yards from scrimmage is a gridiron football statistical measure. in the game of football, progress is measured by advancing the football towards the opposing team's goal line. progress can be made during play by the offensive team by advancing the ball from the point of progress at the start of play known as the line of scrimmage. when the offensive team advances the ball by rushing the football, the player who carries the ball is given credit for the difference in progress measured in rushing yards. when the offensive team advances the ball by pass reception, the player who catches the reception is given credit for the difference in progress measured in reception yards. although the ball may also be advanced by penalty these yards are not considered yards from scrimmage. progress lost via quarterback sacks are classified variously by league of play with rules having changed over time within some leagues. the total of rushing yards and receiving yards is known as yards from scrimmage. this definition of yardage differs from total offense which gives credit for passing yardage to the person throwing the football rather than receiving the football.