QuarterbackThe quarterback (QB) is a position in gridiron football who is a member of the offensive side of the ball and usually lines up directly behind the offensive line. In modern American football, the quarterback is usually considered the leader of the offense, and is often responsible for calling the play in the huddle. The quarterback also touches the ball on almost every offensive play, and is almost always the offensive player that throws forward passes.
Forward passIn several forms of football, a forward pass is the throwing of the ball in the direction in which the offensive team is trying to move, towards the defensive team's goal line. The legal and widespread use of the forward pass distinguishes gridiron football (American football and Canadian football) from rugby football (union and league) in which the play is illegal.
LinebackerLinebacker (LB) is a playing position in gridiron football. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and typically line up three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage and so back up the defensive linemen. They play closer to the line of scrimmage than the defensive backs (secondary).
Passing pocketAmerican football term Tom Brady in the pocket The passing pocket, usually referred to as the pocket, is a term used in gridiron football to describe the area in the backfield created on a passing play where the offensive line forms a wall of protection around the quarterback. This allows him adequate time to find an open receiver and to pass the ball.
Line of scrimmageIn gridiron football, a line of scrimmage is an invisible transverse line (across the width of the field) beyond which a team cannot cross until the next play has begun. Its location is based on the spot where the ball is placed after the end of the most recent play and following the assessment of any penalty yards. HistoryThe line of scrimmage first came into use in 1880.
American football positionsIn American football, the specific role that a player takes on the field is referred to as their position. Under the modern rules of American football, both teams are allowed 11 players on the field at one time and have "unlimited free substitutions", meaning that they may change any number of players during any dead ball situation.
Pass rushOn defense in gridiron football, a pass rush is charging across the line of scrimmage towards the quarterback in an effort to stop or "sack" him. The purpose is tackling, hurrying or flushing the quarterback out of his protective pocket or the play's design.
Gridiron footballGridiron football ( GRID-eye-ərn) is a family of team sports derived from rugby football (and football, by extension) primarily played in the United States and Canada. American football, which uses 11 players, is the version played in the United States and the best known form of gridiron football worldwide, while Canadian football, which uses 12 players, predominates in Canada.
Tackle (football move)Most forms of football have a move known as a tackle. The primary purposes of tackling are to dispossess an opponent of the ball, to stop the player from gaining ground towards goal or to stop them from carrying out what they intend. The word is used in some contact variations of football to describe the act of physically holding or wrestling a player to the ground. In others, it simply describes one or more methods of contesting for possession of the ball.
Blocking (gridiron football)In gridiron football, blocking or interference (or running interference) involves legal movements in which one player uses their body to obstruct another player's path. The purpose of blocking is to prevent defensive players from tackling the ball carrier, or to protect a quarterback who is attempting to pass, hand off or run the ball.
Defensive backIn gridiron football, defensive backs (DBs), also called the secondary, are the players on the defensive side of the ball who play farthest back from the line of scrimmage. They are distinguished from the other two sets of defensive players, the defensive linemen who play directly on the line of scrimmage, and the linebackers, who play in the middle of the defense, and between the defensive line and the defensive backs.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.