Football Basics
Part 1
A Football Play Diagram
Source: 2009_3-4_Grade_Playbook.pdf
What does that mean?
O = Offensive Player
X = Defensive Player
X
X
X denotes the Offensive Center Position
O
is the football for reference
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X O O O
O O O O
O
O O O
Offense/Defense
The Defense is trying to stop the offense from scoring
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X O O O
O O O O
O
O O O
The Offense is trying to move the ball down the field and over the goal line to score
“The Line of
Scrimmage”
“The Line of
Scrimmage” is
an imaginary
line drawn
across the field
at the spot of
the ball.
Neither team
my cross this
line prior to the
snap of the ball
Positions & Hole Numbering
Safety
Safety
X
X
Outside Linebacker
X
X
X
7
Inside Linebacker
Inside Linebacker
Outside Linebacker
X
End
Tackle
Nose Guard
Tackle
X
X
X
X
End
X
X O O O
O O O O
O
O O O
Tight End
5
3
Tackle
1
Guard
2
Center
4
Guard
1
3
Tackle
8
Tight End
Holes (the gaps between two players) are numbered.
The right are even, the left are odd.
Quarterback
2
6
4
Running Back Running Back Running Back
The “Backs” Are also numbered.
Play Names
• The holes and backs are numbered to
make it easier to remember plays.
• For Example, a 32 Dive is the 3 back,
going through the 2 hole
– What is the “Dive” part?
• We’ll get more into that a bit later, it is more
information on what type of blocking and running
techniques are happening. “Dive” blocking is
blocking the man over you. “Power” blocking
involves 2 player blocking the same defender.
Putting it all together
The lines indicate the player’s path
The dotted line is the player who will
be handed the ball
The angled lines at the end show which
way to push your opponent.
Remember, your head stays on the side
of your opponent that is closest to the
path of the ball.
Source: 2009_3-4_Grade_Playbook.pdf