Advancing Your Own Fumble

Football is a contact sport.

In football, a fumble can be one of the most heart-stopping plays. A fumble happens when a ball carrier drops the ball or has it knocked away after he has possession. Sometimes, a bad snap or handoff results in a ball that is loose on the field. Players on either team are eligible to recover the fumble and advance it toward the opponent's goal. With so many players diving for the ball, it can be a serious challenge to grab it first and run downfield with it.

Instructions

1. Sprint to the location where the ball is loose on the field. Use your body to prevent an opposing player from getting to the ball first.

2. Bend down and grasp the ball firmly with both hands. Don't take your eyes off the ball until it's completely in your possession.

3. Hold the ball close to your body, tucked between the inside of your elbow and the palm of your hand. If a defender tries to tackle you or strip the ball away, protect the ball with your other arm.

4. Run towards the opponent's end zone. Avoid tacklers by sidestepping left or right. If you run into a defender, keep driving forward with your legs for a few extra yards. Run out of bounds when it's clear that you cannot gain any more yardage.

Tips & Warnings

• During a fourth down play , the only player on offense who can legally recover and advance the ball is the one who committed the fumble. If a teammate recovers the fumble, the ball is immediately dead at the spot of the fumble or the recovery, whichever is furthest from the end zone.

• In college football, if you fall on the ground as you recover the ball, the play is immediately over. In professional football, players must be touched by a defender while in contact with the ground for the play to be over.

• Don't grab an opponent by the face mask when you're fighting to recover a fumble. This will incur a personal foul penalty and negate any positive yardage gained after the recovery.

References

• NFL.com Rulebook: Forward Pass, Backward Pass, Fumble