How to Speak Football

Book excerpt: From "ankle breaker” to “zebra,” How to Speak Football includes over 125 football terms paired with amusing illustrations that decode the words and phrases that fly around the field. The “Sidelines” sections sprinkled throughout the book will teach you fun trivia about the history of the sport, the stories behind football players’ nicknames, the most famous touchdown celebrations, and much more! The terms included in the book range from the well-known, like “blitz” and “punt,” to the more uncommon such as: -Alligator arms: A term coaches, players, and television commentators frequently use to describe—and disparage—a receiver who keeps his arms protectively tucked in close to his ribs, instead of stretched out to catch the ball. -Chain gang: The officials on the sideline who hold the yardage and down markers. -Pancake: A forceful block, usually by an offensive lineman, tight end, or fullback, that sets an opposing lineman completely on his back, taking him out of play. A fantastic blend of funny anecdotes and entertaining bits of history and trivia, Sally Cook and Ross MacDonald's book is the perfect gift for all the football lovers in your life, fantasy fanatics, or any of the growing number of fans who are gravitating toward this exciting sport!