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

See Examples For:

fair catch

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

The obscure rule allows a team to kick immediately after a fair catch and if it goes through the uprights and over the crossbar, it counts as a three-point field goal for the kicking team.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 2024

Green Bay’s Elijah made a fair catch on a Chicago punt with seconds remaining in the first half.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 20, 2024

RULES.—It is considered a fair catch for any baseman, including the captain, if the ball be caught on a bound either from the floor, ceiling, or any other object, or from hitting another player.

From Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium by Jessie Hubbell Bancroft