Positions Of Football

Curious about the positions of football? While there are numerous positions in American football, it’s important to first note that each of them falls under one of two categories: offensive football positions and defensive football positions. The game of football involves eleven players on the field at once; however, the types of players on the field can often differ for each team due to the allowance of unlimited substitution between plays.

Offensive football positions include:

1. Quarterback. As leader of the offensive team, quarterbacks call the shots during each huddle. A quarterback’s main job is to take the ball from the offense’s center at the beginning of every play. He then typically throws, passes or hands the ball to another offensive player.
2. Halfback. Also referred to as a tailback, halfbacks are responsible for carrying the ball on run plays.
3. Fullback. The fullback’s job is to run and block for the quarterback during passing plays, while performing the same duties for the running back during running plays.
4. Wide receiver. The wide receiver’s main role is to catch passes from the quarterback.
5. Tight end. This position consists of blocking for the running back or quarterback, catching passes from the quarterback and assisting fellow linemen in blocking during passing plays.
6. Offensive tackle. The main job here is to block in order to keep the defensive team away from the offensive player who has the ball.
7. Offensive guard. Guards protect the quarterback during pass plays. They also create openings for the running back to run through.
8. Center. The center is the player who “snaps” (hands or passes) the ball between his legs to the quarterback at the beginning of each play.

Defensive football positions include:

1. Defensive end. In football, the defensive end typically ensures that everything stays on the inside by containing the running back. He can also be used to cover the outside area of the scrimmage line, to tackle ball carriers running far to either side or to defend against screen passes.
2. Defensive tackle. This football position consists of several roles, including holding the point of attack and blocking a gap to break up a play in the opponent’s backfield.
3. Nose tackle. Also referred to as the “nose guard,” it is this player’s job to align across the scrimmage line from the offense’s center before the play starts.
4. Linebacker. There are different types of linebackers, but they all share the role of aligning themselves, by standing in a particular stance, before the ball is snapped. These players are the second line of defense.
5. Cornerback. Covers the wide receiver and defends against offensive passes and make tackles. These players must be fast and agile, as the role requires backpedaling, precise execution and tackling.
6. Safety. There are two safety positions known as “free safety” and “strong safety”. Safety duties involve helping cornerbacks in pass coverage.