FUNDAMENTALS
How Downs Work
Football gives the offense four downs to gain ten yards, score, or choose how to surrender possession.
A down is one play. The offense starts with a first down and needs ten yards for a new set of downs.
If they gain the ten yards, the chain moves and it is first down again. If they fail on fourth down, the other team usually takes over.
First down is about staying on schedule. Second down is about setting up a manageable third. Third down is about converting. Fourth down is a decision: go, punt, or kick.