for*ward prog*ress
What Is The Definition Of Forward Progress?
1. This is a term used to describe the location from where a ball carrier’s momentum takes them before they are tackled by a defensive player. The spot where the player is marked down, is where the play ends and where the next play begins.
Forward progress is often cited for when a player is pushed back after they are initially met by a group of defenders. For example, if a running back is stopped by defenders at the 10-yard line and the defenders then push and carry the ball carrier back to the 20-yard line before being brought down, the referees will cite forward progress and will spot the ball at the 10-yard line since that is the location where forward progress was halted.
Examples Of How Forward Progress Is Used In Commentary
1. Blount tries to plow through the wall of linebackers, but is stood up and pushed back 10 yards before the whistle is blown by the officials, who bring the ball up to the 30 yard line where forward progress was stopped.
SportsLingo Goes The Extra-Inch With The Meaning Of Forward Progress
The spot of the ball is determined by the referees as the last spot the ball traveled with forward progress. However, it can be hard to determine the exact spot of the forward progress due to the angle of the referee’s sight to the ball-carrier and the speed of the game. Because of this, the spot of the ball can be challenged by either coach in order to get the most accurate spot. If the spot is incorrect after reviewing the play, the ball will be moved to the correct location. If the spot is deemed accurate after the review, then the coach that challenged the play will be charged with a timeout.
Sports The Term Is Used
1. Football
