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The offense is required to set up a formation before a play, subject to several rules: FB = fullback (the secondary ball carrier also used for blocking).HB = halfback (the primary ball carrier).WR = wide receiver (the player who gets assigned a route and has to catch the ball when passed to).TE = tight end (the player who often goes out for passes and often blocks on the line).T = tackle (the player who blocks on the line beside the guard).G = guard (the player who blocks on line beside the center).C = center (the player who begins the play with a snap on the line and blocks afterwards).QB = quarterback (the player who leads and informs the offense the plays).The ends, which may be either wide receivers or tight ends, may catch a passed ball or receive a handoff.ĭescriptions and diagrams to display offensive formations typically use the following symbols: Most formations have a "strong" side (the side with the tight end, or the side with more players) and a "weak side" (the side opposite the tight end, or the side with fewer players). A tight end that fills the role as the 4th back is often called an " H-Back", and a wide receiver that fills that role is sometimes known as a "flanker" or a "slot" receiver (depending on where he lines up). The three other backs can be halfbacks (who primarily carry the ball), fullbacks (who primarily block), or they can play near (but not on) the line of scrimmage to act as extra tight ends or wide receivers. He may kick the ball himself, either by punting the ball to the other team, or by attempting a drop-kicked field goal (which is rare).He may hold the ball for a place-kicker who attempts a field goal.A forward pass is distinct from a pitch, and any number of pitches are permitted before or after a forward pass. A pass to a receiver who is also behind the line of scrimmage is still a forward pass as long as the pass travels forward. The pass must be thrown from behind the original line of scrimmage, while the receiver can be anywhere on the field. Only 1 forward pass is permitted per play. He may throw a forward pass to an eligible receiver, who then becomes the new ball carrier.Multiple pitches are permitted on a single play, as long as all of them go backwards. He may hand or pitch the ball sideways or backwards (also called a lateral) to another player, who then becomes the new ball carrier.Upon the snap of the ball, the quarterback becomes the ball carrier. Up to four players can be behind the offensive line, but one is always designated the quarterback (defined as the player who receives the ball from the center). Most teams play additional players near (but still off) the line of scrimmage to act as extra pass receivers. These players are eligible receivers and may play near the linemen ( tight ends) or farther away ( split end or wide receiver). By rule there must be two additional players on the line of scrimmage called ends. These five positions are often referred to collectively as the "line", and have the primary role of blocking. Sometimes, formations are referred to as packages.Īt the highest level of play in the NFL and NCAA, the one constant in all formations is the offensive line, consisting of the left and right tackle, left and right guard, and a center. There are both offensive and defensive formations and there are many formations in both categories. ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)Ī formation in football refers to the position players line up in before the start of a down. JSTOR ( July 2009) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message).Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.įind sources: "Formation" American football – news Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. This article needs additional citations for verification.