Interception in Football: In football, turnovers can drastically shift the momentum of a game. Turnovers occur when the defense gains possession of the live ball, and one of the most impactful turnovers is the interception.
An interception happens during a passing play when a defender catches a pass intended for an offensive receiver. This play can occur at any point in the game, anywhere on the field, and involves any defensive player. Let’s break down what an interception is, the rules that govern it, and what happens after one is made.
What is an Interception in Football?
An interception occurs when a defender catches a forward pass intended for a receiver. “interception” describes the defender intercepting the ball before it reaches its target. Interceptions are often called “picks,” as the defender “picks off” the pass.
Any defensive player on the field is eligible to make an interception. Below, we’ll explore this game-changing play’s basic rules and implications.
Rules for an Interception
The rules for completing an interception are straightforward:
Catching the Pass
The defender must catch the ball the same way an offensive receiver would. The catch must be clean and made in the air without the ball touching the ground. If the ball is trapped against the ground or bounces into the defender’s hands, the play is ruled an incomplete pass.
Staying In Bounds
To be considered valid, the defender must secure the ball while remaining in bounds. If a defender leaps to make the catch but lands with one or both feet out of bounds, the interception will not count and will instead be ruled an incomplete pass.
Key Points to Remember:
- The intercepted pass must be a forward pass that travels beyond the line of scrimmage.
- If a receiver catches the ball but then loses it before a defender recovers, it’s considered a fumble—not an interception.
What Happens After an Interception?
Once a defender intercepts the ball, it remains live and in play. The defender can attempt to advance the ball upfield until he is tackled or forced out of bounds. The game undergoes a role reversal after an interception:
- The defensive team becomes the offensive team.
- The offensive team transitions into the role of defender, attempting to stop the advancing player.
During this time:
- Defenders can block offensive players to help their teammates move upfield with the ball.
- The intercepted ball is subject to all standard possession rules, meaning the defender must secure it and avoid fumbling.
After the play ends—whether the defender is tackled or steps out of bounds—the team that made the interception takes possession. They begin their offensive drive at the spot where the play ended, starting with a first-and-10.
Interceptions are one of the most exciting and game-changing plays in football. They not only shift possession but often create scoring opportunities. Whether it’s a spectacular leap or a well-timed grab, interceptions showcase the defensive team’s skill and can define the outcome of a game.
What is a Pick Six?
When a defender intercepts a pass, you might hear the term “pick six” used in football. A pick-six occurs when a defender intercepts the ball and returns it to the opposing team’s end zone for a touchdown.
The name comes from the play that starts with a “pick” (another term for an interception) and ends with the defensive team scoring six points for the touchdown. This play is one of the most thrilling moments in football, as it combines a defensive triumph with an offensive score.
Pick sixes are especially electrifying when they occur in crucial moments, like late in a game or when the defender covers a significant distance to score. For instance, if the offensive team is close to scoring in the defender’s territory, and the defender intercepts the ball and runs 80 or more yards to score, it’s a monumental shift in momentum.
Conclusion
An interception is one of the most exciting plays in football, and a pick-six takes it to another level by directly adding points to the scoreboard. Beyond just changing possession, it gives the defense a chance to score and alter the game’s outcome.
Offensive teams work hard to avoid interceptions, while defensive players eagerly hunt for them, especially the coveted pick-six. This constant battle adds an element of strategy and suspense, making football a thrilling cat-and-mouse game at every level of play.
