Football knowledge
What is a fumble in American football?
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Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes
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The ball is lying freely on the field and all players jump on it. This occasional pile-up in American football, which may seem strange to laypeople, is usually triggered by a so-called fumble. You can find out what the term means here.
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The so-called fumble is derived from the English “to fumble with sth.”, which means “to handle something clumsily”. This refers to the handling of the football while it is being carried by a player.
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A fumble involves dropping the ball, which can result in turnovers.
Fumble Rules: When is it a fumble?
For a fumble the following conditions must be met:
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- The ball carrier must first have complete control of the ball.
- The ball carrier did not touch the ground with his knee or elbow before losing the ball.
If the ball carrier, who has complete control of the ball, stumbles and loses control of the ball, it is a fumble. However, if the ball falls to the ground after a failed pass, it is not a fumble, even if the ball catcher touches the ball beforehand.
When does a fumble lead to a loss of possession?
If the ball is free on the field after a fumble, it may be recovered by either team. If the team that did not have the ball before succeeds in this, they secure possession of the ball and the right to attack.
2024-02-09 13:41:25
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