Football -101 For Women, Offense & Defense by Kim Rogers

Article one in a 10-part series

Ladies, I am dedicating this column to helping you better understand the greatness of football by explaining the different positions that make up the team.  
Each team has 11 players on the field at one time.  One team is playing offense while the other is playing defense, except on fourth down when the special teams unit for each team plays.
Offensive Positions  The offensive team begins a play from scrimmage in possession of the ball. The goal of offensive team is to score points.   Below are the positions that make up the offense:

• QuarterbackThe player who receives the ball from the center at the start of each play before either handing it to the running back, throwing it to a receiver or running with it himself.  The quarterback is usually the player in charge of running the offense on the field. He is also the guy that usually informs the offense of the play while in the huddle.
• Running back
  He lines up in the backfield and generally is responsible for carrying the ball on run plays. While a running back's primary role is to run with the football, he is also used as a receiver at times.  Also referred to as a halfback.  
• Fullback
  He lines up in the offensive backfield and generally is responsible for run-blocking for the running back and pass-blocking for the quarterback. Fullbacks are usually bigger than halfbacks, and also serve as short-yardage runners.
• Wide Receiver
  This player lines up on or near the line of scrimmage, but split to the outside. His primary job is to catch passes from the quarterback.
• Tight End
  This player serves as a receiver and also a blocker. The tight end lines up beside the offensive tackle either to the right or to the left of the quarterback.
• Offensive Tackle
  Making up the offensive line, there are two tackles on every play and they line up on the outside of the offensive guards.  Their function is to block on both running and passing plays.  
• Offensive Guard
  Another part of the offensive line, two guards line up on either side of the offensive center.  They also block on both running and passing plays.
• Center
  The offensive lineman who hikes (or snaps) the ball to the quarterback at the start of each play. The center lines up in the middle of the offensive line, between the offensive guards. 

Defensive Positions
The defensive team is not in possession of the ball and their goal is to prevent the other team from scoring. Below are the positions that make up the defense:

• Defensive EndThis player lines up at the end of the defensive line. His job is to contain the running back on running plays to the outside, and rush the quarterback on passing plays.
• Defensive Tackle
  This player lines up on the interior of the defensive line. His duties include stopping the running back on running plays, getting pressure up the middle on passing plays and occupying blockers so the linebackers can roam free.
• Nose Tackle
  This guy lines up directly across from the center. Also known as the nose guard, his primary responsibilities are to stop the run and occupy the offensive lineman to keep them from blocking the linebackers.
• Linebacker
  This guy lines up behind the defensive linemen and in front of the defensive backfield, performing various duties including rushing the passer, covering receivers and defending against the run.
• Cornerback
  This guy lines up on the outside of the formation and is usually assigned to cover a wide receiver, preventing them from catching the ball by swatting it away or catching the pass themselves. In rushing situations, their job is to contain the rusher.
• Safety
  The safeties are the last line of defense (farthest from the line of scrimmage) and usually help the cornerbacks with deep-pass coverage.

Special teams
Special teams are units that are on the field during kickoffs, free kicks, punts, field goal and extra point attempts. Most special teams players are second- and third-string players from other positions.  Special teams are unique in that they can serve as offensive or defensive units and that they are only seen sporadically throughout a game.

• Placekicker
  Placekicker or kicker is the player who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals, extra points, and often kickoffs.
• Punter
  On a fourth down, a punter receives the snapped ball directly from the line of scrimmage and then punts (kicks) the football to the opposing team so as to limit any field position advantage. Punters can also ‘fake punt’ in those same situations, by throwing or running the football instead of punting to achieve a first down. 
• Kickoff Specialist
  A kickoff specialist kicks the ball in the kickoff. Due to roster restrictions, most NFL teams do not have a Kickoff Specialist, and instead use their punters or kickers on kickoffs. 
• Long Snapper
  This is a player who is a specialized center during punts, field goals and extra point attempts. His job is to snap the ball as quickly and accurately as possible.
• Holder
  Positioned between seven and eight yards behind the line of scrimmage, this player receives the snap during field goal and extra point attempts.
• Punt Returner
  This guy catches the ball after it is punted and to give his team good field position (or a touchdown if possible) by returning it. 
• Kickoff Returner
  This guy is primarily responsible to catch kickoffs and attempts to return them in the opposite direction.

Now that you better understand the positions that make up a football team, I hope this will help you enjoy watching games!