Hail Mary – a long passing play with a low success percentage in which the “Quarterback” throws for distance over accuracy in an attempt to score immediately from far away in a single play, usually because time is running short

Halfback – the primary “Ball Carrier” on most running plays, this player lines up behind the “Full Back” and also runs short routes on passing plays

Handoff – handing the ball from one player to another 

Hands Team – the players best at catching the ball, used to recover “Onside Kicks”

Hang Time – the length of time a ball stays in the air after being punted

Hash Marks – lines arranged in two rows placed one yard apart near the center of the field

Head Coach – the team’s supervising authority, in charge of managing all the players and the other coaches

Head Linesman – an official who lines up on the sidelines at the line of scrimmage to watch for “Encroachment” and “False Starts” and judge ball placement 

Helping the Runner – an illegal maneuver in which the ball carrier is pushed or pulled forward by another player, a 10 yard penalty

Heisman Trophy – an award given by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York annually to the best player in the NCAA

Hitch and Go – A passing route in which a “Receiver” runs downfield then quickly pivots to fake a cut in or outside before  for a pass

Holder – the player who receives the “Snap” on kicking plays and secures the ball for the “Kicker”

Holding – an illegal blocking maneuver in which a player clutches an opposing player and restrains him from playing

Hole Number – the numbers given to the spaces between the “Offensive Linemen”

Home-Field Advantage – the idea that the home team gets a benefit from playing in its own arena with its own fans, etc.

Hook and Ladder – a rarely used trick play that breaks down like this: 1) the “Quarterback” throws a short pass to a receiver facing the line of scrimmage 2) the “Receiver” laterals the ball to another receiver 3) this receiver runs toward the “end zone”

Hot Dog – a flashy playmaker

Hot Receiver – a “Receiver” running a short route for the “Quarterback” to throw to quickly in case of a “Blitz”

Huddle – a gathering of the 11 on-field players in a team to discuss the upcoming play 

Hurry-up Offense – a quick-moving offensive strategy meant for using the time remaining on the clock as efficiently as possible, usually without a “Huddle”