Players Positions & RolesThe Basics

OFFENSE
Center (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
DEFENSE
Defensive 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
S
CB

CB
LB

LB
DL

WR

OL

WR

DL
C

DL
OL

WR

QB
RB

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Typical Football Positions for 11

Players
SS

FS

CB

CB
LB

LB
DE

TE
WR

OT

LB

DL
OG

DL
C
QB
RB
RB

OFFENSE

DE
OG

OT

WR