Understanding Football Offense

The Offensive line is the group of players on the line of scrimmage who block to help move the ball forward. The Offensive line does not carry the football. The Offensive line consists of the Center, who conveniently is the "center" of the line and hikes the ball to the Quarterback.On each side of the center are the Guards. On the right side of the right guard is the right Tackle, and on the left side of the left guard is the left Tackle. On the end outside of a Tackle is the Tight End. In some formations, there could be two tight ends, though typically there is only one. The tight end can block or go out for a pass.

Here are some of the common football positions on the offensive side

The Quarterback

The leader on any football team is the quarterback. The quarterback touches the ball on every offensive snap. He gets the ball to the other playmakers on offense, so he is the key figure on most any football drive. To be a good quarterback, tt is important to be a good passer of football. A strong arm can help with the passing game as the passer can get the ball down the field quickly. It also means that defensive backs cannot break on the football in time, and therefore eliminates interceptions. Another very important skill that a quarterback needs is the accuracy. This also reduces interceptions, because the ball doesn't sail away from the receiver and towards a defender. Some coaches also look for a mobile quarterback. This is the passer who can threaten the defense in two ways, either throwing or running the ball. When receivers are covered or pass protection breaks down, the quarterback can run for the first down.

Receivers

Receivers go hand and hand with quarterbacks. Quarterbacks need targets to throw at, and receivers are their most effective targets. There must be 7 players on the line of scrimmage (the line where the football is from sideline to sideline) and 4 players in the backfield (behind the line of scrimmage). The Wide Receiver runs out to catch a pass or block downfield on running plays. In a typical offense, there is also a Slot back, also called a slot receiver who typically runs a pass pattern or blocks on runs. In addition, the slot back can also be used as a running back on reverses and other plays. Receivers must be able to sprint down the field or cut on a dime. These players must become skilled in route running, which are set patterns meant to fool a defender while allowing the quarterback to know where the receiver will be. Receivers tend to factor into a few highly pivotal plays in a game. The big play receiver is valued for his ability to change the momentum of the game on one play.

Running Backs

In the backfield, usually directly behind the QB are two runnings back, the Fullback and the Tailback. The fullback is the first of the two guys and the tailback is the second one back. In a typical play, the fullback may block for the tailback, though there are a lot of plays where the fullback can receive the ball. Most offenses rely heavily on their running backs. On some teams, this is the key player on the offensive unit. This is the simplest, most effective way to control the game. Running the ball can be used to methodically take the time off the clock. Some running backs prefer speed and quickness to the more direct approach. These players tend to run sweeps, hoping to outrace defenders to the sidelines.

The Offensive Line

The offensive line is a unit of five blockers, six if you consider the tight end. These are the biggest players on the field, who wrestle with their opponents to block for quarterbacks and runners. In running game, these players are responsible to block for the running back and create "holes" for the runner. In pass protection, the offensive line retreats a few steps, hoping to create a "pocket" of protection around the quarterback. This allows him to step up and throw the football with more efficiency.

The Tight End

The tight end has utility roles in on a football team's offense. a tight end is a blocker first and foremost, but he can be used as primary offensive weapons in short passing game. The tight ends is smaller than an offensive lineman, but larger than a wide receiver. He has a role that combines these two positions. The tight end is heavily involved in run blocking, and may be kept in for pass blocking, too. In the passing game, the tight end may slip out into the pattern to catch a pass underneath the defensive alignment.