Hey everyone, it's me again. I'm starting a new series of posts which I've dubbed Football University (FU for short). It's going to be a look at various football terms, an explanation of different offensive and defensive schemes, some history thrown in, that sort of thing. Basically whatever I feel like talking about related to football stuff. I'll try and do them once a week, but there's no guarantee on that.
This first post is going to be a back to basics kind of thing. We're going to explain what a nickel defense is, what a SAM or TED linebacker does, that sort of thing.
Join me after the jump.
Basic Routes TerminologySlant--Receiver immediately starts running at an angle, either inside or outside
Fade--Receiver starts one way then cuts the other
Hook--receiver runs downfield then suddenly turns back towards the line of scrimmage
Curl--Receiver runs down field then turns towards the line of scrimmage. Like the hook only not so abrupt.
Post--Receiver runs downfield about 5 yards, gives a head/shoulder fake and then turns either in or out.
Post-corner--Like the post except after making the turn the receiver cuts back the other way.
Blocking terminology
Chip Block--to hit a player from behind, usually at the knees. Illegal.
Cut block--to drop down in front of a player to try and trip them up. Legal
Trap block--Defensive lineman is allowed penetration and then hit from an unexpected angle. Usually involves the guard and tackle, though sometimes it involves two guards.
Zone blocking--offensive linemen block an area, rather than a specific person.
Offensive and ST formation terminology
Strong side--the side of the line with more players. Normally where you have your TE lined up to help block. Normally on right-handed QBs it's the right side.
Gunner--special teams member who specializes in racing downfield. Usually the guys on the outside edges.
Hot Receiver--the designated go-to guy in case of a bitz
Slot--the gap between the WR and the Tackle (or TE). In 3 WR sets you'll have someone lined up in this space and he's called the slot receiver. Generally the #3 WR on a team, but can be a TE or a RB as well.
Flanker--Wide Receiver who is lined up 1 yard off the LOS. Is permitted to go in motion pre-snap
Split end--WR who lines up on the LOS on the weakside of the line
A gap--space between center and guard.
B gap--space between guard and tackle
C gap--space between the tackle and the TE
Gaps are used to assign runners holes to hit.
Defensive terminology
Nickel coverage--five defensive backs. used in passing situations
Dime coverage--six defensive backs. used in even more obvious passing situations.
0 Technique--designates the spot where a defensive lineman is to line up in the gaps between offensive linemen. The numbering system is used for both DL and LBs and goes all the way up to 90
46 defense--4 down linemen, 3 linebackers, 4 defensive backs. Called the 46 because of the number worn by safety Doug Plank when Buddy Ryan introduced the system.
Cover 0--All pass defenders are in man coverage. Generally used if you have six men rushing.
Cover 1--Same as Cover 0 except you have a free safety
Cover 2--Zone pass defense where the two safeties are each responsible for half the field
Cover 3--Same as Cover 2 but the zones are split between safety and two CBs
Mike--middle linebacker in a 4-3 situation. Also the inside LB on the weak side in a 3-4 (Willis is the "Mike" LB)
Ted--Inside LB on the strong side in a 3-4 coverage
Sam--In a 4-3 defense, the outside LB on strong side (based on the offensive formation)
Will--In a 4-3 defense, the outside LB on the weak side (based on the offensive formation)
Rover--another nickname for weakside LB
Tampa 2--Basically a cover 2 where the LB drops back to defend the pass
Zone coverage--players are assigned areas of the field rather than specific men
Any other questions about terminology ask them in the comments and I'll try to find the answer. If someone can design a logo for this series it'd be awesome.