American Football Positions

The position of the players in American football depends on whether the team on the offense or defense which is decided on who has the ball.

Offensive Positions

The offensive team in the game of football is the team in possession of the ball. The offensive line consists of a center, two guards, two tackles and either one or two tight ends. The positions and their tasks are as follows:

• Center: The player on the center position performs the normal blocking function and is also the player who puts the ball in the play by means of a snap.
• Offensive Guard: There are two players on this position and their main task is to block on both running and passing plays.
• Offensive Tackle: The players on this position are present on either side of the offensive guards. Their main task is to block both the running and the passing plays.
• Tight End: The players on this position play on either side or approximately next to the players on the tackle. The main task to behave as a blocker or as pass receiver as per the requirements of the game.
• Wide Receiver: The players on this position are the speedy pass catching specialists and their main task is to run pass the routes and be open for a pass.
• Full Back: The player on this position is present behind the middle of the line. They are generally used to block by running up the middle of the line and clearing the path for the running back to use.
• Running Back: This position was earlier known as ‘halfback’. The main task of the player is to carry the ball in a running play. The players on this position are usually the fastest players on the team.
• H Back: This is a hybrid position that requires the skill set of a fullback, a tight end and a wide receiver. The players on this position also serve as a blocker for a deeply positioned back.
• Wingback:
The player on this position is present just outside the outermost tight end. This position is used in the cases of extreme blocking situations or unbalanced offensive formations.
• Slotback: A player on this position is present just outside the outermost offensive lineman. This position is generally used in flexbone formations and other triple formations.
• Quaterback: This position is used to take the snap that is handed between the center’s leg. The quarterback then either passes the ball to a running back downfield or runs personally.

Defensive Positions

The defensive team in the game of football is the team that does not have the possession of the ball. The offensive line consists of defensive ends and tackles. The positions and their tasks are as follows:

• Defensive End: There are two players on this position and they are present on the opposite outside edges of the defensive line. Their main task is to attack the passer and stop offensive runs.
• Defensive Tackle: The players on this position are placed between the defensive ends. Their main function is to rush the passer and stop the running plays.
• Line Backer: The players on this position are placed behind the defensive line and perform various tasks depending on the situation. Some of the tasks include rushing the passer, covering the receivers and defending against the run. Usually 2 -3 players are present on this position. The linebackers are usually divided into three categories – strongside, middle and weakside.
• Cornerback: The main task of the players on this positions are to prevent successful quarterback passes. This is accomplished by either swatting the airborne ball away from the receiver or by catching the pass themselves.
• Safety: The players on this position are the last line of defense and help the corners with deep pass coverage. Usually, the safeties are expected to be hard hitters.
• Defensive Back: This position is defined as any position besides the line including corners and safeties.
• Nickelback & Dimeback: In certain formations of the game, a fifth defensive back is used who is known as the nickel defense while in certain games, two extra defensive backs are used and the package is known as the dime package.