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American Football Positions and What They Do | Explained

In this article, we explain various American football positions and what they do. Check out the brief information about their names and roles.

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Last updated: 21.05.2022
American Football Positions and What They Do Explained

Players quickly learn that being part of a football team means that they assume personal responsibilities to master position techniques and learn position assignments. Football has many positions, because there are 11 players on each side of the field.


Coaches

Coaches responsibilities are to communicate, organize, teach and motivate the players. Coaches must keep a constant positive line of informative communication open with the parents.

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Defensive Linemen  

The defense segment of the football team is further divided into 3 main groups with specific positions within each group. The three major groupings for the defense are the defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs. The defense assignment is to stop the offense to give up the ball, or to gain possession  of the ball and return the ball down the field and try to score.


Officials

The officials' role is to make a game fair  and safe for all participants. Each official is in charge of the fouls that take place in his or her area of the field. Officials have the responsibility to keep track of the game clock, time outs, players equipment, number of players and ball placement.

 

Wide Receiver

Their work is to run depending on the play and catch the ball and keep running. 

 

Centers

Center isn't a position that's necessarily known for game-changing pass protectors.


Offense

The three major groupings for the offensive line are the offensive line, the receivers and offensive backfield. Each group will have specific assignments to accomplish for the offense to move the ball down the field and ultimately score. The offensive team must have seven players lined up on the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped and the play begins. The offensive line normally consists of five players, a center, two guards and two tackles. The offensive linemen`s job is to block opposing players on all plays run by the offense. Offense lineman are usually bigger and stronger than other offensive players and they need good balance and quickness. The five offense lineman should line up on the line of scrimmage. The center lines up over the ball. The center begins every play by moving the ball to the quarterback.

 

Linebackers and defensive backs

The linebackers and defensive backs are very important on the football field. They are the ones that make tackles and interceptions.

 

The Tight End

The Tight End may be smaller and have the ability to run pass routes and catch the ball. 

 

The receiver

The receivers group usually starts with 1 or 2 players, a flanker and a split-end. The receiver's job is to block on running plays, run proper pass routes, catch and run with the ball.

 

The Flanker

Lines up off the line of scrimmage and split away from the tight end.

 

The Fullback

The fullback must execute blocks on run and pass plays, carries the ball and runs pass routes to catch the ball.

 

The offensive lineman

Linemen protect the running backs.

 

Running backs

Running backs make a lot of yards in football games.

 

Quarterbacks

There's A bunch of intricacies to being a NFL quarterback. Quarterbacks are defined by more than passing yards. Quarterbacks tend to be the exception when put into a good situation. Look off defenders, find open receivers, and make huge plays within your quarterback`s unique field of vision. Each quarterback sees the field differently based on his attributes. High or low, inside or outside shoulder. Control each pass by picking a spot and throwing away from differently. Break tackles and pancake defenders to clear your path to the end zone.

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