THE OFFENSE - Consists of an offensive line, a backfield, and wide receivers. The offense works together to advance the ball toward the end zone. The Offensive Players are:
Center (C)- Lines up in the middle of the offensive line. He snaps the football to the Quarterback and then blocks for both running and passing plays.
Guards (G)- Line up on either side of the Center and inside of the Tackles. They block on passing plays and try to push back the defensive line to open holes for the running backs. On some plays, rather than blocking straight ahead, a guard will "pull" in order to block a player on the opposite side of the center in a running play called a "trap". Sometimes both guards will pull in support of an outside running play called a "sweep"
Offensive Tackles (OT) - Line up outside of the guards on the offensive line. Their main objective is to block on running plays, and protect the quarterback on passing plays. The Tackle that defends the QB's backside (Left Tackle for right handed QB's and Right Tackle for lefty QB's) are generally viewed as the most important offensive linemen.
Tight Ends (TE) - Optional players that fill out the end of the offensive line. There can be one, or two, depending on the play. They are large players who can block and also recieve passes.
Wide Receivers (WR) - Each play can use either none or up to 5 wide receivers, depending on the play. Usually the fastest players on the team, they line up wide of the offensive line toward the sidelines, and run patterns to catch passes from the quarterback. Their main job is to run pass routes and get open for a pass. They are occasionally called on to block. A wide receiver may line up on the line of scrimmage and be counted as one of the necessary 7 players on the line in a legal formation, or he may line up off the line of scrimmage and be counted as being in the backfield. There are generally two types of wide receivers, "speed" and "possession".
A speed receiver's primary function is to stretch the field, be a deep threat, and to not allow the defense to cheat and bring an eighth man into the box.
A possession receiver is generally the more sure-handed of the two types and is used to keep possession of the ball by making catches that gain first down yardage, but he lacks the raw speed to attack a defensive backfield.
Wingback (WB) - the wingback is a position found only in traditional formations. His modern role is being incorporated into the wide receiver.
Running Backs (RB), Halfbacks (HB) and Tailbacks (TB) - Lines up behind the quarterback and receives a handoff from the QB and runs with it. As the team's primary ball carriers, they use speed and strength to “rush” the ball downfield. They are quick players with the ability to break tackles. They may function as running backs, blocking backs or short-yardage receivers. If they do not leave the backfield on a pass play, they are used as additional blockers.
Fullback (FB) - Lines up between the QB and HB (not in on all plays) Depending on the team, used for either blocking for the HB on run plays or as an additional blocker on pass plays or receiving passes from the QB. Usually large strong players that can move quickly. A classic Fullback is more of a straight-ahead power runner than a Halfback. Most plays utilizing the Fullback call for him to block, generally by running up the middle of the line, clearing a path for the Running back to use.
Quarterback (QB) - Stands behind the Center. The offensive leader on the field, he calls the plays, takes the snap, and then runs with the ball, throws a pass, or hands off the football to a Running Back (RB).
