Football Positions Flashcards
What is the role of quarterback?
Calls the plays, initiates action and handles the “snap.” He either hands the ball to the running back or passes the ball to a receiver.
What is the role of running back?
Lining up either behind or beside the quarterback, he runs, he catches, he blocks and he’ll even throw a pass from time to time.
What is the role of fullback?
Like a heartier version of the RB, but in the modern game usually more of a lead blocker out of the backfield.
What are wide receivers?
They start the play split out wide from the rest of the formation, at or near the line of scrimmage (an imaginary line that extends from sideline to sideline at the point where the ball is placed) and run pass routes awaiting a pass from the QB. On running plays, they will throw blocks and occasionally take a handoff.
What is the tight end?
This player is a hybrid between a receiver and an offensive lineman. Generally, he lines up next to the LT or RT or he can “split out” like a wide receiver. His duties include blocking for both the quarterback and the running backs, but he can also run into the field and catch passes.
What is the defensive line?
This is the first line of defense and consists of three or four players who line up opposite the offensive line. They are two Defensive Ends (DE) on either side and one or two Defensive Tackles (DT). Their job is to shed the blocks of the offensive linemen and tackle ball carriers, usually running backs coming through the line or quarterbacks dropping back to pass.
What is the role of linebacker?
As the name implies, the Linebackers back the defensive line. Depending on the defensive alignment, there are usually three or four on the field. Outside linebackers (OLB) stand to the sides of the DEs and Inside linebackers (ILB) or middle linebackers (MLB) stand behind the DTs. LBs are usually responsible for shadowing RBs, TEs and sometimes WRs; rushing the passer; and tackling ball carriers.
What is the role of cornerback?
Cornerbacks are usually the fastest player on the defense. They support the run, and might be asked to blitz the QB, but spend most of their time covering wide receivers. This means they try to break up passes, tackle players who catch passes, and try to intercept passes coming their way. There are usually two to four CBs on the field at a time.
What is the role of safety?
There are two S positions: The Strong Safety (SS) and the Free Safety (FS). The strong safety is usually, well, strong, and fast. They are usually responsible for covering TEs, RBs, and WRs and playing down the field but are often expected to come up in run support. The Free Safety has similar duties but is commonly considered the center fielder, and thus the last line of the defense.
What is a bootleg?
When a quarterback fakes a handoff to a running back and instead takes the ball outside to either complete a pass or run it himself.
What is a draw?
When a quarterback looks as if he is intending to pass, but instead either hands off the ball for a rush or keeps it himself.
