A wide receiver may line up on the line of scrimmage and be counted as one of the necessary 7 players on the line in a legal formation (a split end), or he may line up at least one step behind the line of scrimmage and be counted as being in the backfield (a flanker if he is on the outside, a slot if he is not). Their main job is to run pass routes and get open for a pass, although they are occasionally called on to block. Wide receiver-the wide receivers are speedy pass-catching specialists.Sometimes a formation is referred to as having 'three tight ends', which in reality means an additional blocker (a wingback or an eighth lineman) has been substituted for a wide receiver, as in short-yardage situations. Many modern formations forego tight ends and replace them with wide receivers. Modern formations typically have one end tight and one split end. If an end moves away from the tackle, he is called a split end. They are a mix between a blocker and a pass receiver. Tight end-tight ends play on either side of, and immediately next to, the tackles.Any other touching of the ball by an offensive lineman will result in a penalty. On rare occasions offensive linemen legally catch passes they can do so either by reporting as an eligible receiver to the referee prior to the snap or by catching a pass which has first been deflected or otherwise touched by an eligible receiver or a defensive player. Except for the snap by the offensive center as each play from scrimmage starts, ordinarily the only way an offensive lineman can get the ball during a play is by picking up a fumble. Offensive linemen cannot catch or run the ball in most circumstances. In an unbalanced line, there may be players designated 'guard' or 'tackle' next to each other. The description above of the guard and tackle positions apply only to a line that is balanced (has equal numbers of players on both sides of the player who is to snap the ball). Like a guard, the tackle may have to 'pull', on a running play, when there is a tight end on his side. For a right-handed quarterback, the left tackle is charged with protecting the blindside, and is often faster than the other offensive linemen to stop 'speed rushers' at the Defensive End position. The area from one tackle to the other is an area of 'close line play' in which some blocks from behind, which are prohibited elsewhere on the field, are allowed. Their role is primarily to block on both running and passing plays. Offensive tackle-the offensive tackles play on either side of the guards.On some plays, rather than blocking straight ahead, a guard will 'pull' - moving around behind the other offensive linemen upon the start of the play - in order to block a player on either side of the center, in an inside running play called a 'trap' or an outside running play called a 'sweep'.

Like all interior linemen, their function is to block on both running and passing plays. Guard-the two guards are the offensive linemen directly on either side of the center and inside the tackles.Center-the center performs the normal blocking functions of all linemen and is the player who puts the ball in play by means of the snap.The ultimate makeup of the offense and how it operates is governed by the head coach or offensive coordinator's offensive philosophy. The primary function of the wide receivers is to catch passes. Backs include running backs (or tailbacks) who frequently carry the ball, and a fullback, who usually blocks, and occasionally carries the ball or receives a pass. The offensive line consists of a center, two guards, two tackles and one or two tight ends. The function of most of the linemen is to block. The offensive unit in American football consists of a quarterback, linemen, backs, tight ends and receivers. However, the offensive team can also help the team score by getting good field position for an attempt at a field goal. Usually the sign that their goal is accomplished for the offensive team is the touchdown. The object of the offensive team is to score points for their team. The offensive team or football is the team that begins a play from scrimmage in possession of the ball.A play usually begins when the quarterback takes a snap from the center and then either hands off to a back, passes to a receiver or a back, or runs the ball himself.

Types of position