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In American Football there are 11 players from each team on the 'gridiron' (the playing field) at the same time. The game allows an unlimited number of substitutions, and there are several roles on the field. The position of the players depends on whether the team plays on the attack or on the defense.
An American football team is split into offense, defense and special teams. Within these groups there are different player positions that must be filled, such as quarterback, guard, tackle and linebacker.
In this article you can read everything about the different positions in the attack, defense and special teams.
The attacking team is in possession of the ball and the defense tries to prevent the attacker from scoring.
American football is a tactical and intelligent sport, and recognizing the different roles on the field is important to understand the game.
What are the different positions, where are the players positioned and what are their tasks and responsibilities?
Curious about what AF players wear? Here I explain the full American Football gear & outfits
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
What is the offense?
The 'offense' is the attacking team. The offensive unit consists of a quarterback, offensive linemen, backs, tight ends and receivers.
It is the team that begins possession of the ball from the line of scrimmage (the imaginary line marking the position of the ball at the start of each down).
The goal of the attacking team is to score as many points as possible.
The starting team
The game usually begins when the quarterback receives the ball via a snap (passing the ball backwards at the start of play) from the center and then passes the ball to arunning backs', throws to a 'receiver', or runs with the ball yourself.
The ultimate goal is to score as many 'touchdowns' (TDs) as possible, because those are the ones that score the most points.
Another way for the attacking team to score points is through a field goal.
The 'offensive unit'
The offensive line consists of a center, two guards, two tackles and one or two tight ends.
The function of most offensive linemen is to block and prevent the opposing team/defense from tackling the quarterback (known as a "sack") or making it impossible for him/her to throw the ball.
"Backs" are "running backs" (or "tailbacks") who often carry the ball, and a "full back" who usually blocks for the running back and occasionally carries the ball himself or receives a pass.
The main function of thewide receivers' is catching passes and then bringing the ball as far as possible towards, or preferably even in the 'end zone'.
Eligible receivers
Of the seven (or more) players lined up on the line of scrimmage, only those lined up at the end of the line may run onto the field and receive a pass (these are 'eligible' receivers) ..
If a team has less than seven players on the line of scrimmage, it will result in a penalty (due to an 'illegal formation').
The composition of the attack and how it exactly works is determined by the offensive philosophy of the head coach or 'offensive coordinator'.
The offensive positions explained
In the next section, I'll discuss the offensive positions one by one.
quarterback
Whether you agree or not, the quarterback is the most important player on the football field.
He is the leader of the team, decides the plays and sets the game in motion.
His job is to lead the attack, pass the strategy on to the other players and to throw the ball, give to another player, or run with the ball yourself.
The quarterback must be able to throw the ball with power and accuracy. He needs to know exactly where each player will be during the game.
The quarterback positions himself behind the center in an 'under the center' formation, where he stands directly behind the center and takes the ball, or a little further away in a 'shotgun' or 'pistol formation', where the center hits the ball. 'gets' at him.
An example of a famous quarterback is, of course, Tom Brady, of whom you have probably heard.
Center
The center also has an important role, as he must first and foremost ensure that the ball ends up properly in the quarterback's hands.
The center, as mentioned above, is part of the offensive line and its job is to block the opponents.
It is also the player who brings the ball into play by means of a 'snap' to the quarterback.
The center, along with the rest of the offensive line, wants to prevent the opponent from approaching their quarterback to tackle or block a pass.
Guard
There are two (offensive) guards in the attacking team. The guards are directly on either side of the center with the two tackles on the other side.
Just like the center, the guards belong to the 'offensive linemen' and their function is also to block and to create openings (holes) for their running backs.
Guards are automatically considered 'ineligible' receivers meaning they should not intentionally catch a forward pass unless it is to fix a 'fumble' or the ball is first touched by a defender or 'authorized' receiver .
A fumble occurs when a player in possession of the ball loses the ball before it is tackled, scores a touchdown, or goes outside the lines of the field.
offensive tackle
The offensive tackles play on either side of the guards.
For a right-handed quarterback, the left tackle is responsible for protecting the blindside, and is often quicker than the other offensive linemen to stop defensive ends.
The offensive tackles again belong to the 'offensive linemen' unit and their function is therefore to block.
The area from one tackle to another is called the area of 'close line play' in which some blocks from behind, which are prohibited elsewhere on the field, are allowed.
When there is an unbalanced line (where there are not the same number of players lined up on either side of the center), guards or tackles can also be lined up next to each other.
As explained in the guards section, offensive linemen are not allowed to catch or run with the ball in most cases.
Only if there is a fumble or if the ball has first been touched by a receiver or a defensive player may an offensive lineman catch a ball.
In rare cases, offensive linemen can legally catch direct passes; they can do this by registering as an authorized receiver with the Football referee (or referee) prior to the game.
Any other touching or catching of the ball by an offensive lineman will be punished.
tight end
De tight-end is a hybrid between a receiver and an offensive lineman.
Normally this player stands next to the LT (left tackle) or RT (right tackle) or he can “take relief” on the line of scrimmage like a wide receiver.
The tight end's duties include blocking for the quarterback and running backs, but he can also run and catch passes.
Tight ends can catch like a receiver, but have the strength and posture to dominate on the line.
Tight ends are smaller in stature than offensive linemen but taller than other traditional football players.
wide receiver
Wide receivers (WR) are best known as pass catchers, or ball catchers. They line up on the far outside of the field, either left or right.
Their job is to run 'routes' to break free, receive a pass from the QB and run as far up the field with the ball as possible.
In the case of a running play (where the running back runs with the ball), it is often the job of the receivers to block.
The skill set of wide receivers generally consists of speed and strong hand-eye coordination.
De right wide receiver gloves help these types of players get enough grip on the ball and are critical when it comes to making big plays.
Teams use as many as two to four wide receivers in each game. Along with defensive cornerbacks, wide receivers are usually the fastest guys on the field.
They must be agile and fast enough to shake off defenders trying to cover them and be able to catch the ball reliably.
Some wide receivers can also serve as a 'point' or 'kick returner' (you can read more about these positions below).
There are two types of wide receivers (WR): the wideout and the slot receiver. The main goal of both receivers is to catch balls (and score touchdowns).
They can vary in stature, but in general they are all fast.
A slot receiver is usually a smaller, fast WR that can catch well. They are positioned between the wideouts and the offensive line or tight end.
running back
Also known as the 'halfback'. This player can do it all. He positions himself behind or next to the quarterback.
He runs, catches, blocks and he will even throw the ball every now and then. A running back (RB) is often a fast player and is not afraid of physical contact.
In most cases, the running back receives the ball from the QB, and it is his job to run as far across the field as possible.
He can also catch the ball like a WR, but that is his second priority.
Running backs come in all 'shapes and sizes'. There are big, strong backs, or the small, fast backs.
There can be zero to three RBs on the field at any given game, but usually it's one or two.
In general, there are two types of running backs; a half back, and a full back.
half back
The best half backs (HB) possess a combination of power and speed, and are very valuable to their teams.
The half back is the most common type of running back.
His primary task is to run as far up the field with the ball as possible, but he must also be able to catch a ball if necessary.
Some half backs are small and fast and dodge their opponents, others are big and powerful and run over defenders instead of around them.
Because half backs experience a lot of physical contact on the field, the average career of a professional half back is unfortunately often very short.
full back
The full back is often a somewhat larger and sturdier version of the RB, and in modern football usually more of a lead blocker.
The full back is the player responsible for clearing the way for the running back and protecting the quarterback.
Full backs are normally good riders with exceptional strength. The average full back is big and powerful.
The full back used to be an important ball carrier, but nowadays the half back gets the ball in most runs and the full back clears the way.
The full back is also called the 'blocking back'.
Other forms/terms for the running back
Some other terms used to describe running backs and their duties are the Tailback, H-Back and the Wingback/Slotback.
Tail Back (TB)
A running back, usually a halfback, who positions himself behind the full back in an 'I formation' (the name of a specific formation) rather than next to him.
H-Back
Not to be confused with half back. A H-back is a player who, unlike the tight end, positions himself just behind the line of scrimmage.
The tight end is on the line. Normally, it is the full back or tight end who plays the role of an H-back.
Because the player positions himself behind the line of scrimmage, he is counted as one of the 'backs'. In general, however, his role is the same as that of other tight ends.
Wingback (WB) / Slotback
A wingback or slotback is a running back who positions himself behind the line of scrimmage next to the tackle or tight end.
Teams can vary the number of wide receivers, tight ends and running backs on the field. However, there are some limitations to the attacking formations.
For example, there must be at least seven players on the line of scrimmage, and only the two players at each end are eligible to make passes.
Sometimes offensive linemen can 'declare themselves authorized' and are allowed to catch a ball in such cases.
Not just in terms of positions American Football differs from rugby, read more here
What is the defence?
The defense is the team that plays on the defense and the game against the offense starts from the line of scrimmage. This team is therefore not in possession of the ball.
The goal of the defending team is to prevent the other (offensive) team from scoring.
The defense consists of defensive ends, defensive tackles, linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties.
The defending team's goal is achieved when the attacking team has reached a 4th down, and has not been able to score a touchdown or other points.
Unlike the attacking team, there are no formally defined defensive positions. A defending player may position himself anywhere on his side of the line of scrimmage and take any legal action.
Most lineups used include defensive ends and defensive tackles on a line and behind this line are the linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties lined up.
Defensive ends and tackles are collectively referred to as the "defensive line," while the cornerbacks and safeties are collectively referred to as the "secondary" or "defensive backs."
Defensive end (DE)
Just as there is an offensive line, there is also a defensive line.
The defensive ends, along with the tackles, are part of the defensive line. The defensive line and offensive line line up at the beginning of each game.
The two defensive ends each play at one end of the defensive line.
Their function is to attack the passer (usually the quarterback) or stop offensive runs to the outer edges of the line of scrimmage (commonly referred to as "containment").
The faster of the two is usually placed on the right side because that is the blind side of a right-handed quarterback.
Defensive tackle (DT)
The 'defensive tackle' is sometimes referred to as a 'defensive guard'.
Defensive tackles are linemen lined up between the defensive ends.
The function of DTs is to rush the passer (run toward the quarterback in an attempt to stop or tackle him) and stop running plays.
A defensive tackle that is directly in front of the ball (i.e. nearly nose-to-nose with the center of the offense) is often called a "nose tackle' or 'nose guard'.
The nose tackle is most common in a 3-4 defense (3 linemen, 4 linebackers, 4 defensive backs) and the quarter defense (3 linemen, 1 linebacker, 7 defensive backs).
Most defensive lineups have one or two defensive tackles. Sometimes, but not often, a team has three defensive tackles on the field.
Linebacker (LB)
Most defensive lineups have between two and four linebackers.
Linebackers are usually divided into three types: strongside (Left- or Right-Outside Linebacker: LOLB or ROLB); middle (MLB); and weakside (LOLB or ROLB).
Linebackers play behind the defensive line and perform different duties depending on the situation, such as rushing the passer, covering receivers, and defending a run play.
The strongside linebacker normally faces the attacker's tight end.
He is usually the strongest LB as he must be able to shake off the lead blockers fast enough to tackle the running back.
The center linebacker must correctly identify the attacking side's lineup and determine what adjustments the entire defense must make.
That's why the middle linebacker is also known as the "defense quarterback."
The weakside linebacker is usually the most athletic or fastest linebacker because he often has to defend an open field.
Corner Back (CB)
Cornerbacks tend to be relatively short in stature, but make up for it with their speed and technique.
The cornerbacks (also called 'corners') are players who mainly cover the wide receivers.
Cornerbacks also try to prevent quarterback passes by either hitting the ball away from the receiver or catching the pass themselves (interception).
They are particularly responsible for disrupting and defending pass plays (thus preventing the quarterback from throwing the ball to one of his receivers) than in run plays (where the running back runs with the ball).
The cornerback position requires speed and agility.
The player must be able to anticipate the quarterback and have good back pedaling (back pedaling is a running motion in which the player runs backwards and keeps his gaze on the quarterback and receivers and then reacts quickly) and tackling.
Safety (FS or SS)
Finally, there are the two safeties: the free safety (FS) and the strong safety (SS).
The safeties are the last line of defense (furthest from the line of scrimmage) and usually help the corners defend a pass.
The strong safety is usually the larger and stronger of the two, and gives extra protection on run plays by standing somewhere between the free safety and the line of scrimmage.
The free safety is usually smaller and faster and gives extra pass coverage.
What are Special Teams?
Special teams are units that are on the field during kickoffs, free kicks, punts and field goal attempts, and extra points.
Most special teams players also have an offense and/or defense role. But there are also players who only play in special teams.
Special teams include:
- a kick-off team
- a kick-off return team
- a punting team
- one point blocking/return team
- a field goal team
- a field goal blocking team
Special teams are unique in that they can serve as attacking or defensive units and can only be seen sporadically during a match.
The aspects of special teams can be very different from the general offensive and defensive play, and so a specific group of players are trained to perform these tasks.
Although there are fewer points scored on special teams than on offense, the play of special teams determines where each attack will start, and thus has a major impact on how easy or difficult it is for the attacker to score.
Kick off
A kick off, or kick-off, is a method of starting a game in football.
Characteristic of a kick off is that one team – the 'kicking team' – kicks the ball to the opponent – the 'receiving team'.
The receiving team then has the right to return the ball, i.e., try to get the ball as far as possible towards the kicking team's end zone (or score a touchdown), until the player with the ball is tackled by the kicking team. team or goes outside the field (out of bounds).
Kickoffs take place at the beginning of each half after a goal has been scored and sometimes at the beginning of overtime.
The kicker is the one responsible for kicking the kick off and also the player who attempts a field goal.
A kick off is shot from the ground with the ball placed on a holder.
A gunner, also known as a shooter, flyer, headhunter, or kamikaze, is a player who is deployed during kickoffs and punts and who specializes in running very fast down the sidelines in an attempt to get the kick or punt returner (read about this). to tackle more directly).
The wedge buster player's goal is to sprint through the center of the field on kick offs.
It is his responsibility to disrupt the wall of blockers (the 'wedge') to prevent the kick off returner from having a lane in which to make a return.
Being a wedge buster is a very dangerous position as he often runs at full speed when he comes into contact with a blocker.
kick-off return
When a kick off takes place, the kick off return team of the other party is on the field.
The ultimate goal of a kick off return is to get the ball as close as possible to the end zone (or score if possible).
Because where the kick off returner (KR) is able to carry the ball is where the game will begin again.
A team's ability to start offensively in a better-than-average field position greatly increases its chance of success.
That means, the closer to the end zone, the more chance the team has to score a touchdown.
The kick off return team must work well together, with the kick off returner (KR) trying to catch the ball after the opposing team has kicked the ball, and the rest of the team clearing the way by blocking the opponent.
It is possible that a powerful kick causes the ball to end up in the kick off return team's own end zone.
In such a case, a kick off returner does not have to run with the ball.
Instead, he can put the ball down in the end zone for a 'touchback', with his team agreeing to start play from the 20-yard line.
If the KR catches the ball in the playing area and then retreats into the end zone, he must make sure to bring the ball back out of the end zone.
If he is tackled in the end zone, the kicking team gets a safety and scores two points.
Punt team
In a punt play, the punting team lines up with the scrimmage punter lined up about 15 yards behind the center.
The receiving team – the opponent – is ready to catch the ball, just like a kick off.
The center takes a long snap to the punter, who catches the ball and blasts onto the field.
The player of the other side who catches the ball then has the right to try to advance the ball as far as possible.
A football point typically occurs on the 4th down when the attack failed to reach the first down during the first three attempts and is in an unfavorable position for a field goal attempt.
Technically, a team can point the ball on any down points, but that would be of little use.
The result of a typical run is a first down for the receiving team where:
- the receiver of the receiving team is tackled or goes outside the lines of the field;
- the ball goes out of bounds, either in flight or after hitting the ground;
- there is illegal touching: when a player of the kicking team is the first player to touch the ball after it has shot past the line of scrimmage;
- or the ball has come to rest within the lines of the field without being touched.
Other possible results are that the point is blocked behind the line of scrimmage, and the ball is touched, but not caught or possessed, by the receiving team.
In either case, the ball is then “free” and “alive” and will belong to the team that finally catches the ball.
Point blocking/return team
When one of the teams is ready for a point play, the opposing team brings their point blocking/returning team onto the field.
The punt returner (PR) is tasked with catching the ball after it has been punted and to give his team good fielding position (or a touchdown if possible) by returning the ball.
The goal is therefore the same as with a kick off.
Before catching the ball, the returner must assess the situation on the field while the ball is still in the air.
He must determine whether it is really beneficial for his team to run with the ball.
If it appears that the opponent will be too close to the PR by the time he catches the ball, or if it appears that the ball will end up in his own end zone, the PR may choose not to play with the ball. start running and choose one of the following two options instead:
- Request a “fair catch” by swinging one arm above his head before catching the ball. This means that the game ends as soon as he catches the ball; the PR's team gains possession of the ball at the place of the catch and no return attempt can be made. The fair catch minimizes the chance of a fumble or injury because it ensures that the PR is fully protected. The opponent must not touch the PR or attempt to interfere with the catch in any way after the fair catch signal has been given.
- Dodging the ball and letting it hit the ground† This can happen if the ball enters the PR team's end zone for a touchback (where the ball is placed on the 25-yard line and play starts again from there), goes outside the lines of the field or comes to rest in the field of play and is 'down' by a player of the punting team ("to down a ball" means that the player in possession of the ball stops a forward movement by kneeling on one knee. Such a gesture signals the end of the action) .
The latter is the safest option, as it completely eliminates the chance of a fumble and ensures that the returner's team gets possession of the ball.
However, it also provides the opportunity for the punting team to trap the PR's team deep in their own territory.
This can not only give the punt return team a bad field position, but can even lead to a safety (two points for the opponent).
A safety occurs when the player in possession of the punting return team is tackled or 'downs the ball' in his own end zone.
Field goal team
When a team decides to attempt a field goal, the field goal team springs into action with all but two players lined up along or near the line of scrimmage.
The kicker and the holder (the player who receives the snap from the long snapper) are further away.
Instead of the regular center, a team may have a long snapper, who is specially trained to snap the ball on kick attempts and punts.
The holder usually positions himself seven to eight yards behind the line of scrimmage, with the kicker a few yards behind him.
Upon receiving the snap, the holder holds the ball vertically to the ground, with the stitching away from the kicker.
The kicker begins its movement during the snap, so the snapper and holder have little margin for error.
One small mistake can disrupt the entire attempt.
Depending on the level of play, upon reaching the holder, the ball is held up by either the aid of a small rubber tee (a small platform on which to place the ball) or simply on the ground (in college and on the professional level).
The kicker, who is responsible for kickoffs, is also the one who attempts the field goal. A field goal is worth 3 points.
Field goal blocking
If one team's field goal team is on the field, the other team's field goal blocking team is active.
The defensive linemen of the field goal blocking team position themselves near the center who snaps the ball, because the quickest way to a field goal or extra point attempt is through the center.
The field goal blocking team is the team that tries to defend the field goal and thus wants to prevent the offense from scoring 3 points.
The ball is seven yards from the line of scrimmage, meaning the linemen will have to cross this area to block the kick.
When the defense blocks the kick of the attack, they can recover the ball and score a TD (6 points).
Conclusion
You see, American Football is a tactical game where the specific roles that the players take are very important.
Now that you know what roles these might be, you'll probably look at the next game a little differently.
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