Basics of football: Understanding player positions

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It is not uncommon to see or hear groups talking about the latest football news. American football has reached such a level of popularity that one cannot go to a bar without hearing something related to the NFL or the local college football team. Parents are now encouraging their children to participate, or become more involved, in the sports scene.

So it has become highly important that individuals recognize and understand the different player positions in the sport. Listed below are the different positions, with a brief explanation of each role.

Quarterback: Considered the most important position, the quarterback is often the leader of the group. QBs, as they are often called, determine the offensive and defensive strategies of each play; meaning he is often the one who calls the huddle, yells signals during scrimmages, and receives the ball from the center.

Center: This is the player who snaps the ball back to the quarterback. The center is the one who handles the ball in every play.

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Running Back: This is the player who runs with the football. Running backs can also be called the tailbacks, rushers, or halfbacks.

Fullback: There are three main roles of the fullback. These are: a) to block the opposing team’s running back, b) be open for pass-blocking, and c) to protect the quarterback. This generally means that fullbacks are bigger and short-yard runners.

Wide receiver: There can be as many as two to four of these types of players. Typically, wide receivers are fast and quick. As their name suggests, they receive the football after the throw and have to elude defenders to score.

Tight end: This player can serve as both a receiver and a blocker. Tight ends line up beside the offensive tackle on either side of the quarterback.

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There are many other roles, but these are sub-categories, and can be performed by a single team player. Depending on the specific strategy of the coach and quarterback, one player can be focused more on a defensive or offensive role.

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