JUNIOR
PROGRAMME
Coaching and Management Staff
Senior Coaches
Director of Football:
Head Coach:
Wayne Hill
Jay Alexander
Offensive Coordinator:
Defensive Coordinator:
Special Teams Coordinator:
Offensive Positional Coaches
Quarterbacks:
Receivers:
Offensive Line:
Running Backs:
Defensive Positional Coaches
Defensive Line:
Linebackers:
Defensive Backs:
Management Staff
General Manager:
Team Assistant:
Greg Freeman
07429 188499
[email protected]
Welcome to the University of Birmingham Lions Junior Programme
The University of Birmingham Lions of American
Football Programme
The University of Birmingham Lions consists
primarily of two teams, the University of
Birmingham Lions , which is our student team (18
plus and must be a student at UofB) and the
University of Birmingham Lions Juniors which is
our Junior team (16 to 19). Each team has its own
set of qualified staff members including head
coaches, coordinators, positional coaches and
team managers. Both teams practice and play
games at the University of Birmingham (B15
2TT). The Programme also has affiliated clubs
which run Youth (under 17’s) programmes. These
clubs consist of the Birmingham Bulls and the
Sandwell Steelers. These clubs offer a wide
range of football programmes including cadet
flag, youth flag, youth kitted, adult flag and adult
kitted . Please visit their websites for further
details.
Each of the University of Birmingham Lions team
is run by a committee, which is appointed by its
members at its annual general meeting (held at
the end of the season). The committee is
supported by a team of officers, who assist the
committee in the general running of the
Programme. For more details about the
committee and its officers please visit our
website.
The University of Birmingham Lions is governed
by its constitution, a copy of which is available for
download on our website. The constitution
ensures that the Programme is run in a fair and
appropriate manner. Please make sure you read
the current constitution and if you have any
questions please feel free to contact the
committee. For more information about The
Programme
please
visit
our
website
www.birminghamlions.co.uk
The University of Birmingham Lions Juniors
Aim
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To offer a stable, well-run and enduring Junior
American Football club for Birmingham and
the surrounding area, giving the whole
community the opportunity to play and enjoy
our sport.
To develop our players and volunteers,
helping them to realise their potential both on
and off the field.
To encourage participation, with experienced
coaches taking care and effort to teach the
basics of the game to all participants.
To offer an enjoyable game day experience
for all, with an ethos of success.
To provide regular training with skilled and
qualified coaching staff.
To enthuse club members to build an active,
healthy lifestyle through participation in
American Football.
To ensure the well-being of young people
whilst in the care of the club and away from
parents or carers.
To Become National Champions.
Welfare at the University of Birmingham
Junior Programme
The team takes the welfare of its players very
seriously and has a policy in place to ensure all
players feel safe. Any player needing to talk
about an issue can do so in the first instance
either with the coach he/she feels most
comfortable with or with the team manager. Feel
free to approach us before or after training or on
our contact numbers and no matter is too trivial to
talk about if it concerns you.
In the case of more serious issues there are
welfare and grievance procedures in the club
constitution available on the website and you can
choose to follow these.
Club Registration
In order to play/practice American football for the
University of Birmingham Lions Juniors you must
have completed the following:
1. Completed the Club registration form.
2. Provided a copy of your ID
If you are under the age of 18 you will need the
consent of a parent or guardian who holds the
parental responsibilities for you.
The team has zero tolerance of bullying and any
concerns should be brought to the attention of the
team staff immediately.
Equipment Loans
Equipment can be loaned to you by the club but it
will be on a first come first served basis. The club
will endeavour to equip all players but there is a
limited amount of equipment available. We would
recommend that you purchase your own
complete set. If you can’t purchase the full set
then we do recommend you buy a set of bottom
halves. Equipment sets are available through the
club. Please speak to a member of staff for more
information or a list of suitable suppliers.
Practice Information
Padded Practice
Non-Padded Practice
A Padded practice means that full equipment will
be worn. These types of practice will be ‘Full
Contact’. This means the level of contact should
be at game level.
A Non-Padded practice means there will be ‘No
Contact’ or ‘Minimal Contact’ during that practice.
Helmets must be worn at all times unless
otherwise instructed by a member of the coaching
staff.
Padded Practice Uniform and Equipment
Non-Padded Practice Uniform and Equipment
For a Padded practice you are required to wear
the follow items:
1. Helmet* (white)
2. Gum Shield*.
3. White (Defence) or Blue (Offence) Football
Jersey*
4. Shoulder pads*.
5. Blue or White under jersey (optional)
6. Blue Bottoms Halves* (with belt).
7. Hip*, Tail*, Thigh* and Knee pads*.
8. Blue or White Leggings (optional).
9. White Socks.
10. Cleats* or Boots* (plastic or rubber studs).
11. Gloves (optional)
For a Non-Padded practice you are required to
wear the following items:
1. Helmet* (white)
2. Gum Shield*.
3. White (Defence) or Blue (Offence) Football
Jersey*
4. Blue or White under jersey (optional).
5. Blue Shorts* or Grey Tracksuit* pants.
6. Blue or White Leggings (optional).
7. White Socks.
8. Cleats* or Boots* (plastic or rubber studs).
9. Gloves (optional)
Other Equipment
We would also recommend that you bring the
following to practice:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Change of clothes.
Towel.
Isotonic drink.
Bottle/s of water.
Playbook.
Practice
Prior to the start of the Warm Ups there will be a
registration and preparation period. Once you
arrive at practice you will need to follow the
following procedures:
1. Inform the General Manager of your presence.
2. Pay any money due, to the General Manager.
3. Change for practice.
Defence
Offence
Please be aware that if you play on both the
Offence and the Defence you will require a blue
and a white practice jersey.
The club can’t provide you with a practice jersey
and you will have to purchase your own. Please
speak to a member of staff for a list of suitable
suppliers.
Please make sure that you follow these
procedures, even if you are late to a practice.
Failure to do so may result in you not getting an
attendance mark for that day (which could affect
your game time).
Items marked with a * are mandatory, failure to
wear them will result in you not participating in
practice.
Gameday Information
Equipment and Uniform
Game Jersey Numbering System
It is very important that you have all the correct
equipment on Gamedays, if you don’t the
Referees will not allow you to play in that game.
You must also have the correct uniform, this will
makes us look and feel like a team. For a
Gameday you are required wear the follow items:
1. White Helmet* with correct logo and stripes.
2. Gum Shield*.
3. Team Jersey* (issued on the day).
4. Shoulder pads*.
5. Blue or White Under Jersey (optional).
6. Blue Bottoms Halves* (with belt).
7. Hip*, Tail*, Thigh* and Knee pads*.
8. Blue or White Leggings (optional).
9. White Socks*.
10. Cleats* or Boots* (plastic or rubber studs).
11. Blue, White or Grey Gloves (optional).
1&9
Head Coach’s Choice
10 to 19
Quarterbacks & Receivers
20 to 29
Running Backs & Defensive backs
30 to 39
Running Backs & Defensive backs
40 to 49
Running Backs & Tight Ends
50 to 59
Offensive Line, Defensive Line &
Linebackers.
60 to 69
Offensive Line & Defensive Line
70 to 79
Offensive Line & Defensive Line
80 to 89
Receivers & Tight Ends
90 to 99
Defensive Line & Linebackers
Please be aware that the club does not have
every number from 1 to 99. Numbers will be
determined on a first come first served basis and
on their availability.
Pre-Game Dress Code
When you arrive to any Game (home or away)
you are expected to wear ether team colours or
team merchandise.
1. Blue/Grey Team Top (T-shirt, Hoody or
Jumper).
2. Blue/Grey Tracksuit Bottoms or Team Shorts.
All of the items are available at our team shop,
follow the link on our website.
Main
Alternate
Other Equipment
We would also recommend that you bring the
following to Games:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Change of clothes.
Towel.
Isotonic drink.
Bottle of water.
Food or Money.
The Club understands that you may not be able
to afford some or all of these items. In this case
we would ask that you wear a plain blue top and
plain grey tracksuit bottoms or shorts.
Items marked with a * are mandatory, failure to
wear them will result in you not playing!
The Selection Process
Selection Criteria
8. Tactical (This will vary from Game to Game):
The coaching staff will follow a Selection Process
to determine a player’s classification and game
time. Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams
players will be selected by their relevant
Coordinators. You will be assessed using the
following criteria:
 Do you give the team a tactical advantage.
1. Commitment (Attendance):
 Your attendance percentage.
 Your punctuality.
Any mitigating circumstances will be taken into account.
2. Work Ethic:
 How hard you work.
 How much effort you put in.
 Showing Respect to everyone.
9. Finance
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Up to date Subscription.
Up to date League fee.
Up to date Transport fee.
Up to date Post Season fee.
Payment plans adhered to.
If you are experiencing personal financial difficulties but are adhering
to your payment plan, then you will pass this section of the criteria.
Classification of Players
Starter - A player who is selected to take the field
first. Players who start will see a good percentage
of Game Time
3. Positional Skills:
Rotational Player – A player who will rotate in on
a regular or predetermined basis. Rotational
players will see a fair amount of Game Time.
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Back Up – A player who will back up the Starters
and Rotational players. The Game Time for Back
Ups will be at the discretion of the Coaching Staff.
Talent at your position.
Strength and conditioning.
Knowledge of your position.
Decision making skills.
4. Football Knowledge:
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Knowledge of the playbook.
Ability to make reads and adjustments.
Understanding of the game rules.
Knowledge of tactics.
5. Discipline:
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Behaviour during all Club events.
Following all the rules set.
Difficult and challenging situations dealt with.
Listening to coaches and acting positively on
that instruction.
Specialists – A player who will be used in certain
situations for a specialist role. The Game Time
will be at the discretion of Coaching Staff or
specific to the position (Punters, Kickers, etc).
Team Leaders
The University of Birmingham Lions Juniors will
be looking to appoint 4 Captains so the following
positions will be available:
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Team Captain (selected by Head Coach).
Offensive Captain (selected by Coordinator).
Defensive Captain (selected by Coordinator).
Special Teams Captain (selected by Coordinator).
6. Attitude:
 Positive attitude towards the coaching staff.
 Positive attitude towards the management
staff.
 Positive attitude towards your team mates.
7. Equipment and Uniform:
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Correct equipment.
Clean and maintained equipment.
Correct uniform for a Padded practice.
Correct uniform for a Non-padded practice.
Correct Gameday uniform.
To be selected for a Captaincy you must meet the
following criteria:
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Excellent Leadership skills.
Excellent decision making skills.
High attendance percentage.
High scores in the Selection Criteria.
Good tactical knowledge related to the
Captaincy.
Attendance and Fee’s
Attendance
Season Fee’s
Your Attendance will be monitored very carefully
throughout the season. A weekly total will be
generated (you may ask for yours at any point)
which is used as part of the selection process for
game time and starting positions. Mitigating
circumstances will be taken into account but
these must be discussed with the Head Coach as
soon as possible.
How to Let the Club Know
If you are unable to attend or you are going be
late to a practice/game then you must follow the
below procedures:
1. Inform the General Manager.
2. Inform your Unit Coordinator (Offence/Defence).
The cost for the year can be broken down into 4
parts:
1. Your Club Subscription
This is the money you pay to the club, this covers
the cost for Practice/Game venues, Ambulances
(for games), Referees (for games), food (for
games) and Equipment.
Season Fee - £145.00
You can pay this at £5.00 per week, £20.00 per
month or £145.00 in full. Please speak to your
General Manager for more information.
2. League Registration Fee
To inform the club any of the following methods
can be used:
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Phone Call.
Text Message.
Facebook.
Email.
Informed the General
Manager
and
Coordinator at a previous practice or game.
Reasonable Notice
If you are unable to attend or you are going be
late to a practice/game then you must let the club
know a minimum of 24 hours prior to the
designated start time.
What to do in Emergences
The club understands that emergencies can
occur and prevent you from let the club know at
the required time. In this case we would ask that
you inform the General Manager as soon as
possible.
The Attendance Strike System
Anyone that doesn't attend practice without
informing the club will be given a strike. You will
also be given a strike if you fail give the club
reasonable notice (unless it is an emergency). If
you get 3 strikes you are out and will be
automatically cut from the team.
To participate in games the National Leagues will
ask you for a league registration fee. This fee is
paid directly to the league. Your General manager
will direct you on how to proceed.
Season Fee - £25.00
3. Transport Fee’s (Regular Season)
For most Away Games we will travel by coach.
The Fee for each game will vary depending on
the amount of people and the distance travelled.
Supporters are welcome on transport and are
expected to pay the same fee as players.
Fee - Your General Manager will let you know of
the exact amount closer to the events.
4. Post Season Fee
Any post season games are not factored in to
your subscription or Coach fees. Unfortunately we
cannot predict where post season games will take
place (apart from the National Final). The games
could be at home, away or a mixture of both. In
this case we will charge players per game. The
fee will vary depending on its location.
Fee - Your General Manager will let you know of
the exact amount closer to the events.
Please make your cheques payable to the
University of Birmingham Lions American Football
Programme.
Health and Physical Fitness
Improving Your Fitness Levels
Alcohol and Substance Policy
In order to improve yourself as a player it is very
important that you improve and maintain your
fitness level. By doing so not only will you
increase your abilities but you will also increase
your enjoyment within the sport. There are three
key areas in which you should look to make
improvements:
The University of Birmingham Lions will not
tolerate any consumption of alcohol or tobacco
products on the pitch or designated sideline
during any game or practice session, nor on
coach transport to away games or events.
 Strength.
 Speed and Agility.
 Cardiovascular Level.
The University of Birmingham Lions recommends
that you join a reputable gym and follow a
programme suited to your position in American
Football. Should you require any guidance on this
please speak to a member of the coaching staff.
When using any gym it is important to follow its
health and safety guidelines. Please make sure
you read and follow all the safety instructions
provided by that gym; failure to do so could result
in serious injury.
Injuries
Unfortunately injuries can happen in sport but
there are things you can do to help to reduce
them.
1. Stretching/Warming Up correctly before taking
part in physical activity.
2. Stretching frequently throughout the week.
3. Correctly taping your Ankles and Wrists.
4. Braces for key joints or areas such as Ankles,
Wrists, Knees, Elbows and Backs.
5. Good to high level of fitness.
If you are seen to be carrying an injury your
participation maybe limited or even stopped. If
you sustain an injury during Practice or Game
please inform a member of staff immediately so
an assessment can be made. If the injury is of a
serious nature you maybe advised to visit a
doctor or hospital. Should you sustain any injury
outside of football please inform a member of
staff.
If you are experiencing an injury period and can’t
take a physical part in a practice or game you are
still expected to attend. The only exception to this
is if a doctor has advised you to rest your injury at
home.
The University of Birmingham Lions staff has a
responsibility to set an example of good practice
in support of government and Sport England
policies
encouraging
community
health.
University
of
Birmingham
coaches
or
management staff working with Junior or Student
teams should not smoke in the presence of
players.
Coaches or players from any age group found to
be consuming alcohol or tobacco products on the
pitch, designated sideline or coach transport
should be counselled by the relevant team Head
Coach or General Manager against doing so
again in future. Should they continue to do so,
the University of Birmingham discipline policy may
be invoked.
The University of Birmingham Lions do not
tolerate the use of illegal substances in any form.
If you are found to be under the influence of
alcohol or substance during a practice session or
game you will take no further part in it and the
University of Birmingham discipline policy will be
invoked.
The Game of American football
Introduction
Match Procedure
The following sections are intended to give you a
basic overview of the game of American football.
British American football is governed by the
British American Football Association (BAFA),
you can find more information about BAFA at
www.bafa.org. The rules and regulations for
British American football are based on the rules
governing college football in America (NCAA). A
complete rule book for British American football is
available at www.bafra.org.
Each team has eleven players on the field at any
one time. Specialised offensive, defensive and
specialist players are employed by each team,
and are brought onto the field for a particular play.
Before the beginning of each game, the referee
tosses a coin to determine which team will be
given the choice of taking first possession of the
ball or choosing which end of the field will be their
end-zone for the first half. After half-time, the
team which lost the toss will be given possession
of the ball (assuming that they were not awarded
it by the opposing team in the first half). At the
end of the first and third quarters, the teams
switch ends to equalise any advantages or
disadvantages associated with either end of the
field.
Each team is entitled to three 'time-outs' for every
half. Games last for 1 hour or 48 minutes at
youth, and this time is divided up into four fifteen
minute quarters or 12 minutes quarters in youth.
In practice, however, a game will last for around
three hours, as the clock is stopped when the
offensive team runs a passing play and pass is
not completed, the player carries the ball out of
bounds and during time-outs. Half-time lasts for
15 minutes and is held after the second quarter.
In between each play teams have 30 seconds
before they are required to start the next one.
This is known as the play clock. The back judge
monitors the time taken between plays and
deliberate time-wasting is punished with a
penalty.
The Field and its Markings
An American Football field is 100 yards long and
160 feet wide. The field is divided into strips by
white lines, which are marked every 10 yards.
One yard hash marks are also used to mark the
intervals between each line. The '50 yard line'
runs down the middle of the field, and indicates
that there is 50 yards of ground between the line
and each end zone. The Sidelines and Endlines
border the field. If a player or the ball goes
outside the perimeter outlined by these borders,
they are considered "out-of-bounds".
The Players
In British American football fields can vary slightly
in size due to the constraints of the team location.
Commonly teams will use a modified Rugby or
Soccer field.
The Quarterback is usually responsible for
leading other players on the field and calling out
plays on the advice of the coach. It is usually the
Quarterback who hands off the ball to the
Running Backs or passes the ball to the
receivers. It is the task of the offensive linemen to
block for the Quarterback and Running Backs;
that is, to try to protect them from the defensive
players on the opposing team. Linemen are
usually amongst the Strongest players on the
team. The line is comprised of the Centre who,
predictably, occupies the centre position in the
line and is typically responsible for beginning a
play with 'the snap'. The Left and Right Guards
stand on either side of him and the Tackles on
either side of the guards. The Receivers, the tight
end will line up anywhere between the tackles
and the sideline. Finally the Running backs
generally line up behind the offensive line.
Meanwhile, the Defensive Linemen will battle
against the Offensive Linemen as they try to block
for their Quarterback. It is their job to bring down
the Quarterback before he can hand the ball off
or attempt to advance the ball himself. They are
supported in this task by around four to five
linebackers. The Cornerbacks are positioned to
prevent the Receivers and Running Backs from
catching the ball. They attempt to "pick-off" or
intercept the ball as it is thrown to these players
by the Quarterback. Long passes are
discouraged by the presence of the Safeties, who
stand apart from the rest of the players to prevent
the offense making longer passes in order to
bypass the defence.
Downs
Downs, or plays, are the cornerstone of American
Football. To put it at its simplest, the offensive
team has four plays in which to advance ten
yards. Plays usually end when a player is tackled
or falls and is declared to be 'down'. A player is
considered down when his knee touches the
floor. For example, if a team covers five yards
whilst it is on offense, and two of its players have
been tackled, they have five yards to go when
they begin their 'third down.' If they are successful
in completing the full ten yards within four plays,
they are once again on their 'first down' and will
have another four plays to cover the next ten
yards. This continues until the offence scores or
doesn’t gain a first down after its fourth.
Starting a play and the line of scrimmage
Each play begins with the players getting into
formation on the line of scrimmage. This is an
imaginary line which moves constantly during the
game, depending upon where play is to begin.
The line of scrimmage runs the length of the ball
and the width of the field. Its exact position will be
determined by game officials, usually on the basis
of where the last play ended. The rules dictate
that at least seven players must stand on the line,
and all players are not permitted to move until
play has begun. One player, usually the centre,
then stands on the line and passes the ball back
between his legs to a team mate, often the
Quarterback. This is known as the snap, and is
often called "hiking the ball." The offensive team
then attempts to complete its planned play, as the
team on defence does its best to stop them. A
play ends when a player is successfully downed,
and the line of scrimmage will move to the place
where play ended. In addition to a tackle, the ball
can also go 'dead' (meaning that the play is
terminated), a play can also end after an
'incomplete pass'.
Scoring
A touchdown is worth six points and is awarded
when a player successfully carries the ball into
the end-zone of the opposing team. Once a
touchdown has been scored, the team is faced
with a choice. They can try for one extra point by
attempting to kick the ball over the crossbar or,
trying for two extra points by trying to advance the
ball into the end-zone again. To encourage more
kicking in Junior football a kick is now worth two
points while in senior it still remains the standard
one point. A field goal is worth three points and is
awarded when the ball is kicked over the crossbar from the field. A team will usually only decide
to attempt a field goal when they are close
enough to the goal posts to have a good chance
of succeeding. A safety is worth two points and is
awarded to the opposite team if a player is
downed, or causes the ball to go out of the endlines, whilst he his standing in his own end zone.
Officials in American Football
Football officials are commonly referred to as
referees, but each position has specific duties
and a specific name. Official crews consist of
seven people, however due to the constraints in
British American football crews will tend to be
between 4 - 7. Listed below and the seven types
of official use in an American football game:
Referee: (white hat): The head of the team, he is
in control of the game, gives signals and is the
final authority. He lines up behind the offense 1012 yards, watches the snap, motion, blocks and
passes. Sets final position of the ball at the end of
the play.
Umpire: Lines up 4-5 yards behind the defensive
line, watches blocking, players equipment, player
conduct and actions at the line of scrimmage.
Head Linesman: Lines up outside the offensive
formation at the line of scrimmage (to the
quarterback's right side) watches for off-sides,
encroachment, etc. Rules on out of bounds on his
side of the field. Helps the Referee with the final
spot of the ball and rules on pass completions.
Line Judge: Lines up outside the offensive
formation at the line of scrimmage (to the
quarterback's left side) watches for off-sides,
encroachment, etc. Rules on out of bounds on his
side of the field. Watches anything that happens
on the Umpire's blind side.
Back Judge: Lines up 17 yards down field of the
Line Judge. He watches the receivers on his side
of the field, makes rulings on down field blocks,
catches, illegal touching, interceptions, pass
interference and down field loose balls.
Side Judge: Lines up 17 yards down field of the
Head Linesman. He watches the receivers on his
side of the field, makes rulings on down field
blocks, catches, illegal touching, interceptions,
pass interference and down field loose balls.
Field Judge: Lines up 25 yards down field (in the
center of the field). He watches the tight end, runs
the play clock, makes rulings on down field
blocks, catches, illegal touching, interceptions,
pass interference and down field loose balls.
Equipment Commonly Used by Officials
Penalty Marker or Flag: A bright yellow coloured
flag that is thrown on the field towards or at the
spot of the foul. For fouls were the spot is
unimportant, such as fouls which occur at the
snap or during a dead ball, the flag is typically
thrown vertically.
Bean Bag: Used to mark various spots that are
not fouls but which may be possible spots of
penalty enforcement or illegal touching of the
scrimmage kick. For example, it is used to mark
the spot of the fumble where a player caught a
punt. Unlike penalty flags, beanbags maybe
tossed to a spot parallel to the nearest yard line,
not necessarily to the actual non-penalty spot.
Penalties
In American Football, a player who is determined
by game officials to have committed an illegal
action incurs a five, ten or fifteen yard penalty on
behalf of his team, and the down is replayed. The
rules try to ensure that the penalty is appropriate
to the offence committed; a minor offence is
usually punished by a five yard penalty, whereas
some aggressive actions committed by defensive
Officials Hand Signals
American Football Terminology
Audible: A change of plays made by the
quarterback at the line of scrimmage.
Backfield: The area behind the line of scrimmage
where the running backs set and the quarter
back passes. The term for the quarterback and
running backs.
Blitz: An all out pass rush involving defensive
backs or linebackers individually or in
combination.
Centre: The middleman on the line of scrimmage.
He is responsible for snapping the foot ball to the
quarterback, punter or place kick holder.
False Start: A penalty called when an offensive
player moves after assuming a set stance and
before the snap of the football.
Formation: The alignment of the offensive or
defensive players on a play.
Four point stance: A weighted forward stance
with both hands on the ground, that affords a
power full straight ahead charge. Usually used by
offensive linemen and tight ends.
Front: A defensive front or front line, such as the
four down linemen in 43 defence.
Fumble: Loss of possession of the football.
Coverage: Pass defence. Also used to designate
the exact type of coverage used, as in man
coverage.
Cut block: A low block in which the blocker aims
at the lower leg of the target.
Cutback: A manoeuvre by a ball carrier reversing
his direction against the flow of the play.
Dead Ball: When the ball no longer can be
advanced, it is whistled dead by the officials.
Penalties committed after the whistle are
considered ‘dead ball fouls’
Defensive Backs: The players in the defensive
secondary, the cornerbacks and the safeties.
Defensive Ends: The two widest set of defensive
linemen, responsible for stopping the run and
rushing the passer. The defensive ends usually
set opposite the offensive tackles or tight end.
Defensive Tackles: The two narrowest set of the
defensive linemen, responsible for stopping the
run and rushing the passer. The defensive tackles
usually set opposite the offensive guards.
Drop: The backward movement of the quarter
back after the snap. He retreats into the
backfield and sets up to pass.
Encroachment: A penalty called when a player is
in the neutral zone and makes contact with an
opponent before the ball is snapped.
End Zone: The area 10 yards deep bounded by
the end line, the goal line and both sidelines into
which the offence must move the ball in it’s
possession to score a touchdown.
Goal Line: The field stripe separating the end
zone from the field of play that must be touched
or crossed to score a touchdown. The imaginary
plane extending upward from the goalline must be
broken by a player in possession of the football in
order to score a touchdown.
Guards: The two offensive linemen on either side
of the centre. Guards often pull to lead on
blocking plays.
Handoff: Giving the ball to another player, most
often from the quarter back to the running backs.
Hash marks: The short lines that are used for
spotting the ball, running the length of the field
and lined up with both up rights of both goal posts
when marked out as a professional pitch. In a
college marked field they are set one third of the
way in from the sideline.
Holding: The penalty called for illegal grabbing or
grasping of another player. Holding can be either
an offensive or defensive penalty, though mainly
called on offensive linemen.
Hole: A space in the offensive line opened by
offensive blockers for a ball carrier to run through.
A numbered space between the offensive line.
Incomplete Pass: A forward pass that is not
caught or intercepted.
Intentional Grounding: A penalty called when
the quarterback purposely throws the ball away to
avoid being tackled for a loss. This only exists
while the quarter back is in the passing pocket.
Interference: A judgement penalty called when
either an offensive or defensive player interferes
with another player’s opportunity to catch the
pass.
Line of Scrimmage: The imaginary line running
from sideline to sideline through the ball before it
is snapped. The point from which the play begins.
Linebacker: The all purpose defenders who play
between the defensive linemen and the defensive
backs. Linebackers are designated ‘inside’,
‘outside’ and ‘middle’ in various alignments.
Man to Man: A type of pass defence where the
linebackers and defensive backs are assigned a
potential receiver to cover individually for an
entire play.
Motion: The action of a running back or receiver
running parallel to and behind the line of
scrimmage before the snap.
Neutral Zone: Area between the offensive and
defensive lines as wide as the length of the
football and runs the width of the pitch.
Nose Tackle: Specialist position on the defensive
line, responsible for stopping the run and rushing
the passer. The nose tackle usually sets opposite
the centre.
Offside: A penalty called when a player is across
the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.
Option Play: A play in which the quarterback
moves parallel to the line of scrimmage and has
the option to hand off, pitch or run.
Pass Pattern: The route a receiver or back runs
on his way to catch a pass.
Pass Protection: Keeping defensive players
away from the passer until he releases the ball.
Penalty Marker: The yellow flag thrown by
officials to indicate a penalty.
Penetration: Movement of the defensive linemen
or linebackers across the line of scrimmage.
Play Action: A play in which the quarterback
fakes a running play, then passes.
Pocket: The area of protection around a passer
formed by his blockers.
Possession: Control of the ball by an individual
or team.
Primary Receiver: The designated first receiver
the quarterback will look for as he drops back to
pass.
Pull: When an offensive lineman leaves his
position and runs down the line of scrimmage to
lead a play or execute a trap block.
QB Sneak: Usually a short yardage play in which
the quarterback takes the snap and immediately
runs in the direction of the centre.
Quarterback: The player who leads the offence.
The quarterback calls plays and signals, hands
the ball off, passes it and sometimes runs with it.
Rollout: A pass where the quarterback leaves the
pocket, to either his left or right to throw the ball.
Running backs: The players who are the main
ball carriers in the ground game, serving as lead
blockers for each other. Running backs will act as
receivers when coming out of the backfield.
Running back as designated as ‘tail’, ‘full’ and
‘wing’
Sack: When the quarterback is tackled in the
backfield while attempting to pass.
Safety: The position played by two players in the
defensive backfield, usually designated ‘strong’
and ‘free’. The strong safety usually lines up over
the tight end. The free safety usually is not
assigned any particular player to cover and lines
up in the middle of the field or the side away from
the tight end.
Screen Pass: A delayed pass play in which the
quarterback drops back to pass and the offensive
linemen allow the pass rushers to get by and rift
to the designated area and form a screen or wall.
The ball is thrown to the ball carrier behind this
screen or wall.
Secondary: The area of the defensive backfield.
The personnel of the defensive back field, the
cornerbacks and the safeties.
Set: The action of an offensive player getting into
his stance and remaining motionless until the
snap of the ball.
Shift: The movement of the offence or defence in
unison, into a different formation prior to the
quarterback calling ‘set’
Shotgun: An offensive formation in which the
quarterback takes the snap from centre five to
seven yards back.
Snap Count: The signal on which the ball will be
snapped.
Snap: The action of the centre exchanging the
ball between his legs to the quarterback.
Split: The distance between each player.
Spot: The placement of the ball by the referee
after a play or penalty.
Straight Arm: A technique used by a ball carrier,
usually in open field to ward of a tackler by
extending one arm into the defender.
Strong Side: The side of the field with tight end
or the side containing the larger amount of
players.
Three Point stance: A stance used by the
linemen and sometimes running backs in which
one hand is on the floor.
Tight End: A receiver or blocker outside the
offensive tackle.
Time out: A halt to game action and the game
clock by either team or the referee. Each team is
allowed three time-outs per half.
Two point stance: An upright stance used by
running backs and linebackers.
Weak side: The side of the field without the tight
end or the side with the least amount of players in
it.
Wide Receiver: A pass receiver who is set
outside the offensive tackles.
Zone defence: A type of coverage in the defence
in which players are assigned a specific area to
cover.