English GRIDIRON Positions:
Quarterback / Safety / Holder (QB/S/H):
- Generally the leader of the offense. Calls all plays to teammates, receives the ball off of snap, and initiates the action usually by running the ball himself, passing the ball to a receiver, or handing the ball off to another back.
- Covers deep. Last line of defense, can offer run support or blitz.
- Receives the snap on field goal tries and converts; places the ball in position and holds it to be kicked by the kicker. This position is generally filled by a reserve quarterback; occasionally the starting quarterback or punter will fill in as holder.
- The Fullback has multiple roles including pass protection, receiving, and blocking for the running back. On short yardage situations, they may also carry the ball.
- Middle linebacker - Lines up across from the nose tackle 3-4m back. Quarterback of the defense Calls plays for lineman and linebackers / defensive halfbacks.
- Gunners on kickoffs and punts specialize in running down the sideline very quickly in an attempt to tackle the kick returner or the punt returner. Gunners must have several techniques in order to break away or "shed" blockers, and have good agility in order to change their running direction quickly. Gunners on the punt team also must be able to block or catch.
- As the name implies, the main runner on the team. Also an eligible receiver and blocker on pass plays.
- Weak-Side Linebacker - must be the fastest of the three, because he is often the one called into pass coverage.
- Strong-side Linebacker - Lines up on the short side of field and can drop into pass coverage or contain, or lines up on the opposite side and usually rushes.
- Fast, agile runners who specialize in fielding punts, field goals and kickoffs, attempting to advance them for better field position or a score.
- Lines up on the line of scrimmage, usually at a distance from the center. Runs down the field in order to catch a forward pass from the quarterback.Covers the wide receivers on most plays.
- Covers the wide receivers on most plays.
- Fast, agile runners who specialize in fielding punts, field goals and kickoffs, attempting to advance them for better field position or a score.
- Similar to the wide receiver, the tight ends are usually line up either on or just outside of the offensive line and are large enough to be effective blockers, but are eligible receivers adept enough to warrant a defense's attention when running pass patterns.
- The defensive guard lines up on the opposite side, covers the tight end or slotback and helps contain the run from going to the outside.
- Gunners on kickoffs and punts specialize in running down the sideline very quickly in an attempt to tackle the kick returner or the punt returner. Gunners must have several techniques in order to break away or "shed" blockers, and have good agility in order to change their running direction quickly. Gunners on the punt team also must be able to block or catch.
- The slotback is similar to the wide receiver but also has many of the same traits as a running back or tight end; a slotback lines up closer to the offensive line and often farther back than a wide receiver. Primarily, they are used as hybrid running backs/receivers. However they are often used to block any player on the defensive team who breaks through the line of scrimmage as a precaution to prevent the sacking of the quarterback.
- The defensive halfback lines up inside covering the slotback or tight end. They are usually slightly larger than the cornerback to assist the linebackers in stopping the run. They can also be seen backing off the line early, to counter the forward motion of a slotback, which is allowed before the snap
- Snaps the ball to the quarterback. Most important pass blocker on pass plays. Calls offensive-line plays.
- Lineman across from center, tries to get past the offensive-line or take double team and open holes for blitzes.
- Stands to the left and right of the center helps protect the quarterback, Usually very good run blockers to open holes up the middle for runners.
- Inside defensive linemen that try to break through the offensive line and open holes for linebackers.
- Stands on the ends of the offensive line, The biggest men on the line, usually well over 300 pounds (140 kg). Usually very good pass blockers.
- Kicks all of the field goals, converts, kick-offs, and usually punts the ball on sixth down.