Quarter – A quarter is the period that football games are divided into. In the NFL and at the college level, a quarter lasts for fifteen minutes and a standard game consists of four quarters. High school football quarters are usually 12 minutes long. NFL games also have a 12 minute half-time intermission following the end of the second quarter. Because the game clock is stopped in many situations, games last much longer than the one hour that is allotted, often up to three hours. In the event tha the score is tied at the end of the four quarters, the game goes into overtime. NFL overtimes are ‘sudden death’, meaning that the first team to score wins. College level overtime rules are more complex. When NFL or college football games are being shown on TV, there are timeouts that allow broadcasters to air commercials without missing any of the game action.

Quarterback –The quarterback is the offensive leader who, in most cases, receives the snap from the center. The quarterback then usually either throws a pass or gives the ball to a running back. He is also responsible for calling the play in the huddle and signaling for an audible where a change of play becomes necessary. Quarterbacks are one of the team’s most visible players, and are in contact with the ball on virtually every offensive play. A good quarterback must be able to quickly assess the game situation and make and relay decisions regarding play to his teammates. Arm power, the ability to make long passes, and to evade defensive players while in the ‘pocket’ are some of the important attributes of a successful quarterback. Quarterbacks may also, rarely, be called upon to catch a pass during a trick play, such as the ‘Flea Flicker’ or in certain formations. In the NFL, the quarterback’s position dictates whether or not he is an eligible receiver.

Quarterback Rating – A quarterback rating is a statistical measure of the quarterback’s effectiveness in passing including yards per attempt, completion percentage, interceptions and touchdown passes. It may be alternatively referred to as a passer rating, or in the NCAA, pass efficiency, and may apply to other passers on the team. The formula that is used by both the NFL and the Canadian Football League differs from that used by the NCAA. The NFL quarterback rating uses the four statistical components, which are each assigned a number from zero to 2.375, to arrive at a total number of up to 153. As of 2009, no player has achieved a quarterback rating of higher than 121.1 for a completed season, a record that was set by Peyton Manning during the 2004 NFL season. Many players have, however, achieved a ‘perfect game’ by getting a perfect passer rating for their play; 32 quarterbacks since 1973.

Quarterback Sneak – A quarterback sneak is when the quarterback takes a snap and then quickly advances forward to get ahead of the defensive blockers, rather than passing the ball off immediately. The sneak is usually designed to throw defenses off guard, particularly in short yardage situations. Although it is unlikely that the play will result in significant gains in yardage, it can be used when the ball is very close to the goal and it is the third or fourth down. The play offers an advantage in that the quarterback gets the ball at the line of scrimmage. If a quarterback sneak is not executed properly, it can easily cost the team in yardage.

Quick Count – when the “Quarterback” hurries the “Snap Count” in order to throw the defense off guard 

Quick Kick – A quick kick is an offensive formation that is intended to surprise the defense with a punt by lining up in a formation that would normally indicate a running or passing play. In general, this is a kick from scrimmage, that comes from a formation that does not look like the one that the team usually uses for punting. A quick kick serves many of the same purposes as any regular punt, but in addition it may give the team some additional yardage, since the ball may bounce or roll, and can also prevent a return of the ball from the defense.Teams may also use a fake quick kick play to maintain the element of surprise. For example, the punter holds the ball as if he is going to drop it, instead handing it off to a nearby teammate who can then pass or run with it. A controlled kick, often referred to as a pooch punt, may also be used when the ball is close to teh goal line.