6. Offence

The quarterback (“QB”) generally passes or hands off the ball, but can also run with it himself. The Quarterback is the leader of the offence, and very often the whole team.

The centre snaps the ball (by handing the ball back between his legs) to the QB and then helps block the defence from trying to get to the ball.
2 guards and 2 tackles, together with the centre make up the offensive line and keep the defence at bay by blocking.

wide receivers run passing routes, and [hopefully] catch the ball thrown by the QB.

Running backs run with the ball following a hand off from the QB, or a received pass. successful running backs need to be great all around athletes as they will often be at the centre of an offensive team’s plans, but also the centre of the D’s attention!

Tight ends are on the offensive line of scrimmage, and block the defence but can also catches passes – this makes them different from the other linemen, who are not allowed to catch the ball.