Learn about American football positions and their roles in this comprehensive guide. Explore key positions, their responsibilities, abbreviations, and numbers. From the quarterback to special teams, understand how each position contributes to the game.

Includes a full list of American football positions, an on-field chart, and what each player does on offense, defense, and special teams. Perfect for beginners and football enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of American football positions and strategies.

Introduction to American Football Positions

American football is a complex and strategic sport that involves various specialized positions, each with a unique role on the field. Whether you’re a new fan or someone looking to understand the game more deeply, getting familiar with the different American football positions is crucial. In this guide, we’ll break down what these positions are, what they do, and how they contribute to the overall flow of the game. We’ll also explore their numbers, abbreviations, and other essential aspects to give you a comprehensive understanding of the sport.

American Football Positions and What They Do

In American football, players are divided into three main groups: the offense, the defense, and special teams. Each group has specific positions, and every player on the field has a well-defined role. Let’s break down each group and explore the various American football positions and what they do.

Offensive Positions

The offense is responsible for moving the ball down the field and scoring points. Here’s a list of key offensive positions:

  • Quarterback (QB): The quarterback is the leader of the offense. He is responsible for calling the plays, handling the ball, and throwing passes to other players. The QB’s decisions can make or break a game.
  • Running Back (RB): Also known as a tailback or halfback, the running back is primarily responsible for running with the ball after handoffs from the quarterback.
  • Wide Receiver (WR): Wide receivers are skilled at catching passes from the quarterback. They run specific routes to get open and make big plays downfield.
  • Offensive Line (OL): This group of five players protects the quarterback and blocks for the running back. The positions on the offensive line include the left tackle (LT), right tackle (RT), center (C), left guard (LG), and right guard (RG).
  • Tight End (TE): The tight end is a hybrid position that combines the skills of a receiver and a blocker. They often line up next to the offensive line and can either block defenders or run routes to catch passes.

Defensive Positions

The defense’s main goal is to prevent the offense from advancing the ball and scoring points. Here’s a look at key defensive positions:

  • Defensive Line (DL): This group includes defensive tackles (DT) and defensive ends (DE). They are responsible for stopping the run and rushing the quarterback to disrupt passes.
  • Linebacker (LB): Linebackers play behind the defensive line and are tasked with stopping the run, covering receivers, and blitzing the quarterback. Common positions include middle linebacker (MLB), outside linebacker (OLB), and weakside linebacker (WLB).
  • Cornerback (CB): Cornerbacks are defensive backs who cover wide receivers and attempt to intercept or deflect passes. They are crucial for pass defense.
  • Safety (S): Safeties play deep in the defensive backfield, and their job is to prevent long passes and provide support in stopping the run. There are two main safety positions: free safety (FS) and strong safety (SS).

Special Teams Positions

Special teams are responsible for all kicking plays in the game. This includes field goals, punts, and kickoffs. Here are the key positions:

  • Kicker (K): The kicker handles kickoffs and field goal attempts.
  • Punter (P): The punter kicks the ball to the opposing team on fourth down.
  • Long Snapper (LS): The long snapper hikes the ball to the punter or holder during kicks.
  • Holder (H): The holder catches the snap during field goals and sets the ball for the kicker.
  • Kick Returner (KR) and Punt Returner (PR): These players catch the ball on kickoffs and punts and attempt to advance it as far as possible.

American Football Positions List

To summarize, here is a complete American football positions list:

  • Quarterback (QB)
  • Running Back (RB)
  • Wide Receiver (WR)
  • Tight End (TE)
  • Offensive Line (LT, LG, C, RG, RT)
  • Defensive Line (DT, DE)
  • Linebacker (MLB, OLB)
  • Cornerback (CB)
  • Safety (FS, SS)
  • Kicker (K)
  • Punter (P)
  • Long Snapper (LS)
  • Kick Returner (KR)
  • Punt Returner (PR)

American Football Positions Chart

An American football positions chart visually represents the layout of players on the field. On offense, you’ll typically see the quarterback positioned behind the center, with wide receivers and running backs lined up at various points. On defense, the linebackers, safeties, and cornerbacks cover key areas while the defensive line positions itself at the line of scrimmage.

American Football Positions Numbers

In American football, players are assigned numbers based on their positions. These American football positions numbers help referees, coaches, and fans easily identify the roles of players on the field. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Quarterbacks, kickers, and punters wear numbers 1–19.
  • Running backs and defensive backs wear numbers 20–49.
  • Linebackers wear numbers 40–59 and 90–99.
  • Offensive linemen wear numbers 50–79.
  • Wide receivers wear numbers 10–19 and 80–89.
  • Defensive linemen wear numbers 50–79 and 90–99.

American Football Positions Abbreviations

Each football position has its own abbreviation that is often used in game playbooks and discussions. Here are some common American football positions abbreviations:

  • QB – Quarterback
  • RB – Running Back
  • WR – Wide Receiver
  • TE – Tight End
  • OL – Offensive Line
  • DL – Defensive Line
  • LB – Linebacker
  • CB – Cornerback
  • S – Safety
  • K – Kicker
  • P – Punter
  • KR – Kick Returner
  • PR – Punt Returner

American Football Positions on Field

The American football positions on field can vary slightly depending on the formation being used by the offense or defense. However, typically, offensive players are positioned to either run the ball, pass the ball, or block defenders, while defensive players align themselves to stop these actions. Understanding the strategic layout of players on the field is crucial for grasping the nuances of the game.

Conclusion

American football positions are integral to the strategy and execution of the game. Each position, from the quarterback to the defensive back, plays a unique role in ensuring that their team has the best chance of success. Understanding these positions, along with their numbers, abbreviations, and responsibilities, enhances your knowledge and enjoyment of the game. Whether you’re learning the positions for a quiz, or just want to better appreciate the game, knowing the American football positions is key to becoming a true fan.