What is a fumble in football?

In football, a fumble occurs when a player who has possession of the ball drops it or loses control of it before being tackled or while trying to make a play. A fumble can happen at any time during a play, whether it is a pass, handoff, or while a player is running with the ball.

When a fumble occurs, the ball is considered loose and can be recovered by either team. The team that recovers the fumble gains possession of the ball at the spot where the fumble occurred. Fumbles can be costly for a team, as they can result in turnovers and give the opposing team a chance to score or gain momentum.

Fumbles are a common occurrence in football and are often the result of physical contact, slippery field conditions, or a player's inability to maintain control of the ball. Teams often practice ball security drills to help reduce the likelihood of fumbles and emphasize the importance of protecting the ball during games.