fair catch

American  

[fair kach] / ˈfɛər ˈkætʃ /

noun

Football.

1. a catch of a kicked ball in which the receiver signals that they will not advance the ball and therefore may not be interfered with or tackled.

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Etymology

Origin of fair catch

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Menon was heard explaining: "We checked for fair catch because we felt it was off the glove but he says it is off the helmet."

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

Since many teams start possessions on their 25-yard line after a fair catch, they often find themselves facing a 4th-and-1 at their own 34-yard line.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

“He brought a lot of juice with that kick,” said receiver Derius Davis, who was interfered with on the punt fair catch that set up Dicker’s kick.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2024

Even some of his own teammates had no idea what a fair catch kick was.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2024

Hamilton made a fair catch at the thirty yard line, but Caldwell had gone down like a flash, and nailed him before he could run back.

From Bert Wilson on the Gridiron by Duffield, J. W.