Wham Blocks & More: 10 Unusual Football Terms to Know
1. Coffin Corner
No, it doesn’t have anything to do with Halloween.
A coffin corner is a punt that lands or goes out of bounds very close to the opponent’s goal line. The goal is to force the opposing offense to start its next drive deep in its own territory.
Watch for it: The next time a punter sends the ball toward the sideline near the goal line, listen to see if the announcer calls it a coffin corner punt.
2. Tackle Box
The tackle box is the area of the field between the two offensive tackles. It might not be something young fans notice right away, but the term comes up when coaches, announcers and officials describe where certain plays or actions take place.
Watch for it: Pay attention to where the quarterback moves after the snap and how the offensive line creates space around the tackle box.
3. Trap Block
A trap block is a blocking play designed to catch a defender from an unexpected angle. Instead of immediately blocking the defender in front of them, an offensive lineman may allow another player to come through and make the block.
The result? A running lane can open up where the defense wasn’t expecting it.
Watch for it: Instead of only watching the ball carrier, watch the offensive line. You might start noticing blocks that make a play possible before the runner even gets the ball.
4. Tackle-Eligible
Here’s a term that can make a football fan do a double take.
A tackle-eligible play occurs when an offensive lineman lines up in a position that makes him eligible to catch a pass. That means a player who normally spends his time blocking could suddenly become a receiver.
And yes, sometimes teams really do throw the ball to their big guys.
Watch for it: If you hear an announcer mention an “eligible tackle,” keep an eye on the offensive linemen. One of them could become part of the passing play.
5. Buttonhook
A buttonhook is a receiver route in which the player runs downfield and then turns back toward the quarterback to receive the pass. It’s also commonly called a hook route.
For a young receiver, this is a great example of how route running involves more than simply running straight down the field.
Watch for it: Pick a receiver during an NFL game and follow their route from the snap. Can you identify when they run a buttonhook?
6. Wham Block
A wham block is a blocking concept that uses timing and an unexpected angle to block a defensive lineman. Rather than having the defender immediately blocked by the player lined up directly across from them, another blocker comes in to deliver the block.
It’s another reminder that football is a game of strategy as much as athleticism.
Watch for it: On running plays, don’t just follow the football. Watch how blockers move before the ball carrier reaches the hole.
7. Stunt
A stunt happens when defensive linemen change or exchange their rushing paths in an attempt to confuse the offensive line.
Instead of every defender rushing straight ahead, two defenders may cross paths or change their assignments to create confusion.
Watch for it: Focus on the defensive line just after the snap. Once you know what you’re looking for, you’ll start seeing defenders work together to create pressure.
8. Stuff
“Stuff” might sound like a pretty general football word, but it has a specific meaning.
A stuff occurs when a defender tackles a ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage on a running play.
For the offense, that’s a big problem. For the defense, it’s exactly what they’re looking for.
Watch for it: When a running back gets stopped almost immediately after receiving the ball, you may hear the announcer say the defense “stuffed” the run.
9. Peel-Back Block
A peel-back block describes a situation where an offensive player moves back toward their own end zone to block a defender.
However, not every peel-back block is legal. Football has specific rules about how and where these blocks can be made, particularly when a player is hit from certain angles or below the waist.
Watch for it: This is a good example of why knowing football terminology isn’t just about understanding plays. It can also help young players understand the rules and responsibilities that come with playing the game.
10. Personnel Grouping
Here’s a term that can make watching an NFL game much more interesting.
Personnel grouping describes which offensive skill-position players are on the field. You may hear announcers or coaches refer to groups by numbers.
For example, 11 personnel means the offense has one running back, one tight end and three wide receivers on the field.
Why does that matter? Because the players an offense puts on the field can give you clues about what it might be trying to do.
Watch for it: Before the snap, count the running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. Then see how the offense uses that group once the play begins.
From the Broadcast to the Field
Knowing obscure football terms isn’t just a way to impress your friends while watching the NFL.
The more young players understand the language of football, the easier it becomes to connect what coaches are saying with what actually happens on the field. A term like stunt, buttonhook or trap block isn’t just something to hear during a broadcast—it describes a concept that players can learn to recognize and understand when they play.
And that’s what makes watching football such a great learning opportunity. The next time you watch an NFL game, don’t just watch the ball. Listen to the language, watch the details and see if you can spot some of these terms in action.
You might learn something that helps you the next time you catch a game at home or step onto the field.