Football Positions for Beginners

Introduction

• Football is a popular team sport in the U.S.
• Understanding basic positions and roles is essential for beginners.
• Common confusion about roles like fullback vs. running back.

Football Offense Positions & Players

• Quarterback (QB): Field general, calls plays, handles snap, can pass, handoff, or run.
• Running Back (RB): Also called Halfback, versatile, runs, catches, blocks, sometimes passes.
• Fullback (FB): Similar to RB, primarily a lead blocker, strong runner.
• Offensive Line: Five players (LT, LG, C, RG, RT), block for QB/RB, rarely handle ball.
• Wide Receivers (WR): Primarily catch passes, run routes, can block and take handoffs.
• Tight End (TE): Hybrid role, blocks and catches, lines up near the line.

Football Defense Positions & Players

• Defensive Line: 3-4 players (DE and DT), shed blocks, tackle ball carriers, big and strong.
• Linebacker (LB): 3-4 on field, shadow RBs/TEs, rush passers, strong and fast.
• Cornerback (CB): Fastest on defense, cover WRs, break up passes, tackle.
• Safety (S): Strong Safety (SS) and Free Safety (FS), cover TEs/RBs, last line of defense.

Football Special Teams Positions & Players

• Kicker (K): Kickoffs and field goals, strong and accurate leg.
• Punter (P): Kicks ball away on 4th down, accurate drop kicks.
• Return Specialists: Kick Returner (KR) and Punt Returner (PR), handle returns.
• Long Snapper (LS): Snaps ball for kicks/punts, protects on field goals.

Football Terms

• Backfield: Area behind line of scrimmage, includes QB and RBs.
• Blitz: Defensive play with additional rushers.
• Bootleg: QB fakes handoff, runs or passes outside.
• Draw: Fake pass, then handoff or QB run.
• Encroachment: Defensive player crosses line before snap.
• Fair Catch: Receiver signals no advance post-catch.
• Horse Collar: Tackle by pulling down from back of collar.
• Lateral: Backward or parallel pass.
• Pick-Six: Interception returned for a touchdown.
• Play Action: Fake run, followed by pass.
• Pocket: QB's protective area during pass.
• Red Zone: Area between 20-yard line and goal.
• Sack: QB tackled behind line for loss of yards.
• Safety: Defensive score, tackles in offensive end zone.
• Shotgun: QB stands back from center for snap.
• Squib Kick: Low, short kickoff to limit return.
• Sticks: Sideline markers for downs.
• Stiff Arm: Arm extended to fend off defender.
• Three-and-Out: Offense fails to get first down.
• Touchback: Ball downed in end zone, placed at 20-yard line.

Conclusion

• Understanding player roles enhances game comprehension.
• Equip yourself with appropriate gear to improve performance.

These notes summarize key football positions and terms, offering a solid foundation for beginners.