American Football Positions Explained

Offensive Positions

These players are on the team with the ball, working to move it forward and score.

Quarterback (QB)

The leader of the offense. The QB takes the snap from the center and decides whether to pass, hand off, or run the ball. They must read the defense and make quick decisions.

Running Back (RB) / Halfback (HB)

Lines up behind the QB and carries the ball on run plays. RBs also catch passes and block defenders to protect the QB. Sometimes called halfbacks.

Fullback (FB)

Blocks for the running back and occasionally runs or catches short passes. Often more physical and used in short-yardage situations.

Wide Receiver (WR)

Specializes in running routes and catching passes. WRs are usually among the fastest players on the team.

Tight End (TE)

A hybrid position: blocks like a lineman but also catches passes like a receiver. Adds versatility to both run and pass plays.

Offensive Line (OL)

These players protect the QB and create running lanes.

• Center (C) – snaps the ball to the QB and starts the play.

• Guards (LG/RG) – line up beside the center and block defenders.

• Tackles (LT/RT) – line up at the ends of the OL and protect against pass rushers.

Defensive Positions

These players try to stop the opposing offense from advancing and to take the ball back.

Defensive Line (DL)

• Defensive Tackles (DT) und Ends (DE) line up at the front to stop runs and pressure the QB.

Linebackers (LB)

Stand behind the defensive line and help stop runs, cover receivers, or blitz the QB.

Cornerbacks (CB)

Cover wide receivers and defend against passes.

Safeties (S)

The last line of defense; help cover deep passes and support run defense. They can be split into free safety und strong safety in some schemes.

Special Teams Positions

These players take the field in kickoff, punt, and field goal situations.

Kicker (K)

Kicks field goals, extra points, and kickoffs.

Punter (P)

Punts the ball on fourth down to pin the opposing team deep.

Kick Returner (KR) / Punt Returner (PR)

Returns kickoffs and punts and attempts to gain yards for their team.

Long Snapper (LS)

Specializes in snapping the ball during punts and field goals.

ALL THESE POSITIONS WILL BB PRATIED DURING THE CAMP

QUARTERBACKS

Fußarbeit, korrekte Mechanik, wie man jede Art von Deckung liest, Play-Calling und das Erlernen eines Playbooks

RUNNING BACKS

Ballsicherheit, Fußarbeit, Blocking, Routenführung, Lesen vor dem Snap, Blitzaufnahme und Passfang-Fähigkeiten

DEFENSIV-RÜCKSPIELER & LINEBACKER

Fußarbeit, Ballfertigkeit, Tackling, Blitzangriff, Lesen vor der Pause, Mann-zu-Mann- und Zonendeckungstechniken

KICKER & STÜRMER

Beinschwung, Schlagen des Balls, Weitschüsse und Genauigkeit; Ballwurf/Beinschwung, Pooch Punting, Directional Punting und Goal Line Punting

OFFENSIV- & DEFENSIVSPIELER

Korrekte Grundlagen und Techniken der Haltung, des Run-Blockings, der Pass Protection, der Kombinationsblöcke, des Pass Rush, der Gap Control und des Tacklings

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS

Ausrichtung, Schritte/Tiefe bei Einzel- und Kombinationsrouten, Passfangfähigkeit und Freigaben von der Line of Scrimmage.