The down tells you which attempt in the current series is next. The distance tells you how far the offense must advance to reach the first-down target. In a clean-play example, a gain reduces that distance, a loss increases it, and reaching the target starts a new series.
Put the target at a fixed place
The NFL’s basic terms explain the series of up to four downs used to gain the necessary distance. In this original example, Blue starts first-and-ten at its own 25-yard line, advancing towards the opponent’s end. Its first-down target is its own 35. Assume ordinary scrimmage plays, with no penalties, turnovers or scoring.
The target stays at 35 while the offense is working through this series. A two-yard loss moves the ball away from it. Keeping both positions visible explains why the second number can grow even as the offense uses up another attempt.
Update the position after each play
| State or play | Ball position | Next down and distance |
|---|---|---|
| Series begins | Own 25 | First-and-ten |
| Gain four | Own 29 | Second-and-six |
| Lose two | Own 27 | Third-and-eight |
| Gain eight | Own 35 | First-and-ten with new target own 45 |
The attempt number and the distance do different jobs
After the four-yard gain, one play has been used and six yards remain. After the loss, another play has been used and eight remain. The words third-and-eight combine the next attempt with the remaining distance. At this point the total net gain from the start of the series is two yards.
On the third play, gaining eight from 27 reaches 35 exactly. The next series starts from there. If that clean play had gained 12 instead, the ball would be at 39 and the new ordinary ten-yard target would be 49. Use the end position of the accepted play when setting the next target. If Blue gains seven from 27 on that third play, the ball reaches 34. The old target remains 35 and the next state is fourth-and-one.
Read the officials’ state when a play changes the situation
Near the goal line, a goal-to-go label gives a different target. Flags can also change enforcement, replay a down or award a first down. This example excludes those events, so follow the announced down and spot when one occurs. A punt or field-goal attempt is also a different decision from using a down to try to reach the target through an ordinary run or pass.
To follow the basic state, identify possession and direction, then the ball’s position and the announced down and distance. When a broadcast returns from a replay, use the current on-field state as the checkpoint. The replay can show an earlier second-and-six while the live offense is preparing for third-and-eight.
Sources and review
- NFL Football Terms — NFL Football Operations