Monday, October 13, 2014
The Linebacker
The Linebacker (LB) is the defensive version of a Quarterback, in the sense that they are the defensive leader or the on field defensive coach. Though there are two to four possible linebackers on the field at a time, one is responsible for calling out the plays and making sure everyone knows their responsibilities. Like quarterbacks, linebackers also make adjustments or audibles at the line of scrimmage, often countering the audibles the quarterback makes. But unlike a quarterback, they must set the tone, physically! There physical presence is very important and they must be willing to put their body on the line to stop the offense. They have so many jobs to do on the field but one of the most important is simply getting to the ball.
Because the Linebacker has so many jobs that are difficult to explain, I've decided to show you a video of my favorite Linebacker of all time, Ray Lewis. These are some of his career highlights and I couldn't think of a better way to further explain how the Linebacker position is played. ( 3:20-3:28 shows really good linebacker technique)
The Quarterback!
The most recognizable and probably the most important player on the team is the Quarterback (QB). Known as the coach on the field during offense, the QB is the player with the most responsibility. They do more than just pass or hand the ball off. They are responsible for letting the offense know the plays, where to line up, where to go when the play starts, and who is likely to get the ball. Along with all that, they have to know what the situation is during the game and keep everyone together. They also make adjustments, called audibles, to prevent the defense from messing up the offensive play. To be honest, in order to have a successful team, there needs to be a good quarterback. They must deliver mentally and physically all the time and a lot is required of them and that's why they are the most important player.
Here is a video on throwing a football by Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback, Joe Montana.
The little stuff that happens during the game.
Terms
Coin toss: Happens before the game to determine who gets the ball first and what way the teams will go to try to score. This is a coin toss before Super Bowl XLVII, and as you can see, it's a big deal.
2 minute warning: Happens with 2 minutes remaining in the second and fourth quarter to let the teams get a breather and make their plans before the final few plays before the end of the first half and the end of the game.
Halftime: The time where both teams get a break and a chance to regroup.
Things to know
- After the end of each quarter the teams switch sides and go the other way.
- If a coach throws a red flag onto the field then they are challenging a play because they believe that the referees made a mistake.
- The referees can review plays to make sure that they made the right decision about a play, they do this by using the instant replay.
Equipment
For a viewer who has never played or been around that much football, the uniforms and equipment may look a little funny. But everything a player wears is for safety and athletic purposes; with the exception of branding items.
Notice those big bulges in the pants on the thighs, knees, hips and tail bone? Those are all pads to help minimize pain because those can possibly be frequently impacted areas. These areas need some extra protecting while still allowing the athletes to be very mobile. Those pads are required on all levels of tackle football
For the upper body, there are shoulder pads, that not only cover just the shoulders, but the chest and upper back. Most contact comes from or to this upper body section caused from blocking and tackling. Though they look bulky, they are very flexible and with newer technology they are getting smaller while staying safe.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Referee Signals
Here is a video going over some of the basic signals a referee may give during a game.
Just for laughs, here is a video with a miss communication between officials.
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