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Football Offense

A coach may line up his team in a particular formation according to the situation of the game. Players use various passing tactics and techniques to confuse the defenders. Most commonly used formations are the shotgun formation, the wishbone formation, the "I", the single wing, the goal line, the wildcat and the pistol formation. The quarterback invariably gives the signal for start of the play, with the center snapping the ball to the quarterback.

In a running play, the quarterback passes the ball to a player who tries to carry it past the line of scrimmage and gain maximum yardage while the other players run block in an attempt to ward off defensive players from tackling the player carrying the ball. There are different techniques of running play including the plunge/dive, the reverse, the off tackle, the draw, the sweep, the QB sweep, the option, counter, quarterback sneak and power, to name a few of the many possible combinations. Another technique is the passing play with receivers and backs running along pre-determined routes and the quarterback passes the ball to any one of the running players, while the other players block defenders from tackling the quarterback before he throws the ball. Passing plays can help players cover more ground and are used more often. The techniques involve the fly route, out route, button hook, hail Mary, slant route and the screen pass. The offensive team mixes techniques and strategies dictated by the run of play and positioning of the players on the field to their best advantage.

Football Overview

American football is a very tough and challenging game, with a lot of hard and bruising physical tackles involved and it calls for strength, speed and agility. However, physical attributes alone do not ensure a win. It is quick, out-of-the-box thinking on the part of the players that helps them create openings and score. This is where years of training and practice as also playing in top leagues around the country help them read the opponent's game and see the weak points. Fast players who think on their feet can see these openings and are quick to exploit it. The quarterback plays a pivotal role in directing the flow of the game, directed by the coach who is the brains of the team.

Like other games, football has evolved in America and has come to be the nation's no. 1 sport, avidly watched on TV, with fans following their team's progress. Coaches occupy the center spot due to the importance of the training methods they employ to help the team win and more importantly, to come up with winning strategies that need to be changed from minute to minute while a game is in progress, contributing to the excitement and fun of watchers.

With over 20 cameras covering the event, the football instant replay feature reviews calls that are in doubt and a coach too can challenge the play by throwing a red flag on the field. A team can call a challenge only twice in a game.

Secondary Football Equipment

While the helmet and shoulder pads are important, no less important is the jockstrap. It is made of an elastic material with the pouch made of elasticized cotton . Wide straps of elastic fitted to the pouch on the left and right hand side make a complete thong. The pouch may also be made of hard material to withstand sudden impacts like a blow.

The jersey is usually made of nylon but has stretchable elastic side panels for a snug, close fit, making it difficult for an opponent to get a hold and use it for leverage. Jerseys worn by football players usually have a bottom designed to wrap around and keep it tucked in. A Velcro fastener at the rear bottom edge matches a similar Velcro strip inside the waistband of the pant to keep it firmly in place. Additional fitting is used in the form of an adhesive tape that keeps it firmly glued to the shoulder pads. Jerseys display the logo, number and some other embellishment.

The material of construction of the pants is usually nylon or meshed nylon for hot weather usage, with an elasticized material for a tight fit. Unlike normal pants, football players use a lace up fly to withstand the rough tackles and tumbles. Four pockets are provided on the inner sides to hold thigh and knee pads are also provided for protection. Pants are held tight in place with a belt. Shoes complete the outfit of a footballer and these are usually spiked and called "cleats", helping players from slipping or sliding.

Additional Football Equipment

Since safety is a prime consideration, players will almost always wear other protective gear as well to prevent injuries from occurring. Hip pads and tailbone pads are meant to protect the hip area, the pelvis and the tailbone. Players wear a girdle under their pants and the pads are inserted into pockets provided in the inner sides of the pants.

Collisions and blows are common during football matches. Mouth guards protect the mouth area from damage during play. They also act as an additional protection against concussion. These are crescent shaped or half circle shaped devices with a strap to help the player tie it around his face mask. Mouth guards soften in warm water and then can be put in the mouth to form a protective mold around the teeth and gums.

Receivers and linesmen wear gloves. Receivers use gloves with a sticky surface while linesmen wear padded gloves to protect their fingers when tackled and when someone steps on their hands.

An equipment manager plays a vital role in a football team. He outfits each player individually to ensure he is fully protected. He is also responsible to maintain the equipments and restock when needed. He has to manage the equipment when the team is on the road to participate in games. It is a tough job for him to manage each individual piece for a player and to keep track.

Main Football Equipment

The helmet and shoulder pads are the main protective equipment. The helmet is made to measure to fit an individual player's head perfectly. It is a sophisticated piece of equipment with a shell, jaw pads, air bladders, chin strap, mouth guard and a face mask. While the shell is made of reinforced plastic, the face mask is made of steel bars with at least 15 variations in design. Today's quarterback's helmets have radio communication facility to let coaches coordinate with the team in a noisy stadium environment. Eyeshields help protect eyes from injuries and glare and it is for a player to choose to wear a visor. An inflator bulb blows up air pads inside the helmet and holds it closely and firmly in place. Helmets carry team colors and logo.

Shoulder pads are designed from a hard material, preferably plastic with a lining of foam padding and these cover the chest and ribs, secured in place with buckles. They are designed to absorb the impact shocks and distribute it through the pads. Quarterbacks may wear lighter pads whereas linesmen wear pads with almost no epaulettes or flaps. To ensure best fit and performance, these shoulder pads are usually customized to the player's measurements and spine and rib protectors may further enhance protection for the body. Today's shoulder pads have holes for free air movement. A team usually keeps about a dozen different styles handy to suit players and help them move freely without feeling encumbered.

Football Defense

The aim of the defending side is to prevent offense from advancing and scoring. This is done by taking the ball away or preventing the players from advancing beyond the scrimmage line. By stealing the ball away they can go ahead and score points. There are linemen, linebackers and defensive backs in the defense lineup. Positions and to some extent, functions vary according to the offense and the strategy employed. The thrust point is the defenses' nose guard, the strongest player who can push back the center or act as a guard. There is also the defensive tackle lining up against the center and they are the most powerful physically.

Defending teams form defense lines made up of four down lineman and three linebackers in a 4-3 formation or in a three down linemen and four linebackers in 3-4 formation. The other options are five linemen and two linebackers in a 5-2 formation and three linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs in a 3-3-5 formation. The purpose is to defeat the offensive teams objective of advancing and scoring. The formation modulates in line with the offensive's attacking strategy and flow of game.

Defense players wait until the center snaps ball into play and then move into action.

A run defense concentrates on preventing offense from gaining yardage, placing more players close to the scrimmage in order to get to the ball carrier. If offense tries to play a passing game, then a pass defense comes into action. Sometimes, defense goes into a blitz, rushing the quarterback in various ways.