Position Cheat Sheet
One-page reference showing every position, where they line up, and what they do. Great for new dads and kids learning the game.
Offense
| Position | Abbr | Where | What They Do |
|---|
| Quarterback | QB | Behind center | Throws, hands off, reads the defense, calls the play |
| Running Back | RB | Behind QB | Carries the ball on runs, blocks, catches short passes |
| Fullback | FB | In front of RB | Lead blocker on run plays, short-yardage carrier |
| Wide Receiver | WR | Split wide | Runs routes, catches passes. Speed and hands. |
| Tight End | TE | Next to OT | Blocks like a lineman, catches like a receiver. Hybrid. |
| Center | C | Middle of line | Snaps the ball, blocks. Makes line calls. |
| Guard | G | Next to center | Blocks interior defenders. Two guards (left and right). |
| Tackle | OT | Outside of guards | Blocks edge rushers. Protects QB's blind side. |
Defense
| Position | Abbr | Where | What They Do |
|---|
| Defensive End | DE | Edge of D-line | Rushes the passer, contains the run outside |
| Defensive Tackle | DT | Interior D-line | Clogs running lanes, pushes the pocket inside |
| Nose Tackle | NT | Over the center | Run stopper in 3-4 defenses. Eats up blocks. |
| Linebacker | LB | Behind D-line | Tackles, covers, reads the play. Most versatile position. |
| Cornerback | CB | Opposite WRs | Covers receivers. Needs speed, agility, and ball skills. |
| Free Safety | FS | Deep center | Reads the whole field. Last line of defense. Ball hawk. |
| Strong Safety | SS | Near the line | Supports the run, covers TEs, plays closer to scrimmage. |
Special Teams
| Position | What They Do |
|---|
| Kicker (K) | Kicks field goals and extra points. Also handles kickoffs. |
| Punter (P) | Punts on 4th down. Placement and hang time matter more than distance. |
| Long Snapper (LS) | Snaps the ball on punts and field goals. Specialized skill. |
| Kick Returner (KR) | Catches kickoffs and runs them back. Needs speed and vision. |
| Punt Returner (PR) | Catches punts and runs them back. Needs sure hands and quickness. |
Tip for kids: Don't worry about learning every position right away. Start with the one you play, then learn the positions around you. A wide receiver should understand what the QB does. A linebacker should understand what the offensive line does. Build outward from your own spot.
