Basic Football Plays and Strategies, 3

Running Play

The quarter back hands the ball off to a running back, who tries to run through the defense.

Inside Run

A run through the center or guards, usually to gain short yardage

Outside Run

A run towards the edges of the field, using the speed of the running back to avoid tacklers.

Pass plays

Quarter back throws the ball to a wide receiver, tight end, or running back.

Short pass

A quick throw, typically under 10 yards, to a receiver who is close by.

Long Pass

A deep throw, often aimed at a receiver down the field.

Screen Pass

A short pass behind the line of scrimmage to a running back or receiver, with blockers set up to protect them.

Play Action

A fake handoff to the running back to trick the defense into thinking it's a run play. This allows the quarter back to throw the ball to an open receiver.

Option Plays

The quarter back has the choice to hand off the ball, keep it, or throw it based on what the defense does. It is designed to create confusion to make it harder for defense to predict what's coming.

Man to man coverage

Each defender is responsible to covering one offensive player, typically a wide receiver.

Zone coverage

Defenders cover specific areas of the field.

Blitz

The defense sends extra players (usually linebackers or defensive backs) to rush the quarter back, trying to sack them before they can throw the ball.

Base defense

A standard defense, often made up of 4 defensive linemen and 3 or 4 linebackers, designed to defend against both the run and the pass.