Definition of red zone

The term "red zone" originally refers to the area of a football field closest to the opponent's goal line, where the probability of a defensive team allowing a touchdown or field goal is the highest. This area is typically marked by red paint on the field, explaining the origin of the phrase "red zone." In the 1960s, the National Football League (NFL) started using red hash marks at the 20-yard line of both teams' end zones. Later, the NFL expanded the red zone to refer to any area of a team's half of the field that extends 20 yards from the opponent's goal line. In rugby league, the term "red zone" is now common, meaning the area between the opponent's 20-meter and goal lines, where teams score most of their points. Additionally, the medical community sometimes uses the term "red zone" to describe a specific phase of a woman's menstrual cycle when she's most likely to conceive. This is due to the increased likelihood of ovulation during this time. However, in both sports and medicine, the term "red zone" is primarily associated with the possibility of scoring points or conception, thus holding significant implications.