OFFENSE
"This is the part of the game that always made me feel like I was missing the “football gene” when I first started
paying attention to football. What great purpose do all these huddling, throwing, catching, running, spitting, crouch-grabbing, squatting, hitting guys have? Yes, we all can figure out why the only guy standing upright gives the ball to another player and he takes off with it toward the endzone…. sort of….at least we can fake that part. Ask a guy watching a game to answer even one question about a football game is like asking him to dust the furniture or take the dog out in a tornado! Everything moves so fast, once the official blows the whistle, I do not know who is doing what to who. If I could even follow who had the ball, it was a good day. This section will help you understand what each players position is called and where they are usually located on the field. Understanding positions is one step closer to understanding the game and guys are so impressed when you can say something “not wrong” during a game."
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THER ARE 11 OFFENSIVE PLAYERS ON THE FIELD AT A TIME
Below is a basic play so can see the name of each position. There are six positions that stay the same most of the time: The #1 Left Tackle is always to the left of the #2 Left Guard, who is always left of the #3 Center, who is always in the middle. The #4 Right Guard is always right of the Center, then the #5 Right Tackle is to his right. The #6 Quarterback stands behind the Center. Knowing where the players line up will also help you find a favorite player, if you know his number. Do not forget to run off a copy of the roster of both teams from home or you can always buy an expensive Media Guide.
EXAMPLE OF A SET UP AND DESCRIPTION OF PLAYERS BELOW:
Anything with a * beside it refer back to terms
This group of players on the field are called “21 Player Personnel.” (Please do not be confused by the “21,” it is just the name of the alignment, I could not find anyone who could explain it). “The Offensive Line are the five guys always in front of the Quarterback. Yes, X’s & O’s” is the real language of football, the same as they use in football playbooks. Defense uses X’s. Each set up/play is subject to change during a game.
QUARTERBACK
The Quarterback (QB) is the leader of the team and directs the team’s offensive players. He has to have good anticipation, composure, great decision-making skills and confidence in himself. The QB must be an accurate passer down the field whether it is a short or long pass. He must possess pocket mobility; the ability to avoid the rush within the Pocket* and to escape pressure from the defense.
RUNNING BACK
Running Backs (RB) position themselves either behind or beside the QB. His job is to advance the ball down the field once it is handed off to him. He can either run inside the tackles or outside the tackles, depending on the play called in the Huddle.* Things that you look for in a RB are good vision of the field, elusiveness, the ability to break tackles and to outrun defenders. RB’s must also be pass-catchers and pass-blockers in the passing game. He has to be a fast and strong runner and able to advance the ball even after contact with a defender(s).
FULL BACK
A Full Back (FB) is a heavier and often stronger version of the RB. He aligns either to the right or left behind the QB and on some plays, he could be on the line of scrimmage. A FB is the lead blocker in the run game. He can also be a pass receiver from the Backfield.*
OFFENSIVE LINE
An Offensive Lineman’s (OL) job is to block for the QB so he has time to throw or block for the RB or FB if it is a run play. Most of the time, with the exception of the center “snapping” the ball to the QB, the Offensive Linemen do not touch the ball. They are usually made up of the biggest, strongest players on the team. Due to their high-contact role, these players use special gloves for pass-blocking protection. There are five Offensive Line positions. From left to right, they are: Left Tackle (LT), Left Guard (LG), Center (C), Right Guard (RG), and Right Tackle (RT).
WIDE RECEIVER
Wide Receivers (WR) are known as pass catchers. They normally align outside the numbers on the field near the sideline or literally on top of the numbers, near the line of scrimmage. Their primary job is to catch passes; however, they are blockers in the run game and occasionally take a handoff from the QB. WR’s will normally have a combination of blazing speed, foot quickness and excellent hand-eye coordination. They must be able to separate and out run the defenders at the line of scrimmage if they are to be successful. WR’s must be willing to make the tough catches even when being covered by one or more defenders.
TIGHT END
The Tight End (TE) is a combination of a WR and an Offensive Lineman. He lines up next to the LT or RT in a three-point stance* or he can stand upright like a WR. A TE’s job includes blocking for both the QB and the RB’s, however, he can also run down the field and catch passes. He must have the same hand-eye coordination as a WR but the strength and size to dominate on the Offensive Line. They must also possess the foot quickness to run down the field in the passing game is