Player Positions
Player Positions
Now that you know the basics of the game, let’s dive into what each player does on the field. Every position on the offense, defense, and special teams has a specific job in order to move or stop the ball. Both teams have eleven players in the game, no more, no less. Let’s break down each one.
Defense
The defense does not have possession of the ball. Their job is to prevent the other team from scoring, protecting their end zone, and winning possession of the ball. The defense does this by preventing first downs, forcing the offense to fumble, making an interception.
Offense
The offense is the team that has possession of the ball. It is their job to move the ball forward to the opponent’s end zone to score points in order to win. The offense must have at least seven players on the line of scrimmage and no more than four players behind it.
Offensive Players
Offensive Line
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The offensive line’s responsibility is to block the defensive line, in order to protect their own quarterback. They do not handle the ball (aside from the snap from center), unless the ball is fumbled by a ball carrier, or if a pass is deflected.
Center (C) – The center starts the play at the line of scrimmage by snapping the ball to the quarterback. Besides snapping the ball, the center has the responsibility to block defensive players.
Offensive guard (OG) – Offensive guards line up directly on the left and right side of the center. They are as the left guard (LG) or right guard (RG). Their job is to block the defensive players on both running and passing plays.
Offensive tackle (OT) – Offensive tackles play on either side of the guards, the left tackle (LT) and right tackle (RT). Like the other offensive linemen, they also block defensive players on running and passing plays. For right-handed quarterbacks, the left tackle is tasked with protecting the quarterback from being hit from behind, also known as the “blind side”. Tackles are also quick on their feet since they need to stop defensive ends who rush.
Backs and Receivers
The six backs and receivers are those that line up outside or behind the offensive line. They are responsible for moving the ball forward.
Quarterback (QB) – Quarterbacks receive the ball from the center at the start of the play. Upon receiving the ball, they have three options: 1) hand the ball off for a rush, 2) execute a forward pass, or 3) keep possession of the ball and run with it themselves. They are the most influential player on the offense since their job is to relay messages of plays from the coach or Offensive Coordinator to the players in the huddle. The quarterback might need to make last minute changes to the play depending on how the defense is lined up.
Running back (RB) – Running backs are the players who line up behind the offensive line so that the quarterback can hand off the ball to them to execute a rushing play. There are two types of running backs: the halfback (HB) and the fullback (FB). The halfback is typically the primary ball carrier for rushing plays and can occasionally catch passes. The fullback is usually larger than the halfback and acts primarily as a blocker but can be used for rushing or catching passes like the halfback.
Wide receiver (WR) – Wide receivers are the pass-catching players. They are lined up on either side of the offensive line and at the line of scrimmage or just behind it and near the sidelines at the start of the play. A wide receiver who lines up between the outermost wide receiver and the offensive line is "in the slot" and is called the "slot receiver".
Tight End (TE) – Tight Ends play on either side of, and directly next to, the tackles. Tight ends are considered hybrid players since they act as a wide receiver and an offensive lineman. Because they play next to offensive linemen, they usually block, especially on running plays. But since they are eligible receivers, they can also catch a pass.
Defensive Players
Defensive Line
Like their offensive counterparts, defensive linemen (also called rushers) line up directly on the line of scrimmage, close to the ball.
Defensive Tackle (DT) – Also known as a “defensive guard”, defensive tackles play at the center of the defensive line. Their job is to rush the passer and stop running plays at the middle of the line of scrimmage.
Defensive End (DE) – Defensive ends play next to the defensive tackles at the edge of the defensive line. Their job is to attack the quarterback to stop offensive runs. The faster defensive end is usually on the right side of the defensive line so that they can tackle the quarterback on their blindside.
Linebackers
Linebackers play behind the defensive line and perform various duties depending on the situation, including rushing the passer, covering receivers, and defending against the run.
Middle Linebacker (MLB) – The middle linebacker is known as the “quarterback of the defense”. They are the defense play callers and must adapt to a variety of situations. They must be able to stop running backs, covering pass plays over the middle, and rushing the quarterback on blitz plays.
Outside linebacker (OLB) - Outside linebackers can have different lineup positionings and roles based on the strategy of the team. Some teams keep their outside linebackers on the same side of the field at all times, on either end of the middle linebacker. Some teams define them as playing either "strongside" (SLB) or "weakside" (WLB). The strongside linebacker will line up on the same side as the offensive tight end and is responsible for covering the tight end or running back on passing plays. The weakside linebacker lines up on the side of the offensive line without a tight end, and is used to rush, blitz the quarterback, or cover a running back on passing plays.
Defensive Backs
Also known as the “secondary”, defensive backs play either behind the linebackers or set to the outside, near the sidelines. Their job is to defend against passing plays. They act as the last line of defense on running plays and need to be able to make open field tackles when the ball carrier has gotten past the other defensive players.
Cornerback (CB) - Cornerbacks are responsible for preventing successful passes by either swatting the ball away from the receiver or by catching the pass themselves. In rushing situations, their job is to stop the runner, either by directing them back to the middle of the field to be tackled, by tackling them themselves, or by forcing them out of bounds.
Safety (S) - The safeties are the last line of defense and are positioned the farthest from the line of scrimmage and usually help the corners with deep-pass coverage. The strong safety (SS) is usually the larger and stronger of the two, providing extra protection against run plays by standing closer to the line of scrimmage. The free safety (FS) is usually the smaller and faster of the two, and is usually the deepest player on the defense, providing help on long pass plays.
Special Teams
Special teams are units that are on the field during kicking plays. While many players who appear on offensive or defensive squads also play similar roles on special teams, there are some roles which are unique to the kicking game.
Kicker (K) – The kicker handles kickoffs, extra points, and field goals. All situations require to kick the ball off the ground from the hands of a holder or off a tee.
Holder (H) – The holder holds the ball for the kicker and is usually positioned 7-8 yards from the line of scrimmage. The holder receives the snap from the long snapper and is usually the punter, a wide receiver, or a quarterback.
Long snapper (LS) – The long snapper is a specialized center who snaps the ball directly to the holder or punter. They are different from the center since the ball is snapped a further distance.
Punter (P) – The punter receives the ball at the snap, drops the ball, and kicks it in the air. This is only done on fourth down to give possession to the defense as far downfield as possible.
Kick returner (KR)/Punt returner (PR) – Returners are responsible for catching the kicked balls on kicks or punts and running it up the field. Teams can use the same player for both position or separate returners for kicks and punts. Returners typically also play wide receiver or cornerback since they are some of the fastest players on the team.