You may not be able name all the roles on a football If you are new to the sport, squad is a good option. Some positions, like center and quarterback, are obvious. Are you able to distinguish between a cornerback or a fullback, and what their roles are on the field? If you recognize the different positions on a football team, you’ll be able understand how they work together and can master the fundamentals and strategies of offensive and defensive playmaking.
Positions of Offense
There are 11 positions on a football team’s offense.
Quarterback: The quarterback receives the ball from center at the start of each play. He either passes it to the runningback, throws it a receiver or runs with the ball himself. The quarterback usually calls the offense on the field.
Halfback: The halfback, who is positioned in the backfield and responsible for carrying the ball on run plays, is located in the backfield. A running back’s primary role is to provide support for the quarterback. footballHe may be used as a receiver, however.
Fullback: This position is in the offensive backfield. It is responsible for blocking halfback runs and blocking quarterback passes. Fullbacks are larger than halfbacks and can run shorter distances.
Wide receiver: Positions near or on the field of play, but moves to the outside. His primary responsibility lies in catching the quarterback’s throws.
Tight end: A tight end can be both a receiver or a blocker. A tight end lies to the left or right side of the quarterback.
An offensive tackle is one the five offensive line players. Two offensive tackles are on the outside flank of the offensive guards and line up for each play.
One of the five offensive line players is the offensive guard. Two guards are assigned to each side of an offensive center play.
The center snaps the ball to the quarterback at the beginning of every play. The center is located between the offensive guards and the quarterback and distributes offensive responsibilities and play calls to other linemen.
Positions of Offense
There are 11 positions in a defense football team:
Defensive end: These two players are at the defensive line’s outside edges. They must get through the offensive line, either to target the quarterback or halt running.
Protective tackle These two players are part of the interior defensive line and help to prevent the offensive line moving forward.
Linebacker: One of the three or four linebackers behind the defensive line is a backup linebacker. Depending on what the play is, there may be middle or interior linebackers.
On offense, the two-position opposing the wide receiver stops runners from moving and puts pressure on quarterback.
Safety: These men line up behind the linebackers to stop the long throw or the deep run.
Special Forces Units
In addition to the offensive and defense, a football team will have a few “special teams”, or designated players. These players will be on the field during kickoffs and punt returns.
The kicker is responsible for kicking the ball, including extra points kickers and the start kickoff.
Punter: The punter’s counterpart to the kicker, a punter kicks the ball back to his team after his team has scored or lost the ball.
Long snapper This is the most under-appreciated position on the football field.
Return specialists are players who return kicks and punts. Some players are able to handle both. Others can only manage one.