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You are here: Home / All The Lingo / Sports Terms That Begin With ‘I’ / Intentional Grounding

Intentional Grounding

in*ten*tion*al groun*ding

What Is The Definition Of Intentional Grounding In Football?What Is Intentional Grounding In Football? Definition & Meaning

1. This is a penalty in football that occurs when the quarterback, while still in the pocket, throws a forward pass to an area that is not occupied by a receiver and has no realistic chance of being caught by anyone.

Intentional grounding typically occurs when the quarterback is facing intense pressure from the defense and is about to get sacked, therefore he will then intentionally throw the ball away from players and incomplete to avoid the loss of yardage.

The only exception to this rule is when a quarterback is to spike the ball immediately after receiving the snap from the center.

The penalty for intentional grounding is 10-yards and a loss of down.

Examples Of How Intentional Grounding Is Used In Commentary

1. The blitz causes Brady to throw the ball the ball out of bounds after the pocket collapses. Because he didn’t get outside of the tackle box, he was charged with intentional grounding.

SportsLingo Goes The Extra-Inch With The Meaning Of Intentional Grounding

There must be a few factors present in order for intentional grounding to be called. They are the following:

  • Imminent Pressure: The passer must be under pressure to be sacked or losing yards. If there is no pressure evident and the receiver runs the incorrect route, there is no violation.
  • Location Of The Passer: The quarterback (or passer) must be in the pocket for a violation to be present. Once the passer moves outside the pocket, and throws the ball away, there is no intentional grounding.
  • Target Of The Pass: The ball must be thrown where there is no eligible receiver or out of bounds. If the ball is deflected or the pass is dropped, there no violation.

Sports The Term Is Used

1. Football

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