Football Quarterback
Football Quarterback Position
The quarterback is an offensive player who is generally a football team's leader and most valuable player. The quarterback starts with the ball on every play and can choose to pass the ball, hand it off to a running back, or run with it himself.
Offensive Backfield
The offensive backfield is the area on the football field behind the line of scrimmage. The quarterback, along with other backs, are located in the offensive backfield. This is the area where most plays start in football.
Downs
A football down is one of four plays at the line of scrimmage the offense gets to advance the ball. If a team does not cross the first down marker within four plays, it will result in a turnover. In most circumstances, the quarterback will be on the field for the first three downs. On the fourth down, teams will usually either punt the ball or kick a field goal depending where they are on the field. However, in short yardage situations when the game is close, the quarterback may remain on the field and run a play on fourth down.
Snaps
At the start of every down, the quarterback gets the ball from the center through a backwards pass called the snap. A center will snap the ball between his legs and into the hands of the quarterback. A quarterback can either line up right behind the center, called “under center,” or a few yards behind in a shotgun formation. In order to begin a play, the quarterback is responsible for signaling when the center should snap the ball.
Quarterback Responsibilities
On any given offensive play, the quarterback has a handful of responsibilities. These jobs range from before the snap is made to running the play after the ball is snapped. The quarterback’s jobs include:
- Initiate the play with a snap count
- Communicate plays at the line of scrimmage
- Pass the ball to a receiver
- Hand the ball off to a running back
- Run with the ball for a quarterback sneak or scramble
- Avoiding interceptions, fumbles, and sacks
Passing Plays
On a passing play, the quarterback scans the field for an open receiver and then throws the ball to the receiver. It's considered a completion if the pass is caught. The pass is incomplete though if the ball is dropped or thrown out of bounds. If the quarterback is unable to find any open receivers, he can choose to run with the ball, throw it out of bounds, or purposefully throw an incomplete pass to avoid a loss of yards or turnover.
Running Plays
On a running play, the quarterback hands the ball to a running back or another skill position so they can begin a run. This initial action is called a hand off. A quarterback can also fake a hand off to make the defense think that it is a run play but will pass the ball instead.
QB Sneak
The quarterback sneak is a play where the quarterback takes the ball and runs forwards with it without attempting a pass. On a QB sneak, the quarterback dives towards the line of scrimmage immediately after receiving the ball from the center. This maneuver is typically only done on third or fourth downs as a quick way to gain very short yardage. Quarterback sneaks are risky plays since the quarterback is at a higher risk of being tackled and injured.
The Pocket
The pocket, sometimes known as the tackle box, is a hypothetical area on the field created by the offensive line to protect the quarterback from being sacked. The pocket gives quarterbacks time to scan the field to find an open receiver to pass to. In regard to the intentional grounding rule, a quarterback must run outside of the pocket in order to intentionally throw an incomplete pass.
Quarterback Skills
Being a good quarterback at any level is tough. The position requires you to have exceptional abilities throwing the ball as well as have a great understanding of opposing defenses and your own playbook. Here are a few traits that are important in being good quarterback:
- Good arm strength
- Exceptional throwing accuracy
- Field vision
- Deep understanding of defensive formations, tendencies, play styles
- Ability to recognize certain defensive play types prior to the snap
- Great understanding of own team’s playbook
- Good mobility both within the pocket and outside of it
Being a good quarterback is not just about how far or fast you can throw the football. In fact, most quarterbacks who don’t have much success on the field are because of their lack of preparation on the mental side of the game. Those who practice, watch film, and learn the ins and outs of football are the ones who tend to have great success on the field.
Notable NFL Quarterbacks
- Aaron Rodgers
- Ben Roethlisberger
- Brett Favre
- Dan Marino
- Joe Montana
- Patrick Mahomes
- Peyton Manning
- Tom Brady
FAQ
What is a quarterback in football?
In football, a quarterback is the offensive player who starts the ball every play and is known for throwing the ball. They are arguably the most valuable player on any team as they are in charge of initiating the ball down the field, which is the main way to score. After each snap, the quarterback will either pass or hand-off the ball to a fellow player, or run it himself to gain yardage.
What is the quarterback responsible for in football?
The quarterback is responsible for calling plays, receiving the snap, handing the ball off, throwing the ball, and analyzing the opposing defense. The quarterback is the leader of the offense, and lets everyone know what play they will be running. Quarterbacks must also analyze the defense before the snap and make any necessary adjustments. Once the ball is snapped, the quarterback will either throw the ball, hand it off to another player, or run with it themselves. They then repeat this process until their team scores or turns the ball over.