Back to the Boston Bruins Newsfeed

What Does 2nd and 10 Mean in Football? Understanding Downs and Strategy

Ever found yourself watching a football game and hearing the announcer say, “It’s 2nd and 10,” and wondered what that means? You’re not alone.

Football is packed with jargon that can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the rules and terminology. Understanding these terms can make the game much more enjoyable to watch.

In simple terms, “2nd and 10” refers to the down and the distance the offensive team needs to cover to achieve a new set of downs.

The “2nd” indicates it’s the second attempt out of four to advance the ball, while the “10” means they need to gain 10 yards to reach the first down marker.