perhaps the quarterback, will choose one of the planned forward passing strategies, and tell the team, during the huddle
which one has been chosen. Because of planning and practice, each player is expected to know what his role in the play is to be, and how to execute it. This will be the offensive play.
Conversely, the
formation
or defensive play, to anticipate and counteract the expected action by the offense.
The play
The play will begin with the
downed before the aim of the offensive play is accomplished, or by the defensive squad having managed to come into possession of the ball without first downing it. In the event of change of possession during a play, the team newly in possession of the ball may try to advance it toward their opponent's goal, which the team formerly in possession will naturally resist. Change of possession during a routine play may occur by interception or by fumble
(often collectively referred to as turnovers).
Change of possession may also occur in other ways. A change of possession can occur "on downs", if the offensive team fails to achieve a
field goal attempts
are not considered true change of possession plays. An unsuccessful field goal attempt will usually also result in a change of possession (without a kickoff), but is usually not counted as a turnover.
