Player’s Positions & Roles—The Basics OFFENSECenter (C) Hike the ball and then follow the Offensive Linemen position description

Offensive Linemen (OL) Open a hole or running lane: create a space for the ball carrier to run Block: push the defense off the line of scrimmage Set the pocket: form an area for the quarterback to throw

Wide Receivers & Tight End (WR & TE) Block: TE will block at the line of scrimmage and the WR will block downfield Run a pattern: run to a specific area of the field Get open: separate from the defense

Quarterback (QB) Handoff: give or pitch the ball to a running back Pass: throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage to a receiver Run: run with the ball

Running Backs (RB) (may be behind or to the right or left of QB) Pass protect: keep the defense from reaching the quarterback Run a pattern: be a receiver and run to a specific area of the field for a completion Take the handoff: run with the ball

DEFENSEDefensive Linemen (DL) Neutralize: stop the offensive line Pursuit: make the tackle on the ball carrier

Linebackers (LB) Neutralize: stop the offensive line Pursuit: make the tackle on the ball carrier Cover: run with the receiver with man-to-man coverage Drop: sprint to an area of the field for zone coverage

Cornerbacks & Safeties (CB & S) Cover: run with the receiver with man-to-man coverage Drop: cover a designated area of the field for zone coverage

Suggested Flag Football Positions for 8 Players

DEFENSE SS FS

CB CB LB LB LB

DE DL DL DE TE OT OG C OG OT WR

WR QB

RB

RBOFFENSE

DEFENSE

S CB CB LB LB DL DL DL WR OL C OL WR

WR QB

RB

OFFENSE

Typical Football Positions for 11 Players