Football Positions Explained for New Families

Many parents arrive at their first youth football game and spend most of it trying to figure out where their child is and what they are supposed to be doing. That is completely understandable. Football has more positions than most sports, and each one has a specific job. Here is a plain-language guide to help you follow along.

The offense

The offense has the ball and is trying to move it down the field to score. Eleven players line up on each play.

The offensive line

The center, two guards and two tackles make up the offensive line. They line up shoulder to shoulder in the middle of the formation. Their job is to block, protecting the quarterback on passing plays and opening holes for runners on running plays. Linemen rarely touch the ball, but nothing works without them. Coaches often say games are won and lost up front.

The center snaps the ball to the quarterback to start every play, which makes it one of the most important jobs on the field.

The quarterback

The quarterback lines up behind the center and handles the ball on almost every play. They hand it off to a running back, pitch it, keep it and run, or throw a pass. In youth football, the quarterback is usually a player who is calm under pressure and good at remembering plays.

Running backs

Running backs line up behind the quarterback and carry the ball on running plays. Some youth teams use a fullback, who often blocks for the main runner. Running backs also catch short passes and help block on passing plays.

Receivers and tight ends

Wide receivers line up near the sidelines and run routes to catch passes. A tight end lines up next to the offensive line and does a bit of everything, blocking on some plays and catching passes on others. In youth football, passing is often limited at younger ages, so receivers spend plenty of time blocking too.

The defense

The defense is trying to stop the offense from moving the ball.

The defensive line

Defensive linemen line up across from the offensive line. Their job is to push through the blockers and stop the runner or pressure the quarterback. Tackles play in the middle and ends play on the outside.

Linebackers

Linebackers stand a few yards behind the defensive line. They read the play, then attack the ball carrier, cover receivers or rush the quarterback. Linebackers need to be quick thinkers and sure tacklers.

Defensive backs

Cornerbacks and safeties are the last line of defense. Cornerbacks usually cover wide receivers, and safeties line up deepest in the formation to stop long runs and passes. These players need speed and the discipline to stay in position.

Special teams

Special teams take the field for kicks and punts. Depending on the age group and league rules, youth teams may or may not kick off, punt or kick extra points. Ask your child's coach how it works at their level.

Why young players move around

At younger ages, coaches often rotate players through several positions. This helps children understand the whole game and lets coaches see where each player fits best. A child who plays line one week and running back the next is getting a valuable education. Many skilled high school players started out somewhere completely different.

How to follow your child

Before the game, ask your child what position they expect to play and what number they are wearing. Watch where they line up at the start of each play, then watch what they do in the first few seconds. Over time, you will start to see the game the way the coaches do. Asking your child afterward to explain what their job was is also a great way to show interest and help them learn.