NFL offence explained: formations, the passing game and the run game

TUREFF• •0

Once you understand downs and scoring, the next step in following American football is seeing what the offence is trying to do on each snap. Every play starts with a formation, then becomes a run or a pass, and each choice is a response to the defence. This guide explains the parts you can spot from your sofa.

The players on offence

Eleven players line up for each snap:

Offensive line: five linemen, a centre, two guards and two tackles. They block and cannot normally catch passes.
Quarterback: receives the snap and either hands off, passes or runs.
Running backs: line up behind or beside the quarterback and mainly carry the ball, but also block and catch.
Tight ends: line up next to a tackle or slightly away. They block like a lineman and catch passes like a receiver.
Wide receivers: line up wide and run routes to catch passes.

At least seven players must be on the line of scrimmage at the snap, and only those at the ends of the line and those in the backfield are eligible to catch a forward pass.

Personnel and formations

Broadcasters describe personnel with two digits: the number of running backs followed by the number of tight ends. 11 personnel is one back, one tight end and three receivers, and is the most common grouping in the modern league. 12 personnel has two tight ends; 21 has two backs. The formation is how those players line up:

Shotgun: the quarterback stands several yards behind the centre, giving him time to see the field. Common on passing downs.
Under centre: the quarterback takes the snap directly from the centre, useful for runs and play-action.
Pistol: a shorter shotgun with the running back directly behind the quarterback.
Empty: no running back in the backfield, five receivers spread out.
Bunch or stack: receivers grouped close together to confuse coverage.

Watch for motion, when a player moves before the snap. It can reveal whether the defence is in man or zone coverage and helps receivers get a running start.

The run game

Running plays aim to gain steady yards, control the clock and wear the defence down.

Inside zone and outside zone: the line blocks an area rather than a specific defender, and the back reads where the gap opens.
Power and counter: a guard or tight end pulls across the line to lead the way, creating extra blockers at the point of attack.
Draws: the line shows a pass, then the quarterback hands off as the defence rushes upfield.
Quarterback runs: designed runs and option plays, where the quarterback reads one defender and decides whether to hand off or keep the ball.

A good run game makes the defence commit more players near the line, which opens space for passes.

The passing game

Passing plays are built from routes, the paths receivers run. Common ones include the slant, out, curl, dig, post and go. Coaches combine routes into concepts so that one receiver is likely to be open whatever coverage appears.

Quick game: short throws within a couple of seconds to beat a pass rush.
Drop-back: the quarterback takes a longer drop and reads his options in order, called his progression.
Play-action: the quarterback fakes a handoff, drawing defenders forward, then throws behind them.
Screens: the line lets rushers through, then the ball goes to a back or receiver with blockers in front.
RPOs, run-pass options: the quarterback reads a defender after the snap and either hands off or throws quickly.

Situational football

First down: balanced calls to stay ahead of the chains.
Third and long: usually a pass, as the defence expects.
Short yardage and goal line: heavy formations and quarterback sneaks.
Two-minute drill: quick passes towards the sidelines so receivers can step out of bounds and stop the clock.

How to watch an offence

Before the snap, count the receivers and note whether the quarterback is under centre or in shotgun. After the snap, watch the offensive line for a few plays instead of the ball. You will start to see the run lanes and pass pockets that decide the game. Which offensive play or formation would you like explained next? Ask in the comments.