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You are here: Home / All The Lingo / Sports Terms That Begin With ‘F’ / Fumble

Fumble

fum*ble

What Is The Definition Of Fumble In Football?What Is A Fumble In Football? Definition & Meaning

1. This refers to when the offensive player with possession of the football drops it or loses possession of the ball before the play is called dead or before they score a touchdown.

Can The Offense Advance A Fumble?

A fumble may be recovered by any player, on either team, when it hits the ground. However a fumble that goes forward and the goes out of bounds will then be returned to the team that was in possession at the spot the ball went out of bounds.

One aspect of the fumble that few people know is that when a player fumbles the ball on fourth down, only the ball carrier is eligible to recover the ball and advance it. In addition, if a player fumbles the ball when it is under two-minutes to play in a half, again, only the ball carrier is eligible to recover and advance the ball on offense. If any other offensive player recovers the football, then the ball is to be called dead and the spot of the ball will be marked where the fumble occurred, unless the ball was fumbled behind the line of scrimmage where then the ball will be spotted at the recovery. However, in either instance, any defensive player is eligible to recover the ball and advance it.

What Happens If You Fumble The Ball Out Of The End Zone?

If a player fumbles the ball and it goes forward and then out of the end zone, the play is then ruled a touchback and the defensive team will be awarded the ball.

If an offensive team is in their own end zone when a fumble occurs and the defending team forces a fumble that goes out of bounds, the play is then ruled a safety.

Examples Of How Fumble Is Used In Commentary

1. The running back gets hit from behind and fumbles the ball. The defense recovers it and returns it five yards before getting tackled.

Sport The Term Is Used

1. Football

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