line of scrimmage
Plural
lines of scrimmage
1
an imaginary line where the ball is placed before each play begins
The line of scrimmage in football is an imaginary line that marks where the play starts. It runs across the field and is determined by the position of the ball at the beginning of each play. The offensive team lines up on one side of the line, while the defensive team lines up on the other. The play begins when the ball is snapped from the line of scrimmage. Both teams must stay on their respective sides of the line until the play starts. The line of scrimmage helps organize the game and ensures fairness between the teams.
- They gained yards beyond the line of scrimmage on first down.
- The quarterback surveyed the field from the line of scrimmage.
- A penalty was called for crossing the line of scrimmage early.
- The referee spotted the ball precisely on the line of scrimmage.
- Players on both sides of the ball gathered at the line of scrimmage.
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