Fair Catch (Noun)
Meaning
(American football) a catch of a punt on the fly by a defensive player who has signalled that he will not run and so should not be tackled.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The return specialist called for a fair catch at the 20-yard line, allowing his team to start their drive with good field position.
- The punt returner waved his hand above his head to signal for a fair catch, and the opposing team's coverage unit backed off.
- The fair catch was made at the 10-yard line, and the offense took over with a chance to score before halftime.
- The return man's fair catch at the 40-yard line was a good one, giving his team a decent starting point for their drive.
- On fourth down, the punter boomed the ball downfield, and the return specialist made a fair catch at the 25-yard line, setting up his team's offense with a manageable field position.