Offensive Linemen

There are five types of offensive linemen: left tackle, left guard, center, right guard, and right tackle.  Offensive linemen block the other team to protect the quarterback and running backs.

Receivers

Receivers are either wide receivers or tight ends.  It depends on where they are positioned on the field.  Their job is to run down the field and catch balls thrown by their quarterback.

Running Backs

Running backs take the ball from the quarterback and run with it up the field.  Tailbacks, halfbacks, or fullbacks are considered running backs.

Quarterbacks

The quarterback is responsible for throwing the ball to receivers or handing it off to running backs.  They are the leader when on the field because he calls the plays.  The quarterback and all of the positions above are part of the offense.

Defensive Linemen

The defensive linemen are the ends, nose tackle, and tackles.  Their job is to pressure the quarterback by trying to tackle him before he throws the ball.  They also are supposed to try to stop running backs.

Linebackers

The next part of the defense is the linebackers.  There are two outside linebackers and a middle linebacker when there are four linemen and when there are three, there are two inside and two outside linebackers.  Their job is to back up the linemen and contain runners and corner backs.

Corner backs are the players who keep the wide receivers from getting the ball by breaking up passes from the quarterback.

Safeties play deep behind the defense to prevent long passes or runs.  Strong safeties line up on the side of the field where more offensive players are.  Free safeties play deep and in the middle.

Special Team

Place kickers, punters, and returners are all part of the special teams.  If a team has to kick the ball, its special team is used.  Place kickers kick the ball through the goalposts, at the beginning of the game, and after each time they score.  Punters free kick the ball if his team cannot get a first down.  Returners try to catch the ball and run with it during a kick-off or punt from the other team.