Definition

In football, a situation where the ball is down behind the goal line after a kick or intercepted pass, allowing the defending team to start play from their own 20-yard line.

Example

After the kickoff, the ball went into the end zone for a touchback, so the team started their next drive at the 20-yard line.

Conversation

Did you see that last play?

Yeah, it was a total touchback after the kick-off.

I know, right? It always confuses me when that happens.

Same here! At least they get to start from the 20-yard line.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Touchback → The word is formed from "touch" (from Old English "tucian", meaning to come into contact with) and "back" (meaning the rear or reverse side). In American football, a touchback occurs when the ball is kicked into the end zone and not returned, thus the play is considered to have gone back to the 20-yard line.

Memory Tip

Think of 'touch' as coming into contact and 'back' as returning to a previous position — a touchback is when the play goes back to the starting point after a kick.

Visually Confused Words