Football positions, explained

Three units on one team

Every football team is really three groups. The offense has the ball and tries to score. The defense tries to stop the offense. Special teams handle kicking plays. In standard rules, 11 players per team are on the field at once. Many youth players play both offense and defense, and some leagues use fewer players on the field, so check yours.

Offense

The offense is built around the players who handle the ball and the players who protect them.

Quarterback (QB)

Takes the snap, then hands off, passes or runs. The quarterback is the offense's decision maker and often calls the play in the huddle.

Running back (RB)

Lines up behind or beside the quarterback and carries the ball on running plays. Running backs also catch passes and block. You may hear halfback or fullback for specific kinds of running backs.

Wide receiver (WR)

Lines up near the sideline, runs routes and catches passes.

Tight end (TE)

A hybrid who lines up next to the offensive line. Tight ends block on some plays and catch passes on others.

Offensive line (OL)

In standard rules, five players: a center, two guards and two tackles. They block for the ball carrier and protect the quarterback. The center snaps the ball.

Defense

Defenses are usually described in three levels, from the line of scrimmage backward.

Defensive line (DL)

Players at the line of scrimmage, such as defensive tackles and defensive ends. They try to stop the run and pressure the quarterback.

Linebackers (LB)

Players just behind the line. They tackle runners, cover receivers and sometimes rush the quarterback. They need both toughness and awareness.

Cornerbacks (CB)

Defensive backs who usually cover wide receivers near the sidelines.

Safeties (S)

The deepest defenders. They help against long passes and support the run. Common names are free safety and strong safety.

You will also hear cornerbacks and safeties grouped together as defensive backs (DBs), or the secondary.

Special teams

• Kicker: kicks field goals, extra points and kickoffs.
• Punter: kicks the ball away on fourth down to give the other team a longer field.
• Long snapper: snaps the ball accurately to the punter or holder.
• Holder: holds the ball upright for a kicker on field goals and extra points.
• Returner: catches kicks and punts and runs them back.

Special teams also use blockers and tacklers running downfield, so many regular players help here too. Some youth leagues limit or change kicking plays.

How the positions work together

Every play depends on all eleven players doing their job. The offensive line opens space, the quarterback delivers the ball, and receivers and running backs make the play. On defense, the line pushes forward, linebackers fill gaps and the secondary protects against passes. A player who does an unglamorous job well, such as a good block, often makes the highlight possible, so praise effort in every position.

What beginners usually try

Most youth coaches want players to try several spots before specializing. A few general ideas:

• Players who like to catch and run may enjoy receiver or running back.
• Players who enjoy contact and teamwork may like the lines or linebacker.
• Players with a strong, accurate throwing arm and patience may try quarterback.
• Fast, quick-reacting players may fit the defensive backfield.

Size and speed at a young age do not predict who will be good later, so be open to your child's interests and the coach's suggestions. Leagues often have playing-time rules, and some require rotating positions.

Positions in flag football

Flag football uses many of the same names, such as quarterback, receiver, center and defensive back. Because there is no tackling or heavy blocking, there are no big offensive or defensive lines. Roles are often more flexible, and formats differ by league.

Where to go next

Positions make more sense once you know how a game flows. Read football rules for beginners, and keep football terms for new parents handy for unfamiliar words. If your child is getting ready for a first practice, see how to prepare for football season.