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Kids learn about the defensive formations used in football. Base defenses such as the 3-4 and 4-3.

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Formations 101 | NFL Football Operations

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See where the players line up in pro football's most common offensive and defensive formations.

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The game of football gives players and fans the chance to experience exciting plays, thrilling wins and heartbreaking losses. Football has become the most popular sport in the U.S., with a fan base in countries all around the world. Fans have a greater appreciation of the game once they learn about the responsibilities of the different football positions.

Video of the Day

One of the main aspects of football is the running game. The running backs, normally a fullback and a halfback, stand behind the offensive line. While their main duty is to run the ball down the field, running backs also catch passes and make blocks to protect the quarterback. As leaders of the offense, quarterbacks call plays, hand the ball to the running backs, and make passes to the receivers. Quarterbacks can run with the ball, especially if there's not an open receiver down field.

Offensive linemen protect the quarterback and open holes for running backs. The center's job is to snap the ball to the quarterback, to make blocks and to protect the quarterback. The guards and tackles make blocks for running backs and protect their quarterback while he throws passes. The tight end is an offensive lineman that blocks, but he also catches passes.

Quarterbacks throw passes to the wide receivers. The role of the receiver is to run pass routes. They use their speed and quickness to evade the other team's defensive players as they try to get open to catch passes. Receivers also make blocks for the quarterback, for other receivers and for the running backs.

Defensive tackles, defensive ends and the nose guard make up the defensive line. The nose guard plays in the center of the defensive line. His job is to stop the run up the middle. Tackles play on either side of the nose guard and try to stop the run play. In some cases, they can break through and hurry or sack the quarterback. Defensive ends play at the end of the defensive line. Ends work to sack the quarterback and try to prevent running backs from getting farther down the field.

Linebackers are usually the best tacklers on the team. They play behind the defensive line and are responsible for defending both run and pass plays. The defensive backfield is made up of cornerbacks and safeties. Their job is to cover the wide receivers, to break up passes and to make interceptions. They also make tackles, work to stop the run and try to sack the quarterback.

The special teams, often the key to success in football games, are made up of a kicker, a punter, a long snapper and a place holder. The kicker's job is to kick the ball off at the opening of the game and after every score. He also kicks the extra points after touchdowns, and he kicks field goals when the offense cannot score a touchdown. Place holders catch the ball from the center and hold it for the kicker as he kicks extra points or field goals. Punters kick the ball when the team does not score, and the long snapper is the center who snaps the ball during punts.

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A List of All the Positions in Football & Their Responsibilities

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The game of football gives players and fans the chance to experience exciting plays, thrilling wins and heartbreaking losses. Football has become the most popular sport in the U.S., with a fan base in countries all around the world. Fans have a greater appreciation of the game once they learn about the responsibilities of the different football...

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Designing and implementing effective football plays for your team can be a real challenge - even for the most experienced coaches.

Since each and every player out on the field is a specialist, it's up to the coach to assess his opponent, analyze all the permutations based on down and yardage, and make a well-informed decision on where and how to deploy his players - all in less than a minute after the end of the last play!

And this can be tough - especially when you're just starting out as a football coach. The goal of this tutorial is to help you understand the basic concepts behind offensive football plays and learn how to communicate those concepts to your players and fellow coaches.

We'll go through all the important terminology, and provide some useful coaching tips, diagrams and sample plays to illustrate the most important points.

Let's get started!

COACHING TIP: Your #1 priority on offense should be execution. To accomplish this, you're best off with a small, carefully selected play package that you run throughout the season and work on continually. Your offensive performance will not be judged by the size and complexity of your playbook! Select a simple offense that has some deception and teach it well.

Designing Football Plays In The Running Game

To develop an effective running game, communication and coordination are essential. Your primary goal is to put the running back at the point of attack just as the hole is opening, using the right combination of timing and blocking.

The simplest way to communicate running plays is to assign a number to each potential ball-carrier, and a number to the point of attack.

If a player's number is called, they are carrying the ball on that particular play. Typically, the quarterback is assigned the number 1, the tailback is number 2, and the fullback is number 3 (although these can vary depending on the formation you use).The point of attack is used to indicate which hole the ball carrier should be running through.

These holes (ie. the natural gaps between offensive blockers) are numbered odd on the left and even on the right, with 0 being directly behind the center.

So, for example, the number 32 means that ball carrier 3 (the fullback) will run through the number 2 hole (between the center and right guard).

Now that we know where the ball is going and who's carrying it, we need to tell the offensive line what kind of blocking scheme to use. Each of the plays below describes the objective of a particular play and how the offensive line needs to block.

Dive

The dive is a direct, quick hitting power run designed to get short yardage, and is especially effective in any 3rd or 4th and short.

Blast

The blast is a running play designed to the guard tackle gap, or just off tackle.

Power

The power play uses maximum blocking at the POA, sending all offensive backs through the same hole, lead blocking for the ball carrier, who is usually whichever back started farthest away from the hole.

Trap/Counter

The ball carrier will take one or two steps in away from the intended hole, before cutting back to receive the handoff and attack. The difference between a trap and a counter, is that in a trap you will see a guard on the back side of the play pull and lead block for the ball carrier.

Toss

The pitch or toss is run like the sweep, run out towards the sideline, except that the ball carrier does not come across the entire backfield. Sweep Here the quarterback will handoff or pitch to a back coming around from outside of the guard and trying to beat the defense around the corner to the sideline.

Reverse

This play looks like a sweep to start off - and that's what we want the defense to think. But here we have another receiver going in the opposite direction as the original ball carrier, taking a handoff and sprinting back to the opposite sideline.

Option

There are two kinds of option, the double, and the triple. In the triple option, the FB will dive inside and the QB will put the ball in his belly and ride with him, watching the defensive line. If the defense reacts to the fullback, the QB will pull the ball back and run for the outside, with the tailback staying at least three yards deep and outside of him at all times.

The offensive line will also usually double team a key defender, leaving another defender at the POA open to attack the QB. The QB will make the read based on this defender, either keeping it and turning upfield or pitching it out and behind to the TB. The double option is the same option without the fullback fake at the beginning.

Waggle/Bootleg

A play where the QB fakes a hand off then rolls out to the opposite side of the field, usually with receivers running along downfield in the same direction. To extend the QB's time to make a passing decision, normally at least one lineman will pull out as well.

Draw/Delay

To sell the draw, the offensive line has to drop back into pass protection, and the QB will take a dropback as if scanning the field for a pass. Then he hands the ball off, and the ball carrier will sprint past the defense after they

COACHING TIP: Try to match your running play calls to counteract the way a defense is attacking the ball. For example, if your opponent is coming across the line of scrimmage aggressively, a trap play would allow the offensive line to gain a better blocking angle. Against a reading defense, the dive and sweep might be more effective.

Putting It All Together

Okay, let's illustrate this with a real play. This one is called I Right 26 Power.

"I-Right" means this is a play from the I-Formation, with fullback and halfback stacked behind the quarterback, and the tight end lining up on the right, establishing the strong side.

"26" means the tailback will carry the ball, and the point of attack is between the right tackle and tight end.

"Power" means the play uses maximum blocking at the point of attack, with lead blocking by the fullback.

VIDEO TUTORIAL: For a more advanced running play, explained on video with step by step instructions, check out Singleback Trips Bunch Right Sally. The play works by using a fake pass protection scheme, keeping the defense occupied just long enough for your X receiver to take a handoff and sprint out of the box into the secondary.

Designing Football Plays In The Passing Game

Using the forward pass is a potent way to gain yardage and score points at any level of football. If you have a QB with a strong, accurate, arm, and a few reliable receivers, the passing game will be an essential part of your playbook.

The tried and true way to organize your passing plays and communicate them to your team is through the use of a passing tree - a basic numbering system used to define passing routes for receivers. Each number, from 0-9, represents a wide receiver route.

Visually, the various routes resemble, as they branch out to both sides of the field, limbs coming off a trunk - which is why we call it a "tree."

Below is a simple explanation for each of the 10 most common routes, from shortest to longest.

0 - The Drag Route

Also known as an in route, this is a very common and simple route. Just have the receiver run forward, less than five yards, and make a sharp angled cut towards the inside, running to the sideline.

1 - The Flat Route

Usually reserved for FBs and HBs, the flat route is a run parallel to the line of scrimmage out towards the sideline, looking back to the QB for a pass. This route is usually available as a safety net for the QB to check down to.

2 - The Slant Route

When you need a high percentage completion for solid yardage, the slant route and you will become fast friends. To perform it, have your receiver take 3 hard steps downfield before planting with their outside foot and quickly cutting to the center of the field.

3 - The Out Route

One of the most often used routes in the game, the out route is executed via a forward run of more than 5 and less than 10 yards, followed by a sharp 90° cut to the sideline.

4 - The Curl Route

Also called the comeback route, the receiver will sprint forward anywhere between 10 and 14 yards, then make a sharp cut back towards the QB, ready for the catch.

5 - The Deep Out Route

Using the same technique as the out, the only real difference between these two routes is that the deep out is run at 10 yards.

6 - The Deep In Route

This route is almost identical to the drag - you just make your cut inside at 10 yards instead. The receiver should be looking for soft spots behind or in front of the linebackers, reading the QB's throwing lanes.

7 - The Flag Route

Sometimes called a corner route, this route begins like the go route, with a straight out sprint. Then at about 15 yards fake a step inside as if running a post, and break back outside aiming for corner flag, or pylon at the back of the end zone.

8 - The Post Route

Here's a route that is very effective for big yardage against man coverage, or for splitting the safeties in a cover 2 defense. Simply run about 15 yards straight, and then cut inwards towards the goal post.

9 - The Go Route

Commonly known as a streak, or fly as well, the go route is a straight on sprint, and when completed, can often be a game-changing play. You want to use this route against tight coverage, and with only your fastest receivers.

When calling a play, the first number will always correspond to the left most (or "X") receiver, the second number to the second left most (or "Y") receiver, and so on, with the last number going to the right-most (or "Z") receiver.

So for example, the number 952 would indicate a Go Route for the X receiver, a Deep Out route for the Y receiver, and a Slant Route for the Z receiver.

COACHING TIP: Never ask your quarterback to throw pass routes they are unable to execute. Pick a handful of pass route combinations, keep it simple, and focus on proper execution. Allow lots of practice repetitions so your players can coordinate the timing of the quarterback's drop with the receiver's route.

Putting It All Together

Okay, let's run through a real passing play using the same playcalling format. This one is called Wing T 69 Bootleg Right.

"Wing T" describes the formation - characterized by having a wingback just off of your tight end on the strong side, and a split end lined up on the weak side.

"69" means the Y receiver (the wingback or "WB" in this case) runs an in route, while the Z receiver runs a streak route, making a double move if he thinks he can get the cornerback to bite.

"Bootleg Right" means the quarterback will fake a handoff, then roll out to the right as the play develops, making progression reads from sideline to inside.

VIDEO TUTORIAL: If you'd like to see a cool passing play demonstrated on video, check out I Right Tailback Screen. This is one of those football plays that requires a bit of coordination, but nothing your average youth team can't handle with a little bit of practice. If you get the timing right, you can really catch the defense flat footed, and give yourself a GREAT opportunity for an explosive gain...

No matter what kind of offensive scheme you implement or which football plays you choose to run - remember to start with a small number of plays, and use your practice time to get a lot of repetitions. Communication of roles and responsibilities is key! Follow these steps and you'll be well on your way to developing a killer playbook!

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Football Plays 101: How To Design A Killer Football Playbook

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Designing and implementing effective football plays for your team can be a real challenge - even for the most experienced coaches. Since each and every player out on the field is a specialist, it's up to the coach to assess his opponent, analyze all the permutations based on down and yardage, and make a well-informed decision on where and how to deploy his players - all in less than a minute after the end of the last play!

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1. Sports

2. Football

3. Offense

4. Running Plays in Football

Football offenses, whether in high school, college, or professional games, uses a certain set of running plays. Here are some basic running plays used in all levels of football:

Blast or dive: The simplest of carries. Usually led by a blocking fullback, the running back takes a quick handoff from the quarterback and hits a hole between an offensive guard and a tackle. The offense calls this run when it needs a yard or two for a first down. The runner lowers his head and hopes to move the pile before the middle linebacker tackles him.

Counter: An intentional misdirection run on the part of the offense. The quarterback fakes a lateral toss to one back who's heading right, running parallel to the line of scrimmage. The quarterback then turns and hands off to the remaining runner in the backfield, generally a fullback, who runs toward the middle of the line, hoping to find an opening between either guard and the center.

Draw: A disguised run, which means it initially looks like a pass play. The offensive linemen draw back like they're going to pass-protect for the quarterback (QB). The quarterback then drops back and, instead of setting up to pass, he turns and hands the ball to the runner.

The goal of every draw play is to get the defensive linemen charging at the quarterback, only to be pushed aside by the offensive linemen at the last second. To fool the defense with this run, a team must have an above-average passing game.

Reverse: The halfback (HB) receives the handoff from the quarterback (QB) and then runs laterally behind the line of scrimmage. (The play can be designed for the back to run in either direction.) The ball carrier meets up with a wide receiver (WR) or flanker running toward him and then hands the ball to that receiver or flanker.

The offensive line blocks as if the ball were intended for the halfback so that the defensive players follow him. After the receiver is in motion and has the ball, he runs in the opposite direction, or against the flow of his own blockers.

Trap: Teams don't use this run very often because it requires quick and agile offensive linemen, and most teams use big blockers these days. On the trap, a guard (LG in the following figure) vacates his normal area, allowing the defensive player to cross the line of scrimmage and have a clear lane into the backfield. The guard from the opposite side then moves across the line and blocks the defender. This action by the guard is called pulling, hence the term pulling guard. The trap play has to be well-timed, and after the ball carrier receives the ball, he must quickly dart through the hole behind the trap block.

Veer: A quick-hitting run in which the ball can be handed to either running back, whose routes are determined by the slant or charge of the defensive linemen. The term veer comes from the back veering away from the defense. The quarterback (QB) hands off to the halfback (HB), who veers to the right behind his blockers.

College teams run this play more often than pro teams do because it generally requires a quarterback who's quick-footed and an excellent ball-handler - in other words, a quarterback who can run if he has to.

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Football offenses, whether in high school, college, or professional games, uses a certain set of running plays. Here are some basic running plays used in all levels of football: Blast or dive: The simplest of carries. Usually led by a blocking fullback, the running back takes a quick handoff from the quarterback and hits a ...

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Football Players' Roles in Team Offense and Defense

Whether on an offensive or defensive line, each player in a football lineup has a specific job to do. Each player/position has a specific role to play. The offensive positions are shown in the lower half of the following figure, and the defensive positions are shown in the upper half. The offense and defense face each other across the line of scrimmage.

The line of scrimmage is simply the spot on the field from which the football is hiked.

The figure shows the 4-3 defense (a four down linemen and three linebacker scheme) lined up against a strong-side-right offense. These lineups are common in the NFL, as well as at other levels of football.

Football offensive positions

The offense's primary job, as a team, is to move the ball down the field and score - either by touchdown or kicking a field goal. There are other ways to score as well, but those are primarily left to special teams. Within the offense, the functions are divided among these key positions:

QB = quarterback: The leader of the team. He calls the plays in the huddle, yells the signals at the line of scrimmage, and then receives the ball from the center. Then he hands off the ball to a running back, throws it to a receiver, or runs with it.

C = center: The player who snaps the ball to the quarterback. He handles the ball on every play.

RB = running back: A player who runs with the football. Running backs also are referred to as tailbacks, halfbacks, and wingbacks.

FB = fullback: A player who's responsible for blocking for the running back and also for pass-blocking to protect the quarterback. Fullbacks, who are generally bigger than running backs, are short-yardage runners.

WR = wide receiver: A player who uses his speed and quickness to elude defenders and catch the football. Teams use as many as two to four wide receivers on every play.

TE = tight end: A player who serves as a receiver and also as a blocker. This player lines up beside the offensive tackle to the right or the left of the quarterback.

LG and RG = left guard and right guard: The inner two members of the offensive line, whose jobs are to block for and protect the quarterback and ball carriers.

LT and RT = left tackle and right tackle: The outer two members of the offensive line.

Football defensive positions

The defense's primary job, as a team, is to keep the offense from scoring - by tackling members of the offense, intercepting the ball, and generally preventing the offense from moving the ball close enough to their goal to create a scoring opportunity. Within the defense, the functions are divided among these key positions:

DT = defensive tackle: The inner two members of the defensive line, whose jobs are to maintain their positions in order to stop a running play or to run through a gap in the offensive line to pressure the quarterback or disrupt the backfield formation.

DE = defensive end: The outer two members of the defensive line. Generally, their jobs are to overcome offensive blocking and to meet in the backfield, where they combine to tackle the quarterback or ball carrier. On running plays to the outside, they're responsible for forcing the ball carrier either out of bounds or toward (into) the pursuit of their defensive teammates.

LB = linebacker: The players who line up behind the defensive linemen and generally are regarded as the team's best tacklers. Depending on the formation, most teams employ either three or four linebackers on every play. Linebackers often have the dual role of defending the run and the pass.

S = safety: The players who line up the deepest in the secondary - the last line of defense. There are free safeties and strong safeties, and they must defend the deep pass and also the run.

CB = cornerback: The players who line up on the wide parts of the field, generally opposite the offensive receivers.

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Football Players' Roles in Team Offense and Defense - dummies

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Whether on an offensive or defensive line, each player in a football lineup has a specific job to do. Each player/position has a specific role to play. The offensive positions are shown in the lower half of the following figure, and the defensive positions are shown in the upper half.

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All of the Football Positions, Explained

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STACK offers a brief primer on every football position.

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There are many football positions who have obvious roles, like the quarterback. But when it comes to telling the difference between the fullback and running back, it may not be as easy.

There are many football positions who have obvious roles, like the quarterback. But when it comes to telling the difference between the fullback and running back, it may not be as easy.

In America, football is the undisputed heavyweight champion of all team sports, so it's often assumed that most know the fundamentals of the game. But for others, their knowledge of 'offsides' is off-base and rather than scoping the field, they're too busy fielding questions. What are the 11 positions on a football team? What is the job of a linebacker? What is a quarterback's job exactly?

For these football fledglings, understanding what each player on the field does can be tough. Luckily, this position primer is here to help. Read on to learn about football roles and responsibilities and avoid getting flagged for your football befuddlement.

PART 1: Offensive Players

This section will help you score some insight on the players whose primary role is to score touchdowns. There are 11 players on offense at a time. Through a series of plays that involve passing and running the ball, they want to work their way down the field until they get into the end zone. The offense consists of:

Quarterback (QB) - The field general. He calls the plays, initiates action and handles the "snap." He either hands the ball to the running back or passes the ball to a receiver. He may also run with the ball. The quarterback's must be able to throw the ball with power and accuracy.

Running Back (RB) - Also known as the Halfback. This player does it all. Lining up either behind or beside the quarterback, he runs, he catches, he blocks and he'll even throw a pass from time to time. A running back is normally a player who is a quick runner and thrives on contact.

Fullback (FB) - Like a heartier version of the RB, but in the modern game usually more of a lead blocker out of the backfield. Fullbacks are normally good runners with exceptional strength.

Offensive Line - There are five offensive linemen. In order from left to right, they are: the Left Tackle (LT), Left Guard (LG), Center (C), Right Guard (RG) and Right Tackle (RT). It is their job to either pass block for the QB so he has time to throw or run block for the RB or FB. Most of the time, with the exception of the Center "snapping" the ball to the QB, offensive linemen do not touch the ball. The offensive line is usually made up of the biggest, strongest players on the team.

Wide Receivers (WR) - Wide receivers, for the most part, are known as pass catchers. They start the play split out wide from the rest of the formation, at or near the line of scrimmage (an imaginary line that extends from sideline to sideline at the point where the ball is placed) and run pass routes awaiting a pass from the QB. On running plays, they will throw blocks and occasionally take a handoff. Those in the wide receiver position normally have a combination of blazing speed and strong hand-eye coordination.

Tight End (TE) - This player is a hybrid between a receiver and an offensive lineman. Generally, he lines up next to the LT or RT or he can "split out" like a wide receiver. His duties include blocking for both the quarterback and the running backs, but he can also run into the field and catch passes. Tight ends can catch like a receiver, but has the strength and size to dominate on the line.

PART 2: The Defensive Players

Part two is here to help you tackle the roles of the defense. Like the offense, there are 11 defensive players on the field. Their job is to prevent the offense from scoring by tackling players or causing turnovers.

Defensive Line - This is the first line of defense and consists of three or four players who line up opposite the offensive line. They are two Defensive Ends (DE) on either side and one or two Defensive Tackles (DT). Their job is to shed the blocks of the offensive linemen and tackle ball carriers, usually running backs coming through the line or quarterbacks dropping back to pass. If a player is on the defensive line, they are generally big and strong.

Linebacker (LB) - As the name implies, the Linebackers back the defensive line. Depending on the defensive alignment, there are usually three or four on the field. Outside linebackers (OLB) stand to the sides of the DEs and Inside linebackers (ILB) or middle linebackers (MLB) stand behind the DTs. LBs are usually responsible for shadowing RBs, TEs and sometimes WRs; rushing the passer; and tackling ball carriers. Those who are linebackers are likely strong and fast.

Cornerback (CB) - Cornerbacks are usually the fastest player on the defense. They support the run, and might be asked to blitz the QB, but spend most of their time covering wide receivers. This means they try to break up passes, tackle players who catch passes, and try to intercept passes coming their way. There are usually two to four CBs on the field at a time. Cornerbacks should be really fast and capable tacklers.

Safety (S) - There are two S positions: The Strong Safety (SS) and the Free Safety (FS). The strong safety is usually, well, strong, and fast. They are usually responsible for covering TEs, RBs, and WRs and playing down the field but are often expected to come up in run support. The Free Safety has similar duties but is commonly considered the center fielder, and thus the last line of the defense. A safety should be fast and strong, and be a capable tackler.

PART 3: SPECIAL TEAMS

This final segment can help you be savvy with special teams. Specialty players take the field during field goals, punts and kick-offs. These players consist of:

Kicker (K) - The kicker is responsible for kickoffs and field goals. They are strong-legged players who can kick accurately from a tee on kickoffs and from a holder on field goals.

Punter (P) - The punter is responsible for kicking the ball away if the offense fails to get a first down. They are strong-legged players who can accurately kick a ball by dropping it from their outstretched hands.

Return Specialists - There are two types of return specialists: Kick Returner (KR) and Punt Returner (PR). These are the players the punter and kicker are kicking to on punts and kickoffs.

Understanding the roles of each player on the football field can be a doozy. But with this guide, you should be on your way to having a strong grasp on strong safeties, full familiarity with fullbacks and so much more.

To be sure that you don't make a false statement about false starts, check out this gridiron glossary to impress your friends with some common football lingo.

Backfield - The group of offensive skill players, namely the quarterback and running backs, that line up behind the line of scrimmage. It can also refer to the area of the field behind the line of scrimmage.

Blitz - A play by the defense in which one or more linebackers or defensive backs charge the opponent's backfield. This can help put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and lead to sacks and rushed throws.

Bootleg - When a quarterback fakes a handoff to a running back and instead takes the ball outside to either complete a pass or run it himself.

Draw - When a quarterback looks as if he is intending to pass, but instead either hands off the ball for a rush or keeps it himself.

Encroachment - Term to describe when a defensive player illegally crosses the line of scrimmage prior to the ball being snapped and makes contact with an opposing player.

Fair Catch - When a punt returner decides to catch a punt without the intention of advancing after the catch. A fair catch is signaled when the punt returner waves his extended arm over his head. No defensive player can tackle the punt returner once a fair catch has been signaled.

Horse Collar - When a defensive player brings down a ball carrier by grabbing onto the back of the ball carrier's collar and shoulder pads.

Lateral - When a player passes the ball parallel or behind him to another player. This can be done anywhere on the field at any time. It's also known as a backward pass.

Pick-Six - When a defensive player returns an interception for a touchdown.

Play Action - A move by the offense in an attempt to fake out the defense. It appears to start as a running play, but the quarterback will fake handing off the ball and instead attempt a pass.

Pocket - The area on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage where the quarterback stands. This area is where linemen try to stop defensive players from reaching the QB on passing plays.

Red Zone - An unofficial area that spans from the 20-yard line to the goal line of the defensive team. A defense should consider it a moral victory if they hold an offense to a field goal in this area.

Sack - When a defensive player tackles a quarterback behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of yards.

Safety - A scoring play when the defense tackles a ball carrier in their own end zone. A safety results in two points for the defense.

Shotgun - An offensive formation in which a quarterback stands five to seven yards behind the center to take the snap.

Squib Kick - A kicked ball with a low flight path. A squib kick is used to limit the return team's ability to advance the football with a quality return.

Sticks - Term used to describe the sideline down markers. A first down is referred to as "moving the sticks."

Stiff Arm - A move by an offensive player in which they fully extend the arm they are not using to carry the ball and use it to fend off a defender.

Three-and-Out - When an offense fails to get a first down using their first three downs and must punt on fourth down.

Touchback - When the ball is downed by the returner behind their own goal line or the ball is kicked through the end zone. The ball is then placed at the 20-yard line for play to resume.

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Football Positions for Beginners | PRO TIPS by DICK'S Sporting Goods

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There are many football positions who have obvious roles, like the quarterback. But when it comes to telling the difference between the fullback and running back, it may not be as easy. There are many football positions who have obvious roles, like the quarterback.