Football plays are the strategies used by teams to move the ball down the field and score points. Downs are plays that involve four chances for the offensive team to advance the ball at least 10 yards. Punts are plays in which the offensive team kicks the ball away to the defensive team, usually done when the offensive team is unable to gain the necessary 10 yards. Laterals are plays in which the ball is thrown backwards to a teammate, usually done as a last resort to avoid being tackled.