What Is a Pick in Football? Definition & Usage

Two Meanings, One Word

Football fans use “pick” in two distinct ways. The first and most common is as a synonym for an interception: a pass thrown by the offense that is caught by a defender. The second is a blocking tactic on offense, often called a “pick play” or “rub route,” where a receiver deliberately gets in the way of a defender to create space for a teammate. Both uses are informal slang. The official rulebook (the NFL Rulebook and NCAA rules) never uses the word “pick” for either action. It calls an interception an “interception” and a pick play is covered under offensive pass interference rules.

Origin of the Term

The word “pick” in the sense of stealing or taking something dates back centuries. To “pick” a pocket means to steal from it. In early American football, an interception was seen as the defender “picking off” the pass, like plucking a fruit from a tree or stealing a wallet. Newspaper writers began using “pick” and “pickoff” in game reports in the early 20th century, and the term stuck with fans and players. The pick play meaning likely comes from the idea of “picking” a defender out of the play, like choosing a blocker. Both meanings are informal and would rarely appear in an official team playbook, which would use “interception” and “rub route” or “screen” instead.

How a Pick (Interception) Happens

An interception occurs when a defensive player catches a pass thrown by the offense. The defense then gains possession of the ball and can run with it, trying to gain yardage or score a touchdown. Interceptions typically happen because of a misread by the quarterback, a tipped ball, or a defender making a great play on a poorly thrown pass. The most common scenarios are:

Underthrown deep ball: The receiver slows down, the defender catches up and leaps for the ball.
Bad decision into coverage: The quarterback throws into double coverage, and a defender steps in front.
Tip drill: A pass is deflected by a receiver or defender, and another defensive player catches it.
Zone coverage bait: A defender drops into a passing lane and reads the quarterback’s eyes.

Once the defender catches the ball, the play continues until the defender is tackled, goes out of bounds, or scores. If the defender scores, it is called a “pick-six” (interception returned for a touchdown).

How a Pick (Block) Works

On offense, a pick play is a legal tactic used to get a receiver open. The receiver runs a short route and positions himself in the path of the defender covering a teammate. If done legally, the pick blocks the defender’s pursuit and gives the teammate a clear window to catch the pass. The key is legality: the receiver must not initiate contact with the defender beyond the line of scrimmage. If he extends his arms, pushes, or makes contact that is not a natural part of running a route, it is offensive pass interference. The referee throws a flag, and the offense is penalized 10 yards (in the NFL). The pick play is most effective on short routes like slants, drags, and screens, where timing is crucial.

Common Misconceptions

Many casual fans confuse the two meanings. A common mistake is saying “the receiver picked the defender” when they mean the defender intercepted the ball. Another misconception is that all pick plays are illegal. In fact, a legal pick is a fundamental part of route combinations in every offense. The difference is subtle: a legal pick is a screen that does not involve active blocking. The receiver simply runs his route and the defender runs into him. If the receiver changes his path to deliberately bump the defender, it is a foul. Another misconception is that a pick always results in a touchdown. Most interceptions are returned for short gains or are downed immediately. Only a small fraction become pick-sixes.

How to Use the Term in a Sentence

“Pick” is used in casual conversation, sports commentary, and locker room talk. It is not appropriate for formal writing or official reports. Here are real examples:

Interception meaning: “The quarterback threw a pick on the first drive.”
Pick-six: “That pick-six turned the whole game around.”
Pick play: “The offense ran a pick play on the slant route to free the tight end.”
As a verb: “The safety picked off the pass at the goal line.”

In a professional context, a coach would say “interception” or “pass break-up,” not “pick.” But in the stands, on sports talk shows, and in casual writing, “pick” is the standard slang.

Key Rules and Penalties

Understanding the rules around picks is essential for any fan. For interceptions, the defense can return the ball, and the offense cannot tackle the defender below the waist or by the facemask. For pick plays, the offense must avoid contact with the defender beyond the line of scrimmage. If the contact is deemed illegal, the penalty is offensive pass interference, which costs the offense 10 yards in the NFL and 15 yards in college football. The referee signals by placing his hands on his hips. A legal pick is often called a “rub” or “screen” and is a staple of West Coast offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a pick the same as an interception?

Yes, in common usage, a “pick” is just another word for an interception. Both mean a defensive player catches a pass thrown by the offense. The term “pick” is more informal, while “interception” is the official term used in rulebooks and statistics.

Can a pick play be legal?

Yes, a pick play is legal if the receiver does not initiate contact with the defender. The receiver is allowed to run his route, and if the defender runs into him, it is not a foul. The illegal version is when the receiver extends his arms or changes his path to block the defender.

What is a pick-six?

A pick-six is an interception returned for a touchdown. The term combines “pick” (interception) and “six” (the number of points a touchdown is worth). It is a game-changing play that can swing momentum instantly.

Why do quarterbacks throw picks?

Quarterbacks throw interceptions for many reasons: misreading the defense, throwing late, forcing the ball into tight coverage, or having a pass tipped at the line. Even the best quarterbacks throw picks occasionally, but great ones minimize them by making quick, accurate decisions.

How do you avoid a pick play penalty?

Offensive players avoid a pick play penalty by not making deliberate contact with defenders beyond the line of scrimmage. They should run their routes naturally and let the defense make the mistake of running into them. If they extend arms or push, the referee will flag them.

Conclusion

Whether you hear “pick” in the stands or on a highlight reel, it almost always means an interception. The pick play is a lesser-known but equally important tactic. Both uses are informal slang, so use them with confidence in casual conversation, but switch to “interception” and “rub route” when talking to referees or coaches. Knowing the difference will make you a more informed fan and a better communicator about the game.

Sources: The IFAB Laws of the Game. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.