General
fair catch
What does fair catch mean?
A catch of a kick in which the receiver waves an arm overhead to signal he will not run it back, and in turn cannot be tackled.
"He signaled for a fair catch to avoid the onrushing gunners."
Origin
American football rule and term; the catch is made 'fair' and free from contact.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fair catch in football?
It's when a returner waves an arm overhead to signal he won't run the kick back; in exchange, he can't be tackled and must catch it cleanly.
Why would a player call a fair catch?
To avoid a big hit from onrushing coverage players when there's no room to return the kick, protecting both the player and the ball.
Can you advance the ball after a fair catch?
No. Once a fair catch is signaled and made, the ball is dead and the receiving team's offense takes over from that spot.
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