Football: Offensive Players
The offensive team is composed of 11 players on the field. Here are those:
- Quarterback is the heart and soul of the offensive team. Quarterbacks may pass the ball to the receiver, hand the ball off to a running back, or run with the ball. The quarterback must be an excellent passer and quick thinker for split-second decision making. He must also be able to see the field clearly and read the defense to run an effective play.
- Running backs are players lining in the backfield (beside or directly behind the quarterback). Their main job is to carry the football but they must need to be a good blocker during a passing play. Running backs should be strong in order to protect the quarterback from incoming tacklers and fast to run the ball down the field.
- Wide receivers’ role is to catch the ball during passing play. They must be fast runners and great catchers. Usually, wide receivers are small and very athletic. They line up on or rear the line of scrimmage, far away from where the ball is placed.
- Tight end doubles as a wide receiver (to catch passes) and an offensive lineman (to create spaces for runners or protect the quarterback), depending on the play. They line up just outside the offensive line.
If the quarterback is the heart and soul of the offense, the offensive line is rib that protects it. Their main job is to protect the quarterback by creating a wall to prevent the charging defense from tackling the quarterback. They also work to create space and clear the way for the running backs or the quarterback to pass through the defensive line. The offensive line is crucial for the completion of the play. Without it, the offense will struggle. The players of the offensive line are usually strong and big to keep the player with the football safe from tackle.
The offensive line is made up of 5 players/positions: center, right and left guard, and the right and left tackle.
- The center stands on the middle of the field. He is the one who gives the football to the quarterback at the start of the play. The center is the only player that can be at the neutral zone before the ball is snapped.
- The right and left guard are the players beside the center. The guards’ role is to keep the defense off the player who has the football.
- The right and left tackle are 2 offensive linemen that are next to the guards.
