![]() There are exceptions to this, however if a player losses possession because they have passed, kicked for goal, punted or successfully handed it to another player on their team, no fumble has occurred (except in the case mentioned above when a lateral/backward pass has been intercepted). FumblesĪ fumble in American football refers to a situation whereby a player in possession of the football loses possession before he is tackled, goes out of bounds or scores a touchdown. Interceptions of lateral or backwards passes are recorded as a fumble by the player who threw the attempted pass. Interceptions of forward passes are recorded in the NFL stats as an interception for the catching player and against the player, usually but not always the quarterback, who threw the attempted pass. Once a player from the opposing team intercepts the ball, his team will have gained possession and will earn a first down once the ball goes out of play or touches the ground (unless the catching player runs on to score a touchdown). In the case of lateral or backward passes that hit the ground, opposing players can gather the ball but it will be classified as a fumble rather than an interception. If a forward pass hits the ground, the pass will be called as incomplete and opposing players cannot pick it up. In all cases, the ball must be caught before it touches the ground. In simple terms, an interception happens when a player on one side catches the ball that was previously in possession of the other side after a forward pass, or a lateral or backward pass. But let’s return our attention to turnovers, starting with interceptions. We will assume at least a basic knowledge of American football, for instance about how the downs system works and how teams score points. ![]() There are many rather intricate and sometimes confusing (at least puzzling to those who have not grown up with the sport) rules in the game of American football and we won’t delve too deeply into the general laws of the game. The term is also sometimes used to describe a side gaining possession after their opponent’s unsuccessful fourth down play, as we explain below. To be officially classed as a turnover in the stats, this change of possession can happen in one of two ways: by an interception or by a fumble. ![]() Types Of Turnovers In American FootballĪs mentioned, a turnover is when one side gains possession of the ball after the other side has lost possession. Note that we’ll be focussing on the NFL, the most prestigious competition in American football, so all rules and stats will relate to that (as opposed to College Football or Canadian Football, or other gridiron leagues, some of which have minor differences). We’ll also look at betting on turnovers and throw in a few stats and facts about them, just for fun. In this article, we will focus on the various types of turnovers in American football and explain why they are so important. ![]() When one side loses possession and the other gains it, a turnover is said to have occurred (at least in certain circumstances, as we shall explain shortly). Of course, while the side in possession of the ball is trying to retain it as it works its way towards the end zone to hopefully score a touchdown, the other side is trying to gain possession for themselves. Possession is especially important in American football (or gridiron, as it is also known), and retaining possession of the football is often key to victory (coupled, of course, with using that possession effectively). From football (soccer) to rugby to hockey, the side that has a greater proportion of the possession of the balls wins more often than not. In many of the most popular team sports that use a ball, keeping possession of it is often one of the main factors leading to success. ![]()
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