Sporting Charts

First Down

What does First Down Mean?

Each team has four downs to move the ball 10 yards. If it is able to do that, the team is awarded a new set of downs. First down is the first of those four attempts. 


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Sporting Charts explains First Down

When a team is able to move the ball upfield by 10 or more yards, it is awarded a new set of downs--that is referred to as "gaining a first down", as the team now starts playing a first down again having four chances to move the ball 10 yards.

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