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Football field diagram and positions

football player1- History & Object of the Game
2- The Essentials (Offense & Defense, Scoring, etc.)
3- Fouls
4- Field Diagram & Positions
5- Glossary of Football Terms

Field of Play

Football is played on a large rectangular grass field. Some common characteristics include:

End zone: Area where touchdowns are scored.

Goal-line: When the ball crosses the opponent’s goal-line while a player has possession of it, a touchdown is scored.

Goal-posts: Two upright posts extending above a crossbar at the back of each end zone for field goals and extra points.

Sidelines: Boundary lines running the length of the field.

Positions

Each team is permitted a total of 11 players on the field at a time.

Offense

The following players are “eligible” receivers who can catch passes or run with the ball. The
Quarterback is the captain on offense who throws passes to receivers and hands the ball to running backs. Running Backs are versatile players who run the ball, receive passes, and block. Wide Receivers are tall, quick players who are the main targets of pass attempts. Tight Ends are used to block, but are also eligible to catch passes. Offensive linemen are “ineligible” receivers—they cannot catch passes unless the ball is tipped and cannot run the ball unless it is fumbled by another player. The offensive line consists of one Center who delivers the snap to the quarterback, two Guards and two Tackles. Offensive linemen are blockers who protect the quarterback on passing plays and create holes for running backs on running plays.

Defense

The defensive line includes Defensive Tackles, who try to negate forward progress in the middle of the field and Defensive Ends, who defend the outside edges against runs and are the primary players who rush the quarterback on pass plays. Other defenders include: Linebackers, the primary tacklers on running plays who can also blitz the quarterback or drop into coverage to defend against pass attempts; Cornerbacks, who cover receivers during passing plays and assist on running plays; and Safeties, who form the final line of defense, aid in coverage of receivers, or jump into the action to stop running plays.

Special Teams

In addition to the offensive and defensive teams, there are also “special teams” that are used for specific types of plays, including field goal attempts and blocks, punts and punt returns, and kickoffs and kickoff returns.

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