Touchback meaning

A touchback occurs when the receiving team downs the ball behind their own goal line and thus starts their offensive drive from the 20-yard line in American football.


Touchback definitions

Word backwards kcabhcuot
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division touch-back
Plural The plural of touchback is touchbacks.
Total letters 9
Vogais (3) o,u,a
Consonants (5) t,c,h,b,k

Understanding Touchback in Football

In football, a touchback occurs when the ball is dead behind the goal line and the opposing team gains possession of the ball. This can happen in a variety of situations, such as a kickoff or a punt that goes into the end zone without being touched by the receiving team.

How a Touchback is Determined

When the ball is kicked into the end zone on a kickoff or a punt, the receiving team can choose to either return the ball or take a touchback. If they choose a touchback, the ball is placed at the 25-yard line for the offense to begin their drive. This strategic decision is often made to avoid the risk of a turnover or poor field position.

Implications of a Touchback

For the kicking team, a touchback means that they successfully prevented the receiving team from advancing the ball and potentially scoring. It also gives the receiving team a better starting position for their offensive drive. On the other hand, for the receiving team, a touchback allows them to start their drive at the 25-yard line without the risk of a turnover or being tackled deep in their own territory.

Rules Governing Touchbacks

In the NFL, a touchback on a kickoff results from the ball being downed in the end zone by the receiving team, or if the kick goes out of bounds without being touched by the receiving team. In college football, a touchback occurs when the ball is downed in the end zone by the receiving team, or if the kick goes out of bounds without being touched by the receiving team. Understanding the rules surrounding touchbacks is crucial for both players and fans to fully comprehend the game.


Touchback Examples

  1. During the football game, the team scored a touchback on the kickoff.
  2. The punter kicked the ball perfectly, resulting in a touchback.
  3. The referee signaled a touchback after the ball went out of bounds in the end zone.
  4. The player made a strategic decision to let the ball go for a touchback.
  5. The quarterback was disappointed when the opposing team achieved a touchback.
  6. After catching the punt, the player kneeled in the end zone for a touchback.
  7. The defense was able to prevent a touchdown by forcing a touchback.
  8. The touchback gave the team a chance to reset for the next play.
  9. The fans cheered as the special teams unit executed a successful touchback.
  10. In overtime, a touchback occurred which changed the momentum of the game.


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  • Updated 16/05/2024 - 23:47:13