p.1
Positions in American Football
What does 'unlimited free substitutions' mean in American football?
Teams can change any number of players during any 'dead ball' situation.
p.1
Positions in American Football
What are the three task-specific 'platoons' of players in American football?
Offense, defense, and special teams.
p.1
Offensive Team Structure
What is the role of the offense in American football?
The team with possession of the ball trying to score.
p.1
Defensive Team Structure
What is the role of the defense in American football?
The team trying to prevent the other team from scoring and to take the ball from them.
What is the function of special teams in American football?
They play in all kicking situations.
p.2
Offensive Team Structure
What are the two main groups of players in an offensive team?
The five offensive linemen and the six backs and receivers.
p.2
Offensive Line Responsibilities
What is the primary job of the offensive linemen?
To block opponents and protect their quarterback.
What is the primary responsibility of a kick returner (KR) and punt returner (PR)?
Catching kicked balls and running the ball back.
Where do gunners usually line up during kickoffs and punts?
Near the sidelines where there are fewer blockers.
p.3
Offensive Line Responsibilities
What is the primary function of guards in American football?
To block on both running and passing plays.
Why is the middle linebacker referred to as the 'quarterback of the defense'?
Because they are often the primary defensive play callers.
p.5
Offensive Team Structure
What is a 'full house' formation?
A formation with three running backs, two tight ends, and no wide receivers.
What are the three positions a quarterback can be in at the start of a play?
'Under center', 'shotgun formation', or 'pistol formation'.
p.4
Running Back Variations
What is the role of a fullback?
Primarily acts as a blocker but may also carry the ball or catch passes.
p.3
Offensive Line Responsibilities
What does it mean for a guard to 'pull'?
The guard comes out of their position to lead block for a ball carrier.
p.5
Offensive Team Structure
What is the mandated rule for player positions in a football formation?
Four backs and seven on the line.
What is an 'audible' in football?
A late change to the intended play at the line of scrimmage based on defensive alignment.
p.7
Defensive Team Structure
What differentiates a strong safety from a free safety?
The strong safety is larger and closer to the line of scrimmage, while the free safety is smaller and deeper in coverage.
p.4
Tight End Responsibilities
What is the function of the H-back?
A tight end who lines up behind the line of scrimmage, counted as one of the four backs.
p.6
Defensive Line Positions
Where do nose tackles line up on the field?
Directly in front of the offense's center.
Why are full-time kickoff specialists rare in professional football?
Due to their specialized nature and limited roster spots.
What position does the holder typically occupy?
7-8 yards from the line of scrimmage, holding the ball for the placekicker.
p.7
Defensive Team Structure
What is the main responsibility of cornerbacks?
To prevent successful passes by swatting or catching the ball.
What is a slot receiver?
A wide receiver who lines up between the outermost wide receiver and the offensive line.
p.3
Offensive Line Responsibilities
Why do tackles typically have a taller, longer build than interior offensive linemen?
To keep separation from defensive linemen in pass blocking situations.
p.5
Defensive Team Structure
What is the primary objective of the defensive team?
To prevent the other team from scoring and win possession of the ball.
p.6
Defensive Line Positions
What are the two types of stances defensive linemen can take before the ball is snapped?
Three-point stance and four-point stance.
Who typically plays the upback position?
Backup running backs or linebackers.
p.2
Offensive Line Responsibilities
What additional responsibilities does the center have?
Calling out blocking assignments and making adjustments.
What is another name for the middle linebacker in a 3-4 defense?
Inside linebacker or 'Mike' linebacker.
What distinguishes the strongside linebacker (Sam) from the weakside linebacker (Will)?
The Sam lines up on the same side as the offensive tight end, while the Will lines up on the side without a tight end.
What is a placekicker responsible for?
Kicking the ball off the ground from a holder or a tee.
What is the main job of a wide receiver?
To run pass routes and get open for passes.
p.2
Offensive Line Responsibilities
What is the composition of the offensive line?
One center, two guards, and two tackles.
p.3
Offensive Line Responsibilities
What is the role of tackles in American football?
To block on both running and passing plays.
What is the role of the long snapper?
Snaps the ball directly to the holder or punter.
What are the three basic options a quarterback has to advance the ball?
Run the ball himself, hand it to another ball carrier, or execute a forward pass.
What is the role of linebackers (LB) in a defense?
To perform various duties including rushing the passer, covering receivers, and defending against the run.
p.8
Defensive Team Structure
What is a 'nickelback'?
The fifth (extra) defensive back in a nickel formation.
Who often serves as a holder on the team?
Usually a backup quarterback or punter.
What is the role of a kicker in football?
To handle kickoffs, extra points, and field goals.
p.4
Tight End Responsibilities
Where do tight ends typically line up?
On either side of the offensive line, next to the tackles.
What is a gunner's role during kickoffs and punts?
To run down the field quickly to tackle the returner.
p.2
Offensive Team Structure
What is the purpose of different offensive formations?
To take advantage of different player skills and game situations.
What is the main objective of a punter during a play?
To relinquish possession to the defensive team and send the ball as far downfield as possible.
What are special teams in football?
Units that are on the field during kicking plays.
p.7
Defensive Team Structure
What positions typically make up the secondary in a defensive lineup?
Two cornerbacks and two safeties.
What distinguishes a split end from other wide receivers?
A split end lines up directly on the line of scrimmage.
In a base 4-3 set, where do linebackers position themselves?
Behind the four defensive linemen.
p.3
Offensive Line Responsibilities
What are the three types of plays where a pulling guard is commonly used?
'Traps' for inside runs, 'sweeps' for outside runs, and 'screens' for passing plays.
p.8
Defensive Team Structure
What positions are typically included in a 3-4 defense?
Three defensive linemen, four linebackers, and four defensive backs.
p.7
Defensive Team Structure
What is the primary function of defensive backs?
To defend against pass plays and act as the last line of defense on running plays.
p.5
Defensive Line Positions
What is the difference between a nose tackle and an under tackle?
An under tackle is usually faster than the nose tackle.
p.4
Running Back Variations
What is a wing-back?
A running back who lines up behind the line of scrimmage outside the tackle or tight end.
p.6
Defensive Line Positions
What is the role of defensive ends (DE)?
To attack the passer or stop offensive runs to the outer edges of the line of scrimmage.
What is the primary role of a kickoff specialist (KOS)?
Handles kickoffs and is often also the placekicker.
p.8
Defensive Team Structure
What do the numbers in a defensive formation code (like 3-4 or 4-3) represent?
The first number refers to defensive linemen, and the second to linebackers.
What is the quarterback's primary responsibility?
To receive the ball from the center and lead the team's passing game.
p.5
Defensive Team Structure
How can the defense force a turnover?
By preventing a first down, forcing a fumble, intercepting a pass, or forcing a turnover on downs.
p.8
Defensive Team Structure
What is a 'nickel' formation in football?
A formation with five defensive backs.
p.3
Offensive Line Responsibilities
What is the significance of the left tackle for a right-handed quarterback?
The left tackle protects the quarterback from being hit from behind (the 'blind side').
What is the role of outside linebackers in a defense?
They cover tight ends or running backs and may rush the quarterback.
p.5
Defensive Team Structure
What are the three main sets of players in a defensive team?
Defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs.
p.4
Tight End Responsibilities
What is a tight end considered?
A hybrid player between a wide receiver and an offensive lineman.
Why do most professional teams avoid using their best wide receivers or cornerbacks as returners?
Due to the relatively high likelihood of injury during kick returns.
p.2
Offensive Team Structure
Who are the only players eligible to handle the ball during a normal play?
The backs and the two ends on the line.
Where does the punter usually line up before a play?
15 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
What are the primary responsibilities of a middle linebacker?
Stopping running backs, covering pass plays, and rushing the quarterback.
How does the long snapper differ from a regular center?
Snaps the ball much farther back on kicking plays.
p.5
Defensive Line Positions
What is the role of defensive tackles?
To rush the passer and stop running plays directed at the middle of the line.
p.6
Defensive Line Positions
What is the primary function of a nose tackle (NT)?
To clog the middle of the offense's line and stop most run plays.
What is the role of the upback or personal protector in punting situations?
To act as the last line of defense for the punter and make line calls.
p.2
Offensive Line Responsibilities
What is the role of the center in the offensive line?
To snap the ball to the quarterback and block defensive players.
p.8
Defensive Team Structure
What is a 'dime package'?
A formation with six defensive backs, employing a second nickelback.
p.5
Offensive Team Structure
What does a standard offensive set typically consist of?
Quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, and a tight end.
What physical attributes are typical for long snappers?
Generally the size of tight ends or linebackers, combining blocking ability and athleticism.
p.4
Running Back Variations
What is the primary role of a running back?
To receive a hand-off from the quarterback and execute a rushing play.
p.6
Defensive Line Positions
Why is the faster defensive end usually placed on the right side of the defensive line?
Because it is the quarterback's blind side.
