Interception

An interception is a direct turnover from the offense to the defense. When an interception occurs, the game timer is no longer in use as long as the ball is live, however, since the ball is still live, the game clock continues to wind down. An interception can be a steal, loose-ball recovery, block recovery or punt recovery (see below).

An interception is great for the defense for many ways. The defense can return the ball into the return-zone for an interception return for 2 points, or go into the endzone and kill the play or getting your flag pulled, going out of bounds, or the ball becoming dead in another way for 1 point. After that, the intercepting team also gets possession for a chance to score on back-to-back plays. Also, since there is no longer a game timer, the intercepting team can kill time by keeping the ball live and passing the ball until the play is dead.

Once the ball is intercepted, the intercepting team can't forward pass the ball, however, they can still backwards pass or kick-pass the ball to their teammates.

Steal:
A steal occurs when the passer indirectly throws it to a defensive player and the defensive player gains possession.

Loose-ball Recovery:
A loose-ball recovery occurs when a ball is dropped or loose and a defensive player gains possession.

Block Recovery:
A block recovery occurs when an offensive player has possession but the ball is blocked and is recovered by the defense.

Punt Recovery:
A punt recovery occurs when a defensive player catches a punt or recovers a punt.