Football Overview Concepts
Players on the Field
Each team has 11 players on the field at a time.
Player Roles and Positions
First Down: When a team starts a new series of plays, it’s called first down. They have four chances to move the ball forward ten yards.
Second Down: If they gain some yards but not the full ten on the first down, it’s now second down. For example, if they move the ball six yards on the first down, they need four more yards to get a new set of downs.
Third Down: If they haven’t gained ten yards by the second down, it’s third down. The pressure is higher to gain the necessary yards to avoid losing possession of the ball.
Fourth Down: If they still haven’t gained ten yards by the third down, they face the fourth down. Teams often choose to kick the ball away (punt) if they think they can’t make the required yards, to prevent giving the other team good field position.
If the team successfully gains ten or more yards within their four downs, they earn a new set of four downs, starting again with first down.
Scoring in football can happen in several ways, listed below:
Touchdown (6 points): The main goal is to score a touchdown. A touchdown occurs when a player carries the ball into the opponent’s end zone or catches the ball while in the end zone. After a touchdown, the team gets a chance to score extra points.
Extra Point (1 or 2 points): After a touchdown, the scoring team can kick the ball through the goalposts for one extra point or attempt a play from the two-yard line to run or pass the ball into the end zone for two extra points.
Field Goal (3 points): If a team can’t score a touchdown but is close enough, they might try to kick the ball through the opponent’s goalposts. Successfully
doing this scores three points.
Safety (2 points): A safety occurs if the offensive team is tackled with the ball in their own end zone. This results in two points for the defensive team.
Penalties in football ( when you see a flag thrown on the field) Understanding these common penalties helps in grasping why the referees stop play and how teams can lose or gain yardage. Penalties are an essential part of the game, ensuring fair play and safety for all players.
Offensive Penalties
False Start
• What It Is: When an offensive player moves before the ball is snapped.
• Penalty: 5 yards
Holding
• What It Is: When an offensive player illegally grabs a defensive player.
• Penalty: 10 yards
Illegal Motion
• What It Is: When more than one player on offense moves before the snap, or a player is moving forward at the snap.
• Penalty: 5 yards
Illegal Formation
• What It Is: When the offense doesn’t have enough players on the line of scrimmage at the snap.
• Penalty: 5 yards
Intentional Grounding
• What It Is: When the quarterback throws the ball away to avoid a sack and no eligible receiver is in the area.
• Penalty: Loss of down and 10 yards or the spot of the foul, whichever is greater.
Defensive Penalties
Offside
• What It Is: When a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.
• Penalty: 5 yards
Pass Interference
• What It Is: When a defensive player makes contact with a receiver before the ball arrives, preventing a catch.
• Penalty: Spot of the foul (the ball is placed where the interference occurred).
Holding
• What It Is: When a defensive player grabs an offensive player who is not the ball carrier.
• Penalty: 5 yards and an automatic first down
Roughing the Passer
• What It Is: When a defensive player makes illegal contact with the quarterback after they have thrown the ball.
• Penalty: 15 yards and an automatic first down
Face Mask
• What It Is: When a player grabs the face mask of an opponent.
• Penalty: 15 yards and an automatic first down
General Penalties
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
• What It Is: When a player shows poor sportsmanship, such as taunting or excessive celebration.
• Penalty: 15 yards
Delay of Game
• What It Is: When the offense fails to snap the ball before the play clock runs out.
• Penalty: 5 yards
Personal Foul
• What It Is: When a player engages in unnecessary roughness or illegal conduct.
• Penalty: 15 yards
Illegal Substitution
• What It Is: When a team has too many players on the field or substitutes incorrectly.
• Penalty: 5 yards
Offensive Player Positions
You’ll hear position names like quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, offensive linemen, and tight ends. Below are offensive player positions, their purpose, and famous players at each position:
Quarterback (QB)
Purpose: The quarterback is the leader of the offense, responsible for calling plays, handling the snap, and either passing or handing off the ball. They must read the defense and make quick decisions.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Joe Montana - San Francisco 49ers
Running Back (RB)
Purpose: Running backs carry the ball on running plays, catch passes out of the backfield, and block in pass protection. They need to be versatile and agile.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Barry Sanders - Detroit Lions
Fullback (FB)
Purpose: Fullbacks primarily block for the running back, but they can also carry the ball and catch passes. They are key in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Larry Csonka - Miami Dolphins
Wide Receiver (WR)
Purpose: Wide receivers run routes to catch passes from the quarterback. They must be fast, have good hands, and be able to create separation from defenders.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Jerry Rice - San Francisco 49ers
Tight End (TE)
Purpose: Tight ends are versatile players who block like linemen and catch passes like receivers. They line up next to the offensive tackles and are crucial in both the running and passing game.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Tony Gonzalez - Kansas City Chiefs
Center (C)
Purpose: The center is responsible for snapping the ball to the quarterback and blocking defensive players. They often call out blocking schemes and adjustments before the snap.
Notable NFL Player: Jason Kelce - Philadelphia Eagles
Guard (G)
Purpose: Guards line up on either side of the center. Their primary responsibilities include blocking defensive linemen and linebackers to create running lanes and protect the quarterback during passing plays.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: John Hannah - New England Patriots
Tackle (T)
Purpose: Tackles line up on the outside of the guards. They are crucial in protecting the quarterback’s blind side and are key blockers for outside running plays. Left tackles are particularly valued for their role in protecting the quarterback.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Anthony Muñoz - Cincinnati Bengals
Basic Offensive FormationsVarious offensive formations and plays are used to advance the football towards the opponents’ end zone. The primary purpose for most of our teams is running the ball and mastering fundamental skills. Passing plays are used more frequently in the older grades. Below are some common offensive formations and characteristics of each:
Defensive Player Positions
Defensive Tackle (DT)
Purpose: Defensive tackles are responsible for stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback. They line up in the interior of the defensive line and often face double teams.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: “Mean” Joe Greene - Pittsburgh Steelers
Nose Tackle (NT) or Noseguard
Purpose: Nose tackles play in a 3-4 defense and line up directly over the center. They are crucial for stopping the run and often occupy multiple blockers, allowing linebackers to make plays.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Curley Culp - Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive End (DE)
Purpose: Defensive ends line up on the edges of the defensive line. Their primary responsibilities are rushing the passer and containing the run.
They often face offensive tackles in one-on-one matchups.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Reggie White - Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers
Outside Linebacker (OLB)
Purpose: Outside linebackers are versatile players who can rush the passer, cover receivers, and stop the run. In a 3-4 defense, they often serve as primary pass rushers.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Lawrence Taylor - New York Giants
Inside Linebacker (ILB) / Middle Linebacker (MLB)
Purpose: Inside linebackers, or middle linebackers in a 4-3 defense, are responsible for stopping the run, covering short passes, and calling defensive plays. They are often seen as the leaders of the defense.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens; Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
Defensive Back Positions
Cornerback (CB)
Purpose: Cornerbacks cover wide receivers, defend against the pass, and support the run defense. They often play on the outside of the defense and are key in man-to-man and zone coverage schemes.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Deion Sanders - Atlanta Falcons
Safety (S)
Purpose: Safeties provide deep coverage, support the run defense, and can blitz the quarterback. They are often the last line of defense and must be versatile in their coverage responsibilities.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Ronnie Lott - San Francisco 49ers
Defensive Formations (“Schemes”)
A common defensive scheme is the 4-3 formation, focusing on balance and flexibility. The 4-3 defense consists of (4) linemen and (3) linebackers. Defensive linemen are responsible for stopping the run and rushing the passer, while linebackers tackle runners and cover receivers. See the diagram below of a 4-3 defense, with positions identified:
Players on the Field
Each team has 11 players on the field at a time.
Player Roles and Positions
- Offense: The team trying to score points.
- Defense: The team trying to prevent the offense from scoring points.
- Special Teams: Handle kickoffs, punts, and field goals.
First Down: When a team starts a new series of plays, it’s called first down. They have four chances to move the ball forward ten yards.
Second Down: If they gain some yards but not the full ten on the first down, it’s now second down. For example, if they move the ball six yards on the first down, they need four more yards to get a new set of downs.
Third Down: If they haven’t gained ten yards by the second down, it’s third down. The pressure is higher to gain the necessary yards to avoid losing possession of the ball.
Fourth Down: If they still haven’t gained ten yards by the third down, they face the fourth down. Teams often choose to kick the ball away (punt) if they think they can’t make the required yards, to prevent giving the other team good field position.
If the team successfully gains ten or more yards within their four downs, they earn a new set of four downs, starting again with first down.
Scoring in football can happen in several ways, listed below:
Touchdown (6 points): The main goal is to score a touchdown. A touchdown occurs when a player carries the ball into the opponent’s end zone or catches the ball while in the end zone. After a touchdown, the team gets a chance to score extra points.
Extra Point (1 or 2 points): After a touchdown, the scoring team can kick the ball through the goalposts for one extra point or attempt a play from the two-yard line to run or pass the ball into the end zone for two extra points.
Field Goal (3 points): If a team can’t score a touchdown but is close enough, they might try to kick the ball through the opponent’s goalposts. Successfully
doing this scores three points.
Safety (2 points): A safety occurs if the offensive team is tackled with the ball in their own end zone. This results in two points for the defensive team.
Penalties in football ( when you see a flag thrown on the field) Understanding these common penalties helps in grasping why the referees stop play and how teams can lose or gain yardage. Penalties are an essential part of the game, ensuring fair play and safety for all players.
Offensive Penalties
False Start
• What It Is: When an offensive player moves before the ball is snapped.
• Penalty: 5 yards
Holding
• What It Is: When an offensive player illegally grabs a defensive player.
• Penalty: 10 yards
Illegal Motion
• What It Is: When more than one player on offense moves before the snap, or a player is moving forward at the snap.
• Penalty: 5 yards
Illegal Formation
• What It Is: When the offense doesn’t have enough players on the line of scrimmage at the snap.
• Penalty: 5 yards
Intentional Grounding
• What It Is: When the quarterback throws the ball away to avoid a sack and no eligible receiver is in the area.
• Penalty: Loss of down and 10 yards or the spot of the foul, whichever is greater.
Defensive Penalties
Offside
• What It Is: When a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.
• Penalty: 5 yards
Pass Interference
• What It Is: When a defensive player makes contact with a receiver before the ball arrives, preventing a catch.
• Penalty: Spot of the foul (the ball is placed where the interference occurred).
Holding
• What It Is: When a defensive player grabs an offensive player who is not the ball carrier.
• Penalty: 5 yards and an automatic first down
Roughing the Passer
• What It Is: When a defensive player makes illegal contact with the quarterback after they have thrown the ball.
• Penalty: 15 yards and an automatic first down
Face Mask
• What It Is: When a player grabs the face mask of an opponent.
• Penalty: 15 yards and an automatic first down
General Penalties
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
• What It Is: When a player shows poor sportsmanship, such as taunting or excessive celebration.
• Penalty: 15 yards
Delay of Game
• What It Is: When the offense fails to snap the ball before the play clock runs out.
• Penalty: 5 yards
Personal Foul
• What It Is: When a player engages in unnecessary roughness or illegal conduct.
• Penalty: 15 yards
Illegal Substitution
• What It Is: When a team has too many players on the field or substitutes incorrectly.
• Penalty: 5 yards
Offensive Player Positions
You’ll hear position names like quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, offensive linemen, and tight ends. Below are offensive player positions, their purpose, and famous players at each position:
Quarterback (QB)
Purpose: The quarterback is the leader of the offense, responsible for calling plays, handling the snap, and either passing or handing off the ball. They must read the defense and make quick decisions.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Joe Montana - San Francisco 49ers
Running Back (RB)
Purpose: Running backs carry the ball on running plays, catch passes out of the backfield, and block in pass protection. They need to be versatile and agile.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Barry Sanders - Detroit Lions
Fullback (FB)
Purpose: Fullbacks primarily block for the running back, but they can also carry the ball and catch passes. They are key in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Larry Csonka - Miami Dolphins
Wide Receiver (WR)
Purpose: Wide receivers run routes to catch passes from the quarterback. They must be fast, have good hands, and be able to create separation from defenders.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Jerry Rice - San Francisco 49ers
Tight End (TE)
Purpose: Tight ends are versatile players who block like linemen and catch passes like receivers. They line up next to the offensive tackles and are crucial in both the running and passing game.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Tony Gonzalez - Kansas City Chiefs
Center (C)
Purpose: The center is responsible for snapping the ball to the quarterback and blocking defensive players. They often call out blocking schemes and adjustments before the snap.
Notable NFL Player: Jason Kelce - Philadelphia Eagles
Guard (G)
Purpose: Guards line up on either side of the center. Their primary responsibilities include blocking defensive linemen and linebackers to create running lanes and protect the quarterback during passing plays.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: John Hannah - New England Patriots
Tackle (T)
Purpose: Tackles line up on the outside of the guards. They are crucial in protecting the quarterback’s blind side and are key blockers for outside running plays. Left tackles are particularly valued for their role in protecting the quarterback.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Anthony Muñoz - Cincinnati Bengals
Basic Offensive FormationsVarious offensive formations and plays are used to advance the football towards the opponents’ end zone. The primary purpose for most of our teams is running the ball and mastering fundamental skills. Passing plays are used more frequently in the older grades. Below are some common offensive formations and characteristics of each:
- I-Formation: Traditional set with a fullback and a running back (see diagram below)
- Wing-T: Focuses on misdirection and running plays
- Single- or Double Wing: Utilizes tight formations and power running
- A Gap: The space between the center and the guard.
- B Gap: The space between the guard and the tackle.
- C Gap: The space between the tackle and the tight end.
- Even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) are on the right side.
- Odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7) are on the left side.
- The center is number 0, and gaps to the right and left of the center are 1 and 2, respectively.
Defensive Player Positions
Defensive Tackle (DT)
Purpose: Defensive tackles are responsible for stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback. They line up in the interior of the defensive line and often face double teams.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: “Mean” Joe Greene - Pittsburgh Steelers
Nose Tackle (NT) or Noseguard
Purpose: Nose tackles play in a 3-4 defense and line up directly over the center. They are crucial for stopping the run and often occupy multiple blockers, allowing linebackers to make plays.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Curley Culp - Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive End (DE)
Purpose: Defensive ends line up on the edges of the defensive line. Their primary responsibilities are rushing the passer and containing the run.
They often face offensive tackles in one-on-one matchups.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Reggie White - Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers
Outside Linebacker (OLB)
Purpose: Outside linebackers are versatile players who can rush the passer, cover receivers, and stop the run. In a 3-4 defense, they often serve as primary pass rushers.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Lawrence Taylor - New York Giants
Inside Linebacker (ILB) / Middle Linebacker (MLB)
Purpose: Inside linebackers, or middle linebackers in a 4-3 defense, are responsible for stopping the run, covering short passes, and calling defensive plays. They are often seen as the leaders of the defense.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens; Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
Defensive Back Positions
Cornerback (CB)
Purpose: Cornerbacks cover wide receivers, defend against the pass, and support the run defense. They often play on the outside of the defense and are key in man-to-man and zone coverage schemes.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Deion Sanders - Atlanta Falcons
Safety (S)
Purpose: Safeties provide deep coverage, support the run defense, and can blitz the quarterback. They are often the last line of defense and must be versatile in their coverage responsibilities.
Notable Hall of Fame Player: Ronnie Lott - San Francisco 49ers
Defensive Formations (“Schemes”)
A common defensive scheme is the 4-3 formation, focusing on balance and flexibility. The 4-3 defense consists of (4) linemen and (3) linebackers. Defensive linemen are responsible for stopping the run and rushing the passer, while linebackers tackle runners and cover receivers. See the diagram below of a 4-3 defense, with positions identified: