Football Basics:

How many players are on the field? What does each player do?

There are 3 units (or categories) of players on a football team has: (1) the offense; (2) the defense; and (3) special teams.

Each team may only have 11 players on the field at a time. The offense has 11 and the defense has 11 for a total of 22 players on the field for every play.

OFFENSE:

The offense consists of an offensive line, a quarterback, running backs, and receivers.

Center - The Center is the player at the center of the offensive line. A center is the first player to touch the football. He bends over the ball, which is lying on the ground, and snaps it (hands it or throws it back between his legs) to the quarterback to begin the play.

Guards - The linemen on either side of the center help guard the quarterback, which is why they are called guards. The guards try to block (or push away) the defensive linemen in order to protect the quarterback and give him as much time as possible to find another player to get the football to.

Tackles - Tackles are the two players who line up outside of the guards on the offensive line. Their job is to block for the quarterback and running backs. Their name can be confusing, because tackles aren't allowed to actually tackle anyone. They are only allowed to block (push away other players) for the quarterback or for other offensive players who have the ball.

Tight end - A player on the end of the offensive line, lined up just outside a tackle, is called the tight end. The tight end has many of the same block responsibilities as other members of the offensive line. However, there's a big difference - the tight end is eligible (allowed) to catch passes thrown by the quarterback.

Quarterback - the quarterback is the focus of the offensive team. He's responsible for throwing, handing, or running with the ball. Most of the quarterback's job involves getting the football into the hands of other players. That's why there are so many players, like guards, tackles, tight ends, and a center to protect him.

Running back - running backs start in the back of the offensive line and are expected to run with the football on most running plays. Once he has the ball, a running back looks for holes (openings where there are no tacklers) in the defense to run through. While running backs mostly run with the ball, they are also eligible (allowed) to catch the ball, too.

Wide receivers - wide receivers are positioned on either side of the offensive line. His job is to run down field and catch the football when the quarterback throws it to him. Once the receiver catches the ball, it's his job to run with the ball as far as he can go without getting tackled.

DEFENSE:

Tackles - most teams use one (nose tackle) or two defensive tackles (right and left tackles). Their job is to fight through the blockers on the offense to tackle the guy who has the ball. On running plays they have to tackle the running back. On passing plays, they try to tackle the quarterback.

Ends - the job of the defensive end is to fight through the blockers on the offensive line to tackle the guy who has the ball. On running plays, they have to tackle the running backs. On passing plays, they try to tackle the quarterback.

Linebackers - the linebackers have to tackle the guy who has the ball, and they also have to cover wide receivers. They can be found all over the field, tackling the running back, covering running backs and tight ends on passing plays, or rushing the quarterback.

Defensive backs - the defensive backs have to cover the other team's wide receivers, who are often the fastest runners on the field. If it is a running play, they come in and help the linebackers and defensive linemen make the tackle. If it's a passing play, they can knock the pass down or try to catch it themselves for an interception.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Special teams are responsible for offensive plays (punting and kicking field goals) as well as defensive plays (returning punts and blocking field goals).

After the offense fails to gain 10 yards in their first 3 attempts, they may elect to punt the ball to the other team.

In addition, the offense may also elect to attempt a field goal - which is worth 3 points (unless it comes after a touchdown - in which it is worth 1 point).

FOOTBALL BASICS (Continued):

(What is all the equipment that players wear?)

Helmet - All players wear helmets, which are made of a high-tech plastic shell and lined with inflatable pads. The pads make sure the helmets fit snugly, which helps protect the player's head.

Facemask - players also wear a facemask made of rubber - covered metal bars. Linebackers tend to wear larger facemasks with more bars and quarterbacks and receivers tend to wear smaller facemasks so they can see well.

Mouthpiece/chinstrap - In addition to the helmet, players have to wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth and a chinstrap to help keep the helmet in place.

Shoulder pads - shoulder pads give football players their broad-shouldered look. The pads, one of the players most important piece of equipment, are made of a hard plastic shell lined with foam padding.

Thigh pads - players wear pad for their hips and thighs inside special pockets in their uniform pants to protect themselves.

Knee pads - many players wear elbow and knee pads for extra protection.

Gloves - some players wear padded gloves to protect their hands. Receivers wear lightweight gloves that give them a feel for the ball. Quarterbacks usually don't wear gloves.

Shoes - cleats help players keep their footing on grass fields. Cleats are screw-in plastic pieces on the soles of shoes. When playing on artificial turf, players wear shoes with small rubber nubs on the soles for better grip.