Football has reigned atop the American sports ladder since the late 1960s when a Gallup Poll revealed that the NFL had topped Major League Baseball in popularity. Winning at football is dependent on having players who are better at their positions and execute their gameplan better than their opponents.
Quarterback
The quarterback begins nearly every play by calling signals and then receiving the snap from center. He will either hand the ball off to a running back, throw the ball or run with it. In addition to throwing the ball accurately, the quarterback must demonstrate leadership skills. His teammates must believe in his talent and ability and he must believe in himself as well.
Running Backs
In the modern game of football, a team often will line up with a running back and a fullback in the backfield. The running back will carry the ball on most of the team's running plays. He will run the ball either by running through a hole in the offensive line made by the team's blockers or sprint to the outside and try to run by the defense. He needs speed, strength, agility and toughness. The running back also will catch passes from the quarterback and must be able to block effectively. The fullback has become primarily a blocking position. He must assist the offensive line in opening holes for the running back, help protect the quarterback and block downfield as well. Occasionally, the fullback will run the ball or catch passes.
Receivers
The offense depends on the wide receivers and the tight end to make big plays on offense. Wide receivers will sprint downfield and catch deep passes from the quarterback and must run short- and medium-depth pass routes, as well. Receivers must also block for each other and the running backs. A team will use two to three wide receivers on every play. The tight end may have the most diverse responsibilities of any player on offense. He plays a key role in blocking for the running game and must catch short- and medium depth passes. Occasionally, a very athletic tight end will go downfield in an attempt to catch deep passes.
Offensive Linemen
No matter how talented the skill position players are at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end, they won't be able to do their jobs without blocking help from the offensive line. The five positions on the offensive line are left tackle, left guard, center, right guard and right tackle. The left tackle is usually the best pass blocker and most important player in the group because he protects a right-handed quarterback's blind side when the quarterback drops back to pass. The center must help the other linemen by calling out pass protection and blocking schemes when the players leave the huddle and take their positions. The guards must have the quickness to make multiple blocks on a single play and the right tackle must be big and powerful to help provide the quarterback with sufficient protection and open holes in the running game.
Defensive Line
The defensive linemen attempt to stop the opponent's passing game by putting pressure on the quarterback and blunt the running game by keeping the offensive linemen from opening holes. The two defensive tackles often are huge and powerfully strong. They try to stand up the offensive guards and push them backward to shut down the run, while the two defensive ends use speed, quickness, strength and agility to get by the offensive tackles and sack the quarterback.
Linebackers
Most teams use three linebackers to make a high percentage of the team's tackles. If the defensive linemen are performing their job by pushing the offensive linemen backward, the linebackers have an opportunity to close the play down by making most of the tackles. Linebackers also drop back in pass coverage and will rush the quarterback on occasion. Above all, linebackers must excel at tackling and not letting running backs and receivers slip thought their grasp.
Defensive Backs
In a sport that demands great athleticism, defensive backs are often the best athletes on the field. They must have speed, quickness, strength and excellent hand-eye coordination. The defense uses two cornerbacks to cover theopponents' top two wide receivers. It also uses two safeties to help out on deep passes and with additional wide receivers, tight ends and running backs who catch passes. Both the cornerbacks and the safeties must make tackles in the running game, although the safety is more vital in that role.
Specialists
The specialists in football are the placekicker, punter, punt returner and kickoff returner. The placekicker kicks field goals, extra points and puts the ball in play on kickoffs. The punter tries to help his team win the field position battle by kicking the ball with height and depth when the offense gets stopped. The punt and kickoff returners use their speed and athleticism to help their team gain more advantageous field position.
References
- "Play Football the NFL Way"; Tom Bass; 1991
- "The Thinking Man's Guide to Pro Football"; Paul Zimmerman; 1984
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