Positions in American Football: Who Is Responsible for What on the Field
Seven offensive players must line up on the line of scrimmage, and four behind it. This rule shows how clearly defined the positions in American football are, with each player given a specific job. If you are watching a match for the first time, it may seem chaotic. Can you make sense of it quickly? Yes, you just need to know the three units that make up a team. In this article, we explain the positions on offence, on defence and on special teams. We also cover the kit you need to get started.
How is a team divided?
A team consists of an offence, a defence and special teams. These three units take turns on the field, allowing players to concentrate on a specific set of tasks. Each unit has its own positions, responsibilities and way of lining up. That is why the positions are easier to learn in groups than one by one.
Shirt numbers help officials and viewers recognise a player's position. They offer a useful clue when you are trying to tell a lineman from a wide receiver. Once you understand these three units, it is easier to see who is responsible for what.
Offensive positions: from the quarterback to the wide receivers
A typical offence consists of a quarterback, five linemen, a running back, a tight end and wide receivers. The quarterback directs the offence. The ball is oval and has laces, which the quarterback grips to throw a spiral. That grip is one of the first things to notice when you watch a quarterback at work.
The offensive line has a different job. The linemen block and protect the quarterback, and usually do not carry the ball. They give the quarterback time to pass and the running back room to run. These positions attract less attention, but the whole offence depends on their work.
The running back is responsible for running with the ball, so the role is closely tied to the work of the line. When the linemen block, they give the running back room to move. This division of responsibilities shows that no position on offence works alone.
The tight end and the wide receivers complete the formation. Their role is to get into position to receive passes. Remember the split described at the start: seven players on the line of scrimmage, four behind it. This gives every offence a defined shape that makes the roles easier to recognise.
Defence and special teams
The defence consists of linemen, namely defensive tackles and ends, as well as linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties. The linemen stand closest to the offence, while the other groups line up deeper on the field. This arrangement allows the defence to stop both the run and the pass. Each position has a different job, helping the defence work as a unit.
When you watch a match, look first at the linemen, then at the players lined up behind them. Looking in this order helps you understand how the defence responds to the shape of the offence.
Special teams take the field for kickoffs, punts, field goals and returns. The kicker and the punter have specialist roles, so their training focuses mainly on kicking. Keep an eye on special teams, as they often determine where a team starts its next play.
Kit for American football: what do you need?
American football kit includes a helmet with a facemask, shoulder pads, hip and thigh pads and a mouthguard. The helmet and pads are essential because physical contact is part of the game. Every piece of kit therefore needs to fit the player properly.
Check your helmet and pads before the season starts. Go through the whole set piece by piece, including items you have used for a long time. Every item must fit.
Beginners often borrow kit from their club so they do not have to buy a whole set straight away. In our guide, we treat this kit as a starting point, as a well-fitted helmet and pads help you train with confidence.
What decides the choice of position?
Your choice of position depends on the role you want to play in the team. If you prefer blocking and protecting the quarterback, consider the offensive line. If you enjoy the passing side of the game, consider quarterback, tight end or wide receiver. If defence appeals to you more, you can choose from linemen, linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties.
The kicker and the punter are responsible for kicking, so this is the main focus of their training. A position on special teams is specialised, so it does not require you to know every role on offence or defence. Each option is different, but all positions in American football have one thing in common: a specific job for the player.
How can you start without contact?
If you are not sure whether American football is for you, you can begin with non-contact flag football. It is a good way to learn the rules and get a feel for how the positions work before committing to full kit. With time, it becomes easier to choose the role that suits your abilities.
Understanding the positions and basic kit is the first step towards following the game and taking part in training. Read our other guides to learn more about getting started in the sport.