American Football Positions Explained

Vocabulary flashcards covering offensive, defensive, and special-team positions discussed in the lecture.

American Football Positions

The 11 on-field roles for each team, divided among offense, defense, and special teams, each with specific duties.

Offense

The unit in possession of the ball, working to gain yards and score points.

Offensive Line (OL)

Five large blockers (center, two guards, two tackles) who protect the quarterback and open running lanes.

Center (C)

Middle offensive lineman who snaps the ball to the quarterback and blocks defenders.

Guard (LG / RG)

Lineman flanking the center; blocks and may "pull" to reinforce another part of the line.

Tackle (LT / RT)

Edge offensive lineman; blocks speedy defenders on the outside and may execute pull blocks.

Backfield

Group of offensive players lining up behind the line of scrimmage (QB, RB, FB) who initiate plays.

Quarterback (QB)

Leader who receives the snap and decides to hand off, pass, or run; requires quick judgment and accuracy.

Running Back (RB) / Halfback (HB)

Primary ball carrier on running plays who can also catch passes; needs speed and power.

Fullback (FB)

Lines up between QB and RB; mainly lead-blocks but can run or catch; less common in modern schemes.

Receiving Core

All offensive players who specialize in catching passes and blocking on runs (TE, WR variants).

Tight End (TE)

Versatile receiver/blocker who lines up next to the tackle on the end of the line.

Split End (X)

Wide receiver on the line of scrimmage opposite the TE; runs deep routes as a major downfield threat.

Flanker (Z)

Receiver slightly off the line, usually on the TE side; runs shorter routes like screens and quick passes.

Slot Receiver (Y)

Receiver aligned between the split end and line; runs varied inside routes relying on agility.

Defense

The unit aiming to stop the offense from gaining yards or scoring.

Defensive Line

Three to four big defenders on the line of scrimmage who rush the passer and halt runs.

Defensive End (DE)

Edge defensive lineman who contains outside runs and pressures the quarterback from the sides.

Defensive Tackle (DT)

Interior lineman who stops inside runs and collapses the pocket up the middle; usually the largest defender.

Nose Tackle (NT)

Type of defensive tackle aligned directly over the center in some schemes with the same run-stopping duties.

Linebackers

Three to five defenders behind the line; combine run stopping, pass rush, and coverage responsibilities.

Middle Linebacker (MLB / "Mike")

Central linebacker who calls defensive plays, fills run gaps, and covers the middle zone.

Outside Linebacker (OLB)

Strongside "Sam" and weakside "Will" linebackers who set the edge, rush the passer, and cover short wide routes.

Rush Linebacker (RLB)

Hybrid edge player who alternates between defensive end and linebacker to maximize pass-rush pressure.

Defensive Backs

Fastest defenders (cornerbacks and safeties) who cover receivers and protect against deep passes.

Cornerback (CB)

Outside defender who shadows wide receivers, using speed and agility to prevent completions.

Free Safety (FS)

Deep safety opposite the TE; primary pass defender and last line of defense; smaller and faster.

Strong Safety (SS)

Safety closer to the line on the TE side; stronger run supporter who also aids in pass coverage.

Special Teams

Units that handle kicking, punting, and returns; often staffed by reserves or specialists.

Kicker (K)

Specialist who performs place kicks (field goals, PATs) and/or kickoffs; needs leg strength and accuracy.

Long Snapper (LS)

Player who delivers precise long snaps for field goals, PATs, and punts.

Placeholder / Holder (PH / H)

Catches the long snap and sets the ball upright for the kicker on field goals and PATs.

Kick Returner (KR)

Receives kickoffs and runs them back to gain field position; relies on elite speed and agility.

Gunner (G)

Very fast punt-team player who sprints downfield to tackle the punt returner quickly.

Personal Protector (PP)

Stands in front of the punter to block incoming rushers on punt plays.

Punter (P)

Kicks the ball downfield on punts, aiming for distance, hang time, and placement.

Jammer (J)

Return-team player who blocks the opponent's gunner to shield the punt returner.

Punt Returner (PR)

Catches punts and returns them for yardage, requiring secure hands and evasive speed.