Football Team Positions
Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 8:55 am
Nope, we have defense and offense, and Special teams! (kickoffs, punts, and returns.)
I'll list positions and a REALLY basic rundown on what they are and what they do. For those of you that know the sport, you're all going to go "Well, duh." For those of you that don't, hopefully it'll help.
Starting with Defense. (standard 4-3 (four lineman, 3 linebacker)set))
Defensive Tackle (2):
Generally some of the biggest guys on the team, they are tasked with lining up against the other teams offensive line, to try and stop them from pushing down the field.
Defensive End (2):
Generally big and fast, their job is to contain the outside. They try to make any running back turn back to the middle of the field where there are more people waiting to tackle him. Also key in rushing the enemy QB.
Linebackers (3):
Middle Linebacker: The "quarterback" of the defense, he makes the calls for the defensive sets. Also key in stopping the run, he tries to fill any "holes" that the offense creates for the running back to run through.
Outside Linebackers (2): Same job as the Middle Linebacker in stopping the run, but they're also key in protecting against short yardage passes.
Cornerbacks (2):
These guys get the tough job of covering the other team's receivers and trying to stop them from catching anything.
Safeties (2):
Strong side safety: Usually helps cover the side of the ball that the tight end lines up on, either to stop the pass or the run.
Free Safety: Covers the field offering support where needed. Often referred to as playing "centerfield" his job is to roam and try to break up passes, or run in and hit the running back.
Offensive side of the ball...
Offensive Line
Center: Is in the center of the offensive line, and hikes the ball to the QB. Then blocks either to protect the QB while passing, or to open holes for the running backs to go through.
Guards (2): Line up on either side of the Center, and other than hiking the ball do the same job as the center.
Tackles (2): Line up on either side of the guards and do the same job.
Tight end (1 or 2 depending on the play): Lines up outside the Tackle. He is a blocker who is also eligible to receive passes (unlike the centers, guards and tackles, who are not)
Receivers: (up to four, depending on the play): They run patterns, trying to elude the defensive secondary to get open for a pass. They also block on running plays.
Running Backs:
Fullback: Lines up behing the quarterback, in front of (generally) the tailback. Is used as a blocking back to try to pick up anyone the offensive line can't get. Often used as a short yardage back to pick up critical yards.
Tail(or half)back: Lines up behind the fullback. He gets the bulk of the running plays, and is expected to pick up yardage on the ground.
Quarterback: Runs the offense, makes passes and handoffs, and in some cases runs the ball.
Special Teams:
Punter: Kicks the ball when the offense fails to pick up enough yards for a first down
Placekicker: Kicks kickoffs, and if the offense gets close enough to the end zone, but can't get the touch down, kicks field goals. Also kicks the point after, after the offense scores a touchdown.
Hope this helps everyone out there, and lets everyone see that there's plenty more room for players.
I'll list positions and a REALLY basic rundown on what they are and what they do. For those of you that know the sport, you're all going to go "Well, duh." For those of you that don't, hopefully it'll help.
Starting with Defense. (standard 4-3 (four lineman, 3 linebacker)set))
Defensive Tackle (2):
Generally some of the biggest guys on the team, they are tasked with lining up against the other teams offensive line, to try and stop them from pushing down the field.
Defensive End (2):
Generally big and fast, their job is to contain the outside. They try to make any running back turn back to the middle of the field where there are more people waiting to tackle him. Also key in rushing the enemy QB.
Linebackers (3):
Middle Linebacker: The "quarterback" of the defense, he makes the calls for the defensive sets. Also key in stopping the run, he tries to fill any "holes" that the offense creates for the running back to run through.
Outside Linebackers (2): Same job as the Middle Linebacker in stopping the run, but they're also key in protecting against short yardage passes.
Cornerbacks (2):
These guys get the tough job of covering the other team's receivers and trying to stop them from catching anything.
Safeties (2):
Strong side safety: Usually helps cover the side of the ball that the tight end lines up on, either to stop the pass or the run.
Free Safety: Covers the field offering support where needed. Often referred to as playing "centerfield" his job is to roam and try to break up passes, or run in and hit the running back.
Offensive side of the ball...
Offensive Line
Center: Is in the center of the offensive line, and hikes the ball to the QB. Then blocks either to protect the QB while passing, or to open holes for the running backs to go through.
Guards (2): Line up on either side of the Center, and other than hiking the ball do the same job as the center.
Tackles (2): Line up on either side of the guards and do the same job.
Tight end (1 or 2 depending on the play): Lines up outside the Tackle. He is a blocker who is also eligible to receive passes (unlike the centers, guards and tackles, who are not)
Receivers: (up to four, depending on the play): They run patterns, trying to elude the defensive secondary to get open for a pass. They also block on running plays.
Running Backs:
Fullback: Lines up behing the quarterback, in front of (generally) the tailback. Is used as a blocking back to try to pick up anyone the offensive line can't get. Often used as a short yardage back to pick up critical yards.
Tail(or half)back: Lines up behind the fullback. He gets the bulk of the running plays, and is expected to pick up yardage on the ground.
Quarterback: Runs the offense, makes passes and handoffs, and in some cases runs the ball.
Special Teams:
Punter: Kicks the ball when the offense fails to pick up enough yards for a first down
Placekicker: Kicks kickoffs, and if the offense gets close enough to the end zone, but can't get the touch down, kicks field goals. Also kicks the point after, after the offense scores a touchdown.
Hope this helps everyone out there, and lets everyone see that there's plenty more room for players.