Offense

               SE                        T     G     C     G     T     TE

                                                        QB                                        WR

                                                        FB        HB

                                                        HB

The primary objective of the offensive unit is to score points

by moving the football into the opponent’s end zone. 

An offensive team has 4 attempts or “downs” to gain 10 yards

and retain possession of the ball. 

The offensive unit starts with “1^st and 10”

or “first down and ten yards to go (for another first down)”. 

You will often hear where the play will start also. 

For example, “1^st and 10 on the 20” is

first down and ten yards to go from the 20 yard line.  

When the offensive team is close to the opponent’s goal line

(inside the 10 yard line),

they can no longer make another first down

and must score a touchdown or kick a field goal,

otherwise they will give up possession of the football. 

This is called “1^st and goal”. 

If the offensive unit is does not gain 10 yards or score,

the opponent gains possession of the football. 

When it is “fourth and long”,

a team will normally kick or “punt” the ball to their opponents.

On “fourth and short” situations,

offensive teams may “go for a first down”

by running or passing the ball. 

However, if they are unsuccessful,

the opponent gains possession at that location. 

Teams may also attempt to score 3 points

by kicking a “field goal” through the goal posts.  

Normally, the offensive unit consists of

5 lineman, 2 ends, and a combination of 4 backs/receivers. 

The lineman responsible for initiating the play,

called “snapping” or “hiking” the ball, is the Center (C). 

Next to the center are 2 Guards (G), then 2 Tackles (T). 

A total of 7 players must be on the offensive “Line of Scrimmage”

prior to starting a play. 

Players outside the lineman are referred to as

Tight Ends (TE) when they are next to the Tackles

and Split Ends (SE) when they are away from the Tackles. 

Most high school teams have 1 TE and 1 SE, or 2 TEs.   

The combination of backs/receivers normally consists of

a Quarterback (QB), Fullback (FB), Halfback (HB), and Wide Receiver (WR),

 or a Quarterback (QB), Fullback (FB), and 2 Halfbacks (HB). 

Other common terminology includes Running Back (RB)

when players are not specifically designated as the Fullback or Halfback. 

 Additionally, a back or receiver is referred to as

a Wing (W) when positioned close to a tight end. 

Prior to a play, the offensive team forms a “huddle”

to find out which formation, play, and snap count will be used. 

Various combinations of ends, running backs, and receivers

create common “formations”. 

For instance, a “Full House” backfield has three running backs,

whereas three receivers to one side of the field is referred to as “Trips”. 

 Plays are normally a number combination

based on the person who will carry the football,

where they should run, and blocking assignments. 

Running backs are often numbered

1 (QB), 2 (Left HB), 3 (FB), and 4 (Right HB). 

The area between each lineman is called a “gap”

and is normally assigned a number. 

Two primary methods are used. 

Even numbers to the right of center (0-2-4-6-8)

with odd numbers to the left of center (1-3-5-7-9)

or numbering from left to right (1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9)

with “5” being over the center. 

Therefore, a play designated as “24”

is the number 2 back carrying the ball

through the number 4 gap or “hole”. 

The snap counts are normally “GO”, “1”, “2”, or “3”. 

This allows the offensive unit to have an advantage

of anticipating when the ball will be snapped,

especially since the defensive unit must react after the ball is snapped.

Various combinations of passing patterns also have common terms. 

A “post” pattern consists of a receiver or back running straight upfield,

 then breaking inside towards the goal post in the end zone. 

A “flag” pattern consists of a receiver or back running straight upfield,

 then breaking outside towards the flag

or marker in the corner of the end zone. 

DixonRams.com is provided through JC's Interactive Systems

Please e-mail webmaster@DixonRams.com with any questions,

comments, or suggestions about this web site.

Last modified: 07/27/11