The purpose of this article is not to give you a blueprint of an exact conditioning program but instead to give you what you need to know to design one for yourself. This is because one program will not necessarily work for everyone. Schedules sometimes need to be adjusted and programs need to be flexible when necessary.

A good preseason football conditioning program should begin 8-10 weeks before the season and should take place six days a week. The seven day should be used for resting and recovery. If you train too hard and do not rest your muscles you will almost certainly receive an injury. During the course of your work out stretching is one of the most important things you can do to avoid injury. This will also help you promote muscle growth and flexibility if done over a period of time.

Day 1: Run 3-5 miles

On day one you should run three to 5 miles in order to promote endurance and your cardiovascular systems. Each week of training start off with a three-mile run. If this is not enough then do an extra mile or two but don’t become too excessive because you’ll certainly run more later in the week.

Day 2, 4, and 6: Work on Speed Training

On these days your focus should be on speed and acceleration. The best way to work on speed and acceleration is doing some form of sprinting. Remember to stretch between sprints and at the end of your work out.

Day 3 and 5: Work on skills that are specific to your position and strength training

You can develop position specific skills by doing a variety of practice drills. Obviously because each position has different skills we cannot go over them all here. If for example you are a running back, you want a practice run blocking, ball handling, receiving, pass blocking, and agility drills.

After position specific training, focus on strength training. Focus on those areas which are specifically needed for your position. Finish off with a three-mile run.

Your football conditioning program should be approached with caution. If you overwork your body you may end up injured and not able to play at all during the season.

Therefore is important to take it slow careful and do plenty of stretching. Finally it is always important to your diet high in protein and carbohydrates to keep yourself energized. This will also help your body perform at its best. By following a strict football conditioning program you should have a great season.

Special teams is the term used to describe the specialized group of players who take the field during kickoffs, free kicks, punts, and field goal attempts. Most football teams’ special teams include one or more kickers, a long snapper (who specializes in accurate snaps over long distances), kick returners who catch and carry the ball after it is kicked by the opposing team, and blockers who defend during kicks and returns.

Some players may take the field as members of the offense or defense as well as the special teams; one notable example is Steven Smith, wide receiver for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, who also played as a kick returner during the 2005 NFL season.

Although these are risky, there are a variety of strategic plays which can be attempted during kickoffs, punts, and field goals which can be used to surprise the opposition and (hopefully) score points.

Kickoff strategy

A kickoff occurs at the beginning of each half and each overtime period, and after a successful field goal or touchdown. A coin toss determines which team kicks the ball away and which team receives the ball. After a field goal or a touchdown, the team which scored the points kicks the ball to the opposing team, which in most cases catches the ball and may attempt to “return” it up the field.

Strategically, the coach of the kicking team may choose to have his players kick the ball in one of several ways:

Standard kickoff: The kicker attempts a high kick meant to travel the greatest possible distance upfield without rolling into the end zone. The primary goal is to stop the opposing team’s ball returner as soon as possible, or to down the ball as close as possible to the opposing team’s end zone, thus forcing that team to advance the ball a longer distance in order to have a chance to score.

Onside kick: This is usually attempted in the closing minutes of play when a team needs to score again quickly in order to have a chance of winning the game.

“Squib kick” or “pooch kick”: This is a low kick that may hit the ground and bounce or roll sooner than a standard kickoff; it is thus less predictable. A squib kick is generally used when trying to avoid a run-back, although this outcome is not guaranteed.

Kickoff out-of-bounds: Skilled kickers may try to kick a ball past the return team so that the ball touches the playing field in bounds, then rolls out of bounds close to the opposing team’s end zone. The drawback to such a kick is that the ball may roll into the end zone (touchback), giving the receiving team decent field position, or the kick may land out of bounds resulting in a penalty against the kicking team.

Field goal strategy

Field goals are often viewed as a way for teams to turn a disappointing drive into a small victory. However, many football games are decided by field goals in the final minutes or seconds of play, making the ability to kick an accurate field goal vital for any football team.

The strategy for a field goal is fairly straightforward. The team on offense forms a protective semicircle behind the line of scrimmage on either side of the center, who snaps the ball to the holder. The holder positions the ball so that the kicker - moving from a short distance away - can quickly get into position and accurately kick the ball through the goalposts. The remaining players block the opposing team, whose members will be trying to break through the protective circle in order to block the kick or bat it aside for a chance to intercept the ball. If a team misses the field goal, the opposing team takes possession of the ball without a kickoff.

Distance, the amounts of wind and noise within the stadium, and the amount of experience the kicker has are all determining factors in the success or failure of a field goal attempt. The majority of successful field goal attempts are kicked within 50 yards of the goalpost. However, some kickers can - and often do - make good kicks from farther away. The current NFL record for the longest successful field goal was set in 1970 by Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints, who kicked from 63 yards out. Jason Elam of the Denver Broncos tied this record in 1998.

In some situations, a coach may choose to have his team fake a field goal attempt. The players line up as normal, but instead of holding the ball for a kick, the player receiving the snap may run with the ball, hand it off to another player, or attempt to throw it downfield. This play is quite risky and therefore not used often.

Punting strategy

Most teams punt on fourth down when the chances of gaining enough yards for a first down are slim and when the ball is too far from the goalpost to allow a field goal try. Generally, a member of the opposing team moves into position to catch the ball. He may try to gain yards by running the ball downfield, or he may signal a fair catch by waving his arms, thus agreeing that he will not attempt to return the ball downfield. A player who has signalled a fair catch may not be tackled after catching the ball.

In some cases, a coach may attempt trickery by switching between his offense and special teams players between plays. A coach may call a time-out, send the kicking team onto the field, and then when the play clock resumes quickly run his offense back on and his kicking team off, hopefully disorienting the defending team enough to advance on the ensuing play or cause a penalty if the defending team cannot switch personnel quickly enough. However, this trickery can also result in penalties against the offense if the play takes too long (delay of game) or if too many players remain on the field when the ball is snapped.

Downing the ball

If, for whatever reason, the receiving team does not catch the ball, the kicking team may move into position and try to down it as close as possible to the opposing team’s end zone. This is achieved by surrounding the ball and allowing it to roll or bounce, without touching it, as close as possible to the end zone. If the ball appears to be rolling or bouncing into the end zone, a player may run in front of the goal line and attempt to bat it down or catch it. If a member of the kicking team touches or catches the ball before a member of the receiving team does so, the ball is dead and the receiving team takes possession at the spot the ball was contacted.

Thus it is strategically important for kicking teams to get as close to the ball as possible after a punt, so that they may quickly tackle a returner, down the ball as close to the opposing team’s end zone as possible, and (if possible) recover the ball after a fumble and regain possession of the ball.

Fake punts

In much the same way as a fake field goal (described above), a fake punt is an effort to trick the opposition and either score or gain enough yards for a first down. Fake punts are risky for the same reasons as fake field goals and are thus rarely attempted.

Receiving kicks

The biggest choice facing a kick returner is whether or not to attempt to run the ball back. Generally, a returner who catches a kickoff or punt in the “red zone” between the receiving team’s own end zone and 20 yard line will attempt some sort of return, if only to gain a few yards. If the receiving team’s players can get into position quickly, they may be able to allow the returner to gain further yardage or break away from the pack entirely and score a touchdown.

In extreme cases - generally during kickoff returns in the closing seconds of play - the returner may attempt a lateral pass to avoid the ball being downed in a tackle. The return team may throw as many lateral passes as they choose, and this is normally done in a desperate attempt to keep the ball alive. Perhaps the most famous (or infamous) use of lateral passes during a kickoff return came in the closing seconds of the 1982 Stanford vs. Cal game, in which five laterals during a kickoff return allowed the U.C. Berkeley Bears to score a controversial winning touchdown.

A kick returner may signal a fair catch if the ball will be caught with good field position, or if the kicking team’s members are advancing so quckly that a return is impossible. However, he will be penalized if he attempts a return after signaling a fair catch; likewise, players who tackle a returner who has signaled a fair catch will be penalized. If a player waves for a fair catch and then fails to touch the ball, it may be downed as normal by the kicking team or recovered and returned by the receiving team. However, if any member of the receiving team catches a ball and then drops it, it becomes a live ball and may be recovered by either side.

The general goal of defensive strategy is to prevent the opposing team’s offense from scoring. While doing so, the defensive players may also attempt to gain control of the football and score points themselves. There are many different defensive strategies.

3-4

The 3-4 defense declined in popularity over the years, but has found renewed use by modern professional and college football teams. The 3-4 defense is so named because it involves 3 down linemen and 4 linebackers. There are usually 4 defensive backs.

The 3 down linemen attempt to break into the backfield in order to sack or rush the quarterback or to stop running backs and other players behind the line of scrimmage. The defensive line is made up of a nose tackle (NT), who lines up in front of the opposing team’s center and two defensive ends (DEs), who flank the nose tackle on both sides. Linemen in 3-4 schemes tend to be more massive than their 4-3 counterparts to take up more space and guard more territory along the defensive front.

4 linebackers line up behind the defensive line. In a 3-4 defense, the linebacker unit is made up of two middle or inside linebackers (MLBs/ILBs), who are flanked on both sides by outside linebackers (OLBs).

The strength of the 3-4 is its ability by its design to confuse the quarterback during passing plays. Most teams generate a pass rush by sending at least 4 defensive men at the quarterback. In a standard 4-3 alignment, these 4 rushers are usually the 4 down linemen. But in a 3-4, the fourth rusher is a linebacker. Since there are 4 linebackers, the fourth potential rusher can come from a variety of spots on the field, thus influencing and sometimes confusing the quarterback’s pre-snap defensive read.

A drawback of the 3-4 is that without a fourth lineman to take on the offensive blockers and close the running lane, both the defensive linemen and the linebackers can be overwhelmed by blocking schemes in the running game. 3-4 linebackers must be very athletic and strong enough to shed blocks by fullbacks, tight ends, and offensive linemen to get to the running back.

4-3

The 4-3 defense is probably the most commonly used defense in modern American Football. The 4-3 defense is so named because it involves 4 down linemen and 3 linebackers. There are usually also 4 defensive backs.

The defensive line is made up of two defensive tackles (DTs) and two defensive ends (DEs). The two defensive tackles line up in the middle of the line, in front of the opposing team’s center. The two defensive ends flank the defensive tackles. DEs in 4-3 schemes are usually smaller and quicker than their 3-4 counterparts since the fourth lineman provides additional leverage to close running lanes. These smaller DEs allow defenses to collapse the quarterback pocket quickly, at worst disturbing his timing and at best causing a fumble, sack, or interception.

3 linebackers line up behind the defensive line. In a 4-3 defense, the linebacker unit is made up of a middle or inside linebacker (MLB/ILB) code-named Mike, who is flanked by the weakside (Will) and strongside (Sam) linebackers.

The 4-3 is widely used because of its balance in stopping both runs and passes as well as being personnel-friendly since smaller players can be used effectively along the defensive line.

Nickel

The nickel defense is employed in obvious passing situations, or against a team that frequently uses four-wide receiver sets on offense. The defense has 5 defensive backs, and has either 4 down linemen and 2 linebackers or 3 down linemen and 3 linebackers.

In most defenses, the secondary consists of two cornerbacks (CBs), a free safety (FS) and a strong safety (SS). The nickel defense adds an extra defensive back, known as the “nickel back” (NB), in order to defend against the pass. A nickel back is also employed in the “dime” defense (see below) and are usually free or strong safeties, although cornerbacks can be utilized as well. The term “nickel” comes from the five-cent value of a United States nickel, in reference to the fifth defensive back.

Dime

The dime defense is usually employed in obvious passing situations. The formation usually consists of 6 defensive backs, and has either 4 down linemen and 1 linebacker, or 3 down linemen and 2 linebackers.

A dime defense differs from the nickel in that it adds yet another defensive back to the secondary. The sixth defensive back is called a “dime back” (DB). The defense gets its name because a dime is two nickels.

Quarter

The Quarter defense has 3 down linemen, one linebacker, and 7 defensive backs. This is usually only used in a third-and-very-long situation (because the defense can afford to allow a short gain), to prevent a long score on the last play of a half, or when the defense believes that the offense will definitely pass (for example if the offense goes into the huddle without anyone competent to carry the ball). This gets its name because the defensive backs divide the field into four vertical quarters for zone coverage.

Half-dollar defenses, with eight defensive backs, are very rare and are often used to prevent a Hail Mary pass.

Eight in the box

The defensive linemen and linebackers collectively - or, more properly, the area of the field where they typically line up - are often referred to as “the box” and thus normally number seven players; on occasion, however, circumstances call for an additional man to be placed therein (generally a linebacker if the team uses the 4-3 as its base alignment, or a defensive lineman in cases where the 3-4 is ordinarily utilized), whereupon one player in the secondary (most commonly the free safety) is removed from the lineup. Sometimes a player in the secondary (usually the strong safety) acts as an additional linebacker and no actual lineup change ensues. Some teams use a defensive system in which one of the players is cross between a linebacker and a strong safety and is called a “rover”.

Teams most often put “eight in the box” or “stack the box” when the opposing team has a strong running game. By having more players closer to the line of scrimmage the defense can more effectively contain the opposing team’s running game.

46/Bear

A variation of “8 in the box” in the NFL is called the 46 or “Bear” defense. It is designed to put pressure on the QB by lining up the defense with 3 defensive linemen covering the center & guards, and the 4th defensive linemen lined up either “wide” outside the TE or wide off the weak-side Tackle. The linebackers & strong safety are lined up behind the defensive line to put pressure on the QB as well.

Coverage Shells

In the following, “cover” refers to the “shell” that the defense rolls into after the snap of the ball, more specifically the numer of defenders guarding the deep portion of the field.

Cover 2

In traditional Cover 2 schemes the free safety (FS) and strong safety (SS) have deep responsibilities, each guarding half of the field.

Cover 2 can be run from any number of defensive fronts such as the 46, the 3-4, and the 4-3. Various “underneath” coverage played by cornerbacks and linebackers may also be implemented. For example, Cover 2 Man means 2 safeties have deep responsibility while the cornerbacks and linebackers follow their offensive assignment in one-on-one coverage. Cover 2 can also be paired with underneath zone schemes: Cover 2 Zone refers to 2 safeties with deep responsibility but now the CBs and LBs drop back into specific coverage zones where they defend passes ONLY in their assigned area.

Teams that play Cover 2 shells usually ascribe to the “bend-but-don’t-break” philosophy, preferring to keep offensive players in front of them for short gains while limiting long passes. This is in stark contrast to a more aggressive Cover 1 type scheme which leaves the offensive team’s wide receivers in single man-to-man coverage with only one deep helper. By splitting the deep field between two defenders, the defensive can drastically reduce the number of long gains.

The main weakness of the Cover 2 shell occurs in the middle of the field between the safeties. The safeties attempt to gain width upon the snap of the ball to cover any long passes to quick wide receivers down the sideline. This movement creates a natural hole between the safeties that can be attacked. By sending a receiver (usually a tight end) into the hole, the offense forces the safety to make a decision: play the vulnerable hole in the middle of the field or help out on the wide receiver. The quarterback reads the safety’s decision and decides on the best matchup (which mismatch is better–TE vs S or WR vs CB).

Cover 1

Cover 1 schemes employ only one deep defender, usually a safety. Many underneath coverages paired with Cover 1 shells are strictly man-to-man with LBs and defensive backs each assigned a different offensive player to cover. By using only one deep defender in Cover 1, the other deep defender is free to blitz the quarterback or provide man-to-man pass coverage help.

Cover 1 schemes are usually very aggressive, preferring to proactively disrupt the offense by giving the quarterback little time to make a decision while collapsing the pocket quickly. This is the main advantage of Cover 1 schemes–the ability to blitz from various pre-snap formations while engaging in complex man-to-man coverage schemes post-snap. For example, a safety may blitz while a CB is locked in man coverage with a WR. Or the CB may blitz with the safety rotating into man coverage on the WR post-snap.

The main weakness of Cover 1 schemes is the lone deep defender that must cover a large amount of field and provide help on any deep threats. Offenses can attack Cover 1 schemes with a vertical stretch by sending two receivers on deep routes, provided that the quarterback has enough time to for his receivers to get open. The deep defender must decide which receiver to help out on, leaving the other in man coverage which may be a mismatch.

A secondary weakness is by its design: the use of man coverage opens up yards after catch lanes. Man coverage is attacked by offenses in various ways that try to isolate their best athletes on defenders by passing them the ball quickly before the defender can react or designing plays that clear defenders from certain areas thus opening yards after catch lanes.

Cover 3

Cover 3 refers to 3 deep defenders each guarding one-third of the deep zone. Cover 3 schemes are usually used to defend against passes, mainly those towards the deep middle of the field. Unlike Cover 2 schemes that create a natually hole between safeties, Cover 3’s extra deep defender is able to patrol the middle area effectively.

The most basic Cover 3 scheme involves 2 CBs and a safety. Upon snap, the CBs work for depth, backpedaling into their assigned zone. One safety moves toward the center of the field. The other safety is free to rotate into the flat area (about 2-4 yards beyond the line of scrimmage), provide pass coverage help, or blitz.

As with other coverage shells, Cover 3 is paired with underneath man or zone coverage in its most basic form.

The main weakness of Cover 3 shells is the 2 retreating CBs. Since the CBs are working for depth, short pass routes underneath the CB can isolate him on a wide receiver near the sideline with little help.

Cover 4

Cover 4 refers to 4 deep defenders each guarding one-fourth of the deep zone. Cover 4 schemes are usually used to defend against deep passes.

The most basic Cover 4 scheme involves 2 CBs and 2 safeties. Upon snap, the CBs work for depth, backpedaling into their assigned zone. Both safeties backpedal towards their assigned zone.

As with other coverage shells, Cover 4 is paired with underneath man or zone coverage in its most basic form.

The main weakness of Cover 4 shells is the retreating defensive backs. Since the DBs are working for depth, short pass routes underneath can isolate them on a wide receiver near the sideline with little help.

Cover 0

Cover 0 refers to pure man coverage with no deep defender. Similar to Cover 1, Cover 0 has the same strengths and weaknesses.

Tampa 2

Tampa 2 refers to a style of defense played by Tampa Bay and implemented by its coaches in recent years. It differes from Cover 3 in that instead of dropping defensive backs in deep coverage, it drops the Mike, or middle linebacker.

There are several offensive strategies that have evolved over the years, especially after the NFL outlawed most downfield contact on receivers (that is, past the 5 yard “chuck” zone, where most contact is allowed). Thus, recent strategies attempt to utilize the passing game to open up the defense, as it is less predictable and carries the possibility for greater gain.

The “West Coast” offense was designed by Bill Walsh during his coaching days at Stanford and applied successfully to the San Francisco 49ers during the 1980’s, resulting in three Super Bowl wins. The West Coast Offense is characterized by short high-percentage-completion passes such as screens, flares, and quick slants. It depends on an accurate, quick-thinking quarterback and excellent timing between him and his receivers. Teams that utilize this offense in the NFL typically have coaches that were Bill Walsh (or Mike Holmgren) disciples. The Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, and the Philadelphia Eagles use the West Coast offense.

The “Run and Gun” offense relies heavily on the deep or “vertical” passing game. It features a quarterback with an excellent arm and a bevy of fast wide receivers that can stretch the defensive alignment vertically. This offensive scheme also demands excellent pass blocking from its offensive lineman. Although running the football is still somewhat common, unlike in other schemes the “pass sets up the run.” Run and gun offenses use halfback draws and halfback delays to keep the defense from pass rushing and keeping 5 or 6 defensive backs in the game every down. Teams that use this offense are the Indianapolis Colts and the St. Louis Rams.

The “Power Football” (colloquially, “Smashmouth Football”) offense is a traditional scheme referred to as “three yards and a cloud of dust.” It depends heavily on large, powerful running backs running straight ahead and gaining yards after contact (YAC). This offense uses “the run to set up the pass” via play-action. This offense is very patient and is most effective when matched with a dominating defense that keeps the opponent from scoring. Power Football allows the team to control the ball for longer periods of time, denying the opposing offense time with the ball. Few teams use this offense; in recent years only the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers are true Power Football teams.

“Spiking” the football
Because an incomplete pass stops the game clock, a team’s quarterback will sometimes “spike” the ball (throw it directly at the ground) in order to stop the clock without using a time out. This is most commonly done when a team is trying to score points late in the second or fourth quarter and/or when the team has run out of time-outs.

Downing a knee
This play is essentially the opposite of spiking the ball. Because the game clock does not stop after a player is tackled in bounds (except after a change of possession or an injury) a team’s quarterback will sometimes kneel immediately after the ball is snapped to him in order to use up time on the clock. By using up time at the end of the game in this manner, a team can deny its opponent the opportunity to score, or can hasten the end of the half (halftime) or the end of the game when the score is tied, sending the game into overtime.

Although the Hail Mary has a low percentage chance of completion, it is generally a standard play in every playbook at the professional and college level. Generally, three or more eligible receivers are lined up on the short side of the field and all run a flag pattern. The running backs are kept in to block. The quarterback throws towards the end zone and prays that the pass is completed (this last part is optional, but recommended).

Defending against the Hail Mary is straightforward. The first priority is to ensure the defensive backs are in zone coverage, and that they keep the receivers well in front of them until the ball is thrown. Second, generally no more than four defensive linemen rush the quarterback, with all the linebackers dropping back to prevent a shorter pass. Hail Mary passes are most successful when the defense is in the wrong alignment. If the defense is in man-to-man coverage, and a receiver manages to break coverage by getting further downfield than the nearest defensive back, the chance of success is greatly improved.

Arguably, the most famous Hail Mary pass came in a 1984 game between Boston College and the University of Miami. With almost no time left on the clock, BC quarterback Doug Flutie threw a desperation Hail Mary pass which succeeded primarily because Miami’s secondary stood on the goal line to keep the receivers in front of them, and failed to cover a post route being run by Gerard Phelan. Miami’s defense was based on the assumption that Flutie would be unable to throw the ball as far as the end zone, but Flutie hit Phelan in stride against a flatfooted defense a yard deep in the end zone.

The term “Hail Mary pass” is often incorrectly believed to have been coined by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach, referring to his desperation (and Catholic beliefs), for his game-winning touchdown pass in a December 28, 1975 NFC semifinal playoff game. With only 36 seconds remaining, Staubach threw a desperation pass to receiver Drew Pearson, who was being covered by cornerback Nate Wright. Pearson pinned the slightly underthrown ball against his right hip and ran into the end zone for the winning touchdown. In discussing the play during a post-game interview, Staubach told reporters that he closed his eyes, threw the ball as hard as he could, and said a Hail Mary prayer. Although the term dates farther back, originally to high schools across the country, Staubach did popularize it.

Down and In

Down and Out
Down and Out is a passing play in American football where the quarterback passes to a pre-arranged wide receiver. The quarterback calls “down and out” (and “to right or left”) in the huddle. It’s understood that the best receiver on the pre-arranged side will be the target. The timing and location of the throw is extensively practiced beforehand.

This is a quick execution play; if the ball is thrown correctly usually a defensive player can’t respond quickly enough to interfere. It is often called in a 3rd-down situation where the full ten yards are needed.
Post pattern: A predetermined amount of yards is run (usually 5, 10 or 15) before a 45 degree cut towards the middle of the field (ie. the posts in the endzones) is made. This allows the receiver to run in front of a person in the opposing defenses’ secondary, making it harder for the defense to prevent a completion or intercept the ball. This pattern can be run a quick, short route for fast yardage or on a long, deep route for large amounts of yardage. As a result, the pattern is very versatile and can be used effectively in anything from professional football to casual touch football.

Flag pattern: A route run where the receiver breaks towards the back corner marker of the endzone. At one time these were marked by small flags, giving the route its name.

Slant pattern: A route run by the offensive team’s receivers in which they push downfield briefly (2-4 yards) then cut towards the middle of the field at an acute angle to the line of scrimmage. Slant routes are used to beat blitzing defensive schemes that attempt to pressure the quarterback into throwing the ball quickly to avoid being sacked.

Checkdown
A checkdown pass is when the quarterback attempts to complete a short, accurate pass to a running back or tight end as a last option when the wide receivers are covered. The term means that the quarterback has “checked down” his list of receivers. because the quarterback does not look for the check down pass until after he has scanned for open wide receivers down the field for about 3-4 seconds, the defensive line has had time to get into the backfield and so a checkdown pass is often thrown in the face of pressure from the defensive line. For this reason, the ability to complete check down passes, while not as dramatic as longer completions, is often seen as a key sign of an effective and efficient quarterback.

Wheel pass: This route is used to get fast backfield players such as running backs the ball downfield. It is a pass route that is shaped (when you draw it) like a big curve (like a wheel). The running back runs directly toward the playside sideline thus drawing his defender laterally, then curves up the sideline and heads for goal. This route is usually combined with the playside receiver running a post or slant designed to draw the cornerbacks and safeties (whoever has responsibility to cover the deep outside of the field) toward the middle of the field while isolating a quick, explosive player on a slower linebacker. This route is used a lot in play-action to the fullback as the receiving back’s action looks like he may be blocking to the playside.

Play Action Pass
A play action pass is a type of American football play. The play action, or “PA” for short, is the opposite of the draw play. Whereas a draw play tries to fool the defense by looking like a pass play, then becoming a running play, a play action pass appears to be a running play, but is actually a pass play. Play action passes are usually used against defenses that gear up to stop the run. By looking like a run at first, the offense hopes to get the defense to “bite” on the run fake and be out of position downfield for the pass.

Offensive action during a play action pass

* The quarterback takes the snap and drops back to hand-off to the running back.
* The running back gets ready to take the hand-off.
* The quarterback quickly pulls the ball back from the hand-off position, trying to hide it from the defense. He then looks downfield for an open receiver.
* The running back continues to move upfield as if he has the ball in his hands.
* The offensive line comes off the ball to run block, but goes into pass protection soon afterward.
* The receivers “sell” the running play by appearing to block at first, then break off into their routes.

If the defensive players fly to the ball in order to stop the run, the offense hopes to have receivers either open or in man-to-man coverage. Other times, the offense is just hoping to get the linebackers to move up just a bit in order to give the receivers more room (and time) to get behind them.

Play action passes are difficult to run effectively if a team does not have at least a threat of a running game. A team without a good rushing attack will have a hard time fooling the defense into thinking a run is coming.

A run-oriented team will tend to employ play-action passes in order to keep the defense “honest” and, in fact, most teams actively watch the defensive reaction to their running plays waiting for the opportunity to call a play-action pass and take advantage of a defense that is reacting too aggressively to the run.

Sweep
A Sweep is a running play in American Football where the running back starts running parallel to the line of scrimmage, allowing for the offensive linemen and fullback to get in front of him to block defenders before he turns upfield.

Variations of the Sweep

QB Sweep

A running play where the quarterback takes the snap from center and then is the one that runs to the outside. Then he runs as fast as he can. This play can best be run by a fast, athletic quarterback like Michael Vick.

Reverse
A reverse (sometimes referred to as an end reverse) is an unorthodox play (often called a trick play) in American football. The play resembles a sweep, but before the running back crosses the line of scrimmage, he hands the ball off to a wide receiver going in the reverse (opposite) direction of where the running back was going. If the defense was drawn to the side of the field the running back was going towards, the receiver can outrun the defense to the other side of the field and make a big gain.

A variation of this play is a double reverse. This play involves three handoffs and changes the direction of the running play three times. It begins like a normal reverse play, but in this variation the wide receiver hands the ball off to another wide receiver going in the opposite direction, sending the ball back in the original direction the running back was going. The advantage of this is that it adds even more surprise to the play by changing the direction of the ball carrier three times. However, it takes more time to develop, and it requires the use of a second receiver who could have instead helped block defenders, or run down the field, pretending to run a pass route in an attempt to draw away the defensive backs.

Another variation of this play is the fake reverse. On a fake reverse, the wide receiver fakes the run with a couple of steps, then passes the ball, similar to a halfback option play. Although this is rare, some have proven to be extremely good at it. For example, National Football League receiver Randy Moss, who is one of the top pass catchers in the league, has currently completed 4 out of 8 passes for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns, with 1 interception, in his NFL career.

Reverses are commonly confused with end-arounds, a play in which a wide receiver takes the handoff directly from the quarterback. TV announcers assume this to be a reverse, and consequently label an actual reverse as a “double reverse”.

Off Tackle
An off tackle run is a run in which the running back attempts to run in a gap just to the inside of the tackle. It is halfway between a sweep, in which the running back attempts to run around the entire defensive line, and a dive (or sprint), in which the running back attempts to run straight through the middle of the defensive line.

Student Body Right

Draw
A draw is a type of American football play that “tricks” the defense into thinking a pass is being thrown, when in fact a running play has been called. The draw play can be considered the opposite of the play action pass. The idea behind a draw play is to attack aggressive, pass-rushing defenses by “drawing” them upfield, therefore leaving more room to run the ball. Draw plays are usually run out of the shotgun formation, but can also be run when the quarterback is under center. These types of draw plays are sometimes referred to as delayed handoffs.
[edit]

Offensive movement during a draw play

* The quarterback drops back to pass, just long enough to get the pass rush to come upfield.
* The offensive linemen pass block, but also try to push the defenders to the outside, creating a crease in the middle.
* The running back fakes as if he’s staying in to help pass protect, then after about two seconds, takes the hand-off from the quarterback and heads upfield through the crease created by the linemen.
* The receivers run clear-out routes downfield in order to take the defensive backs out of the play.

A variation of this play is the quarterback draw, where the quarterback takes the snap, drops back to pass for a few moments, then runs upfield through the hole created by the linemen.

Counter Trey
The counter trey is a misdirection running play used in American football.

This play is designed for the offensive team to feign rushing one way, then attacking the defense in the opposite direction. In a counter trey right, the center, right guard, and right tackle block left as if the play is going left. The left guard and left tackle “pull” from their positions by moving behing the other linemen and around the right corner.

The running back takes an initial feint step to the left, then cuts back to the right, receives the handoff from the quarterback, and follows behind the pulling left guard and left tackle. The left guard and left tackle will usually be blocking smaller linebackers and defensive backs downfield–this mismatch favors the offense. The counter trey requires quick, athletic linemen for good execution.

Many teams have run this play, but it first became well-known when run by the Washington Redskins in the 1980s.

Quarterback sneak
A quarterback sneak is a play in American football in which the quarterback, upon taking the center snap, dives ahead behind the offensive line.

The advantages of this play are that there are no further ball exchanges beyond the center snap, and that the quarterback receives the ball almost at the line of scrimmage so that it is unlikely that significant yardage could be lost on the play. However, it is also very unlikely that the play will gain more than one yard or so. For this reason, it is almost solely used on goal-line situations and on third and fourth down with a yard or less (usually inches) to go.

Perhaps the most famous quarterback sneak in football history was executed by Bart Starr of the Green Bay Packers in the famous “Ice Bowl” NFL championship game against the Dallas Cowboys on December 31, 1967.

QB sweep

Option
The option is a system of offensive running plays in American Football. The basic concept of the option is to have a player, typically the quarterback, run with the ball while observing the actions of one or more specific defenders. The play evolves based upon what those defenders do.

There are two basic kinds of option: Triple Option or Double Option. The difference is in how many choices the quarterback has during the play.

A triple option typically features a running back who goes forward into the line of scrimmage and another running back who runs parallel to the line of scrimmage in the backfield. The quarterback takes the snap, reads the actions of what’s called the dive read defender, and decides if he wants to hand the ball to the running back who is running forward into the line. If he decides not to give the ball to that running back, then he will keep the ball and continue running parallel, alongside the other running back, down the line of scrimmage. He then reads the actions of another defender who is called the pitch read. That defenders actions determine if the quarterback will keep the ball and turn upfield with it himself, or pitch the ball to the running back.

The double option is essentially the same play minus the first running back. In addition, various forms of the double option and triple option may allow the quarterback the choice of passing the ball. In this case, the pitch read is faked, with the quarterback motioning as if to pitch, before the quarterback drops into the pocket in preparation to pass.

Due to the complexity of the option play, with multiple possibilities for the defense to account for, the double and triple option plays, as well as the option-pass, often form the basis of a particular team’s offensive scheme.

The option style of play is most frequently practiced in Canadian football and non-professional divisions, such as NCAA Division I and high school football. However, the option offense is rarely used in the National Football League because defensive players are generally much faster to react and counteract these type of plays and because the quarterback is frequently hit while running the option and few professional teams are willing to risk their multi-million-dollar quarterback in that fashion.

Modern state of the option

When implemented properly, the option offensive scheme can be very versatile and successful, as demonstrated by the success of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Syracuse Orangemen in the early through mid 90s. While several prominent teams, such as the football teams from the Naval Academy and Air Force Academy still utilize the option as primary focus of their offenses, recent years have seen the popularity of the option decline.

Counter
In American football, a counter run is a running play in which the running back will take a step in the opposite direction of the play, only to get the handoff in the other direction. Weak side linemen will sometimes pull and lead the back downfield (sometimes called a counter trap), but not necessarily. The play is designed to get the defense to flow away from the action for a few steps, allowing more room for the running back.

Power

Zone

Before the ball is snapped the offensive team lines up in a formation. Most teams have a “base” formation they prefer to line up in, while other teams leave the defense guessing. Teams will often have “special formations” which they only use in obvious passing situations, short yardage or goaline situations, or formations they have developed for that particular game just to confuse the defense. Because there are a nearly unlimited number of possible formations, only a few of the more common ones are listed below.

Pro Set
The Pro Set is a traditional formation commonly, a “base” set used by professional and amateur teams. The formation has two wide receivers, one tight end, and two running backs with the backs split behind the quarterback , who is lined up behind center. The running backs are lined up side-by-side instead of one in front of the other as in traditional I-Formation sets.

Shotgun formation
The Shotgun formation is an alignment used by the offensive team in American and Canadian football. This formation is used by many teams in obvious passing situations, although other teams do use this as their base formation. In the shotgun, instead of the quarterback receiving the snap from center at the line of scrimmage, he stands at least 5 yards back. Sometimes the quarterback will have a back on one or both sides before the snap, while other times he will be the lone player in the backfield with everyone spread out as receivers. One of the advantages of the shotgun formation are that the passer has more time to set up in the pocket which gives him a second or two to locate open receivers. Another advantage is that standing further back from the line before the snap gives the quarterback a better “look” at the defensive alignment. The disadvantages are that the defense knows a pass is more than likely coming up (although some running plays can be run effectively from the shotgun) and there is a higher risk of a botched snap than in a simple center/quarterback exchange.

The formation got its name after it was used by a professional football club, the San Francisco 49ers, in 1960. Combining elements of the short punt and spread formations (”spread” in that it had receivers spread widely instead of close to or behind the interior line players), it was said to be like a “shotgun” in spraying receivers around the field like a scatter-shot gun. Formations similar or identical to the shotgun used decades previously would be called names such as “spread double wing”. Short punt formations (so called because the distance between the snapper and the ostensible punter is shorter than in long punt formation) don’t usually have as much emphasis on wide receivers.

At times the formation has been more common in Canadian football, which allows only three downs to move ten yards downfield instead of the American game’s four. Canadian teams are therefore more likely to find themselves with long yardage to make on the penultimate down, and therefore more likely to line up in the shotgun to increase their opportunities for a large gain. Teams such as the Saskatchewan Roughriders utilize the shotgun for a vast majority of their plays.

Wishbone formation
The wishbone formation, also known simply as ‘bone, is a play formation in American football.

The wishbone is primarily a running formation with one wide receiver, one tight end and three running backs behind the quarterback (who takes the snap under center). The back lined up behind the quarterback is the fullback and the other two are halfbacks (although they may be called tailbacks or I backs in some playbook terminology).

The wishbone is often associated with the option as this formation allows the quarterback to easily run the option to either side of the line. It is also ideal for running the triple option.

History

The wishbone was developed by Offensive Coordinator Emory Bellard and Head Coach Darrell Royal at the University of Texas in 1968. Coach Royal was always a fan of the option offense, and in looking at the personnel on the team, Coach Bellard saw three great running backs. After experimenting with family members over the summer, Coach Bellard came up with the formation.

Coach Bellard demonstrated the formation to Darrell Royal, who quickly embraced the idea. It proved to be a wise choice: Texas tied its first game running the new offense, lost the second, and then won the next thirty straight games, leading to two National Championships using the formation.

It was given the name wishbone by the Houston Chronicle sportswriter Mickey Herskowitz.

A variation to this formation is called the flexbone.
I formation
The I formation is one of the most common offensive formations in American football. The I formation draws its name from the vertical (as viewed from the opposing endzone) alignment of quarterback, fullback, and running back, particularly when contrasted with the same players’ alignments in the now-archaic T formation.

The formation begins with the usual 5 offensive linemen (2 offensive tackles, 2 guards, and a center), the quarterback under center, and two backs in-line behind the quarterback. The base variant adds a tight end to one side of the line and two wide receivers, one at each end of the line.

Typical roles

The I formation is typically employed in running situations. The fullback typically fills a blocking, rather than rushing or receiving, role in the modern game. With the fullback in the backfield as a blocker, runs can be made to either side of the line with his additional blocking support. This is contrasted with the use of tight ends as blockers who, being set up at the end of the line, are able to support runs to one side of the line only. The fullback can also be used as a feint—since the defense can spot him more easily than the running back, they may be drawn in his direction while the running back takes the ball the opposite way.

Despite the emphasis on the running game, the I formation remains an effective base for a passing attack. The formation supports up to three wide receivers and many running backs serve as an additional receiving threat. While the fullback is rarely a pass receiver, he serves as a capable additional pass blocker protecting the quarterback before the pass. The running threat posed by the formation also lends itself to the play-action pass. The flexible nature of the formation also helps prevent defenses from focusing their attention on either the run or pass.

Common variations

Many subtypes of the I formation exist, generally emphasizing the running or passing strengths of the base version.

* The Big I places a tight end on each side of the offensive line (removing a wide receiver). Coupled with the fullback’s blocking, this allows two additional blockers for a run in either direction. This is a running-emphasis variant.
* The Power I replaces one wide receiver with a third back (fullback or running back) in the backfield, set up to one side of the fullback. This is a running-emphasis variant.
* The Jumbo or Goal-line formation further extends the Power I or Big I, adding a second or third tight end to the line, respectively. This variant has no wide receivers and is all but exclusively a running formation intended to reliably gain minimal yardage, most commonly two yards or less.
* The Three-wide I replaces the tight end with a third wide receiver. This is a passing-emphasis variant.

The I formation, in any variant, can also be modified as Strong or Weak. In either case, the fullback lines up roughly a yard laterally to his usual position. Strong refers to a move towards the side of the quarterback with more players, weak in the opposite direction. These modifications have little effect on expected play call.

In Professional Football

In the NFL, the I formation is less frequently used than in college, as the use of the fullback as a blocker has given way to formations with additional tight ends and wide receivers, who may be called on to block during running plays. The increasingly common ace formation replaces the fullback with an additional receiver, who lines up along the line of scrimmage. The I will typically be used in short-yardage and goal line situations.
Goal Line formation

Single set Back
Single set back is a base formation in American Football used by the offensive team which requires only one running back behind the quarterback. There are many variations on single back formations including two tight ends and two wide receivers, one tight end/three wide receivers, etc. The running back can line up directly behind the quarterback or offset either the weak side (away from the tight end) or the strong side(towards the tight end).

The position name (as well as the initial abbreviations recognized by coaches, players, and fans alike, shown in bold below) may vary from one teams’ playbook to another, but these are the ones most commonly used:
[edit]

Linemen

* Center- The Center (C) is the player who snaps the ball to the quarterback (QB). Like the other four linemen, his job is blocking- run blocking means impeding the defenders’ efforts to tackle the ball carrier on a running play, pass blocking means stopping the defenders from disrupting or tackling the QB. The center is also usually responsible for calling the blocking schemes on the line, directing the other linemen on who blocks who.
* Guard - Guards (G) line up on both sides of the center. The guards are generally bigger than the center and are typically better run blockers than pass blockers.
* Tackle - Tackles (T) are the “bookends” of the offensive line. They are usually the biggest offensive linemen, but also must be agile enough to thwart any outside pass rush. If a team has a righthanded QB, the left tackle is usually the best pass blocker on the line to prevent a “blindside” pass rush the QB might not see.

[edit]

Backs

* Quarterback The Quarterback QB is the leader of the offense, making sure the team knows which plays are being run. The QB must take the ball from the C (in a motion called the ’snap’) and put it into play. In most offenses, his primary duty is either passing (throwing) the ball or making the opposing team believe he is going to pass the ball while actually handing it off to the RB who carries the ball downfield. Since passing the ball is an offense’s quickest way to advance the ball, a team must have a QB who can throw the ball accurately and make quick, correct decisions as to which player is in the best position to receive the throw. In some offenses, the QB is often called upon to run the ball downfield as part of the play, and a QB might have to take the ball and run if his screen of protective players breaks down and there are no open receivers.
* Halfback The Halfback HB, also known as Running Back RB or Tailback TB , is on the field for one major purpose: to run the ball. If a team is to have an effective running game, it falls on the HB’s shoulders. He may have blocking duties and in some offenses and on some plays he may become a receiver, but in most offenses, the HB is there to run.
* Fullback The Fullback FB is also a running back, but in recent years, the FB position has developed into more of a blocking back, and in some schemes a receiver. The FB is usually the bigger, more physical of the two running backs, and so often a QB will often hand the ball to his FB in short yardage situations where every inch must be earned the hard way.

[edit]

Receivers

* Wide receiver: Depending on the formation, an offense may have anywhere from one to five wide receivers (WRs). Most base formations feature two WRs, though three-WR formations are common as well. WRs are among the fastest and most agile players on the team and their job is to get “open” (create separation between themselves and defenders), catch the ball when thrown to them, and run after the catch. Well-rounded receivers are also effective downfield blockers, though effectiveness in that regard is secondary to their pass-catching role.

* Tight end: The tight end (TE) was traditionally a blocking position but is now considered a hybrid wide receiver/lineman. TEs are among the most well-rounded athletes on the field as they must be strong enough to run block and pass block, and agile enough to run pass routes and effectively catch the football. A TE’s size presents matchup problems for smaller defenders, such as cornerbacks, while their speed gives them an advantage versus larger but slower defenders such as linebackers.

* Run the ball into the opposing team’s end zone, or throw the ball to a player standing in the opposing team’s end zone, thus scoring a touchdown (six points, plus an attempt to score a point after touchdown or two point conversion)
* Move close enough to the opposing team’s goal so that the team on offense can send in its kicking team and attempt to score a field goal (three points)
* Move at least ten yards closer to the opposing team’s end zone, thereby gaining a first down and beginning a new series of downs - in other words, allowing at least four more chances to advance the ball further or attempt to score.

When the offense fails to gain a first down and is not close enough for the kicking team to have a chance at a successful field goal, the team will usually choose to punt - kick the ball away - on fourth down. (See “Special Teams Strategy” below).

While scoring points is the overall objective, coaches and players may choose to execute certain types of plays based on a variety of factors, which may include: the type of defensive strategy the opposing team is employing; the health and experience of the players on both the offensive and defensive teams; the amount of time remaining before halftime or the end of the game; and the amount of points that either team would need to score in order to take the lead and win the game.

“Time management” - choosing plays based on the amount of time remaining on the game clock - is a key element of offensive strategy. For example, a team which is behind in points late in the game will go on offense wanting not only to score, but to score quickly. Passing the ball is a quicker way of moving toward the goal and scoring than running the ball, and passing plays also allow more chances to stop the game clock. Conversely, a team which goes on offense while leading in points toward the end of a game will want to keep the game clock running as much as possible, giving the opposing team less time to attempt a comeback. In such a case the team will likely choose running plays on offense, as these make it more likely that the clock will continue to run between plays, allowing less time for the opposing team to score if and when it regains possession of the ball.

One example of time management contributing to a win is the 21 November 2005 NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. With the score tied at 17 in the closing seconds of the game, the Vikings on offense made a first down well within field goal kicking range. On first down and second down, the Vikings’ quarterback knelt down (see “Downing a knee”), forcing the Packers to use their two remaining time-outs to stop the clock. On third down, the Vikings allowed the clock to run down to three seconds remaining before using their own time-out and sending in their kicker. Thus the Vikings ensured their survival: if the field goal try was unsuccessful, the game would continue into overtime and they would still have a chance to win the game. As it happened, the kick was made successfully just as the clock expired, and the final score was Minnesota 20, Green Bay 17.