What are the defensive positions on a football field? The defensive line, linebackers and secondary make up the three groups of 11 defensive positions on a football team. Just as on offense, there are 11...
Just as on offense, there are 11 defensive positions on a football field. And just like the offensive positions, Arena Football is the only level of football where they play 8-oin-8. As far as the defensive positions are concerned, a 4-3 defense is usually what most defenses choose to run. The 4-3 defense means there are four defensive linemen and three linebackers. With that being seven, the other four players are in the secondary and usually consist of two cornerbacks and two safeties.
Other primary defensive schemes include the 3-4, 5-2 and 5-3. Regardless of the team, the first number always accounts for the number of defensive linemen and the second number represents the linebackers.
The defensive linemen positions (in a base 4-3 defense) include a defensive tackle, a nose tackle and two defensive ends.
The nose tackle lines up directly over the center position on offense. His main objective is to stop the run up the middle and apply pressure to the quarterback from that spot. More times than not, the nose tackle will be the biggest guy on the defense.
Next to the nose tackle on either side is the defensive tackle. In a 5-2 scheme defense two defensive tackles would line up on either side of the nose tackle. But in a 4-3 defense, that would only account for one defensive tackle and he would roam on both sides of the nose tackle. Just like the nose tackle, the defensive tackle's job is to apply pressure to the quarterback and stop the run up the middle. Both the nose tackle and defensive tackle also take on blocks to help free up the middle linebacker to make the stops.
Located on both ends of the defensive line are the defensive ends. Defensive ends are usually much quicker than the nose tackle and the defensive tackles. The main job for the defensive end is to apply pressure on the quarterback from the outside, as well as contain the run to the outside. Defensive ends also drop back in pass coverage from time to time.
Behind the defensive line, and once again, considering this is a 4-3 style defense, are the strong linebacker, weak linebacker and middle linebacker. These three positions have all sorts of names, but for the most part, they are commonly known as strong, weak and middle.
In the middle of the linebacking trio is the middle linebacker. The middle linebacker is usually the best all-around athlete on the defense and one of the toughest. Most middle linebackers will lead their team in tackles due to the amount of action that comes their way. The middle linebacker is also the leader of the defense. No team can be solid without a good middle linebacker.
The weak linebacker is just as bulky as the middle linebacker, but maybe not as mobile. His duties are similar to the middle linebacker in that he roams the second unit and makes a lot of tackles.
The strong linebacker usually lines up on the side of the tight end, signifying which side of the offense is the strongest. The strong linebacker is usually smaller, but quicker than the middle and weak linebacker because he does more drop and coverage on pass plays.
Behind the linebackers is the last line of defense, the secondary. A team's secondary usually consists of two safeties and two cornerbacks.
The two cornerbacks are usually the smallest and fastest guys on defense because they cover the speedy wide receivers. The positions are left cornerback and right cornerback. And most times, the cornerbacks line up on the same side regardless of which receiver comes out on them. In some cases, if a team has a very good receiver, a coach may put their best cornerback on him and make him shadow him wherever he goes.
The last two defenders are the strong and free safeties. The strong safety is usually one of the better tacklers on the team, next to the middle linebacker. The strong safety should be able to play pass coverage but also come up to help on the run.
The free safety is commonly known as the last line of defense. Barring a free safety blitz, this guy will always be the deepest defender in coverage. His job is to roam in the middle of the football play and not let anyone get deeper than him. Free safeties are very athletic and big hitters as well.
