End zone
The scoring area at each end of the field beyond the goal line.
Definition
In American football, the end zone is the area at each end of the field past the goal line. Carrying the ball into it or catching a pass while inside it scores a touchdown, so most attacking play is aimed at reaching the end zone.
The term is used the same way in some other field sports. In ultimate frisbee, for example, each end of the field has an end zone, and a team scores by completing a pass to a teammate standing inside the end zone they are attacking.
Where you’ll hear “end zone”
Sports that use this term:
American Football
A strategic, position-based team sport of set plays, sprinting and coordinated teamwork on a marked field.
Ultimate Frisbee
A fast, non-contact team sport played with a flying disc, known for constant running and self-refereeing.
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Rules
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
- OffsideA rule that prevents an attacker from gaining an advantage by being positioned too close to the opponents' goal ahead of the ball and the last defenders.
- Handball offenceA foul in football committed when an outfield player deliberately handles or controls the ball with the hand or arm.
- Throw-inThe method of restarting football when the ball fully crosses a side line, taken by throwing it back into play.
- Penalty kick awardA one-on-one kick against the goalkeeper awarded when a defending player commits a direct-free-kick foul inside their own penalty area.
Facilities
- Football pitchThe large rectangular grass or artificial-turf field on which football (soccer) is played, with a goal at each end.
- Basketball courtA rectangular hard-surfaced court with a raised hoop and backboard at each end where basketball is played.
- Sports hallA large indoor hall with multi-sport line markings, used for court sports like basketball, volleyball and badminton.
- Volleyball courtA rectangular court split by a high net over which two teams rally the ball, played indoors or on sand.
- Multi-use games area (MUGA)A fenced outdoor hard-surface area marked for several sports, common in schools, parks and community facilities.
Scoring systems
- Football (soccer) scoringFootball is scored by goals, with each goal worth one point and the team scoring the most goals winning the match.
- Tennis scoringTennis is scored in points, games and sets, using the distinctive 15–30–40 point sequence and a win-by-two margin at every level.
- Basketball scoringBasketball is scored by shooting the ball through the hoop, with baskets worth one, two or three points depending on where the shot is taken.
- Tiebreak scoringA tiebreak is a short deciding game used in racket sports to settle a set that has reached an even number of games, scored in simple numbers to a fixed target.
Tactics
- Zone defenceA defensive system where each player guards an area of the court rather than a specific opponent.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Offside trapA defensive football tactic where the back line steps up together to leave an attacker offside.
- Counter-attackWinning the ball and moving forward at speed to attack before the opponent can reorganise their defence.
- Set-piece playRehearsed routines from a dead-ball situation such as a corner, free kick or throw-in used to create chances.
Positions
- GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
- PivotThe pivot is a handball attacker who plays close to the opposition defence, setting screens and looking for chances near the goal area.
- StrikerA striker is the main attacking player in football, positioned furthest forward with the primary job of scoring goals.
- Shooting guardThe shooting guard is a perimeter player whose main role is to score, especially from mid-range and beyond the three-point line.
- Outside hitterThe outside hitter attacks from the left side of the net and is often a volleyball team’s main scoring option.
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- 2026-08-04
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