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3-4 defense
A defensive formation with 3 linemen and 4 linebackers. A professional derivative in the 1970s of the earlier Oklahoma or 50 defense, which had 5 linemen and 2 linebackers. The 3-4 outside linebackers resemble "stand-up ends" in the older defense.
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3-TECHNIQUE TACKLE
A DT best suited to line up between the offensive guard and tackle, putting him in position to quickly slice through the blockers and disrupt plays in the backfield. A 3-tech tackle is usually smaller and quicker than a nose or 1-tech tackle.
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40 TIME
The Combine's most prominent drill and simplest measure of speed; each player runs 40 yards in a straight line as fast as he can. Was originally chosen as the distance because it was thought most special teams players ran about 40 yards on kickoffs and punt plays.
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4-3 defense
A defensive formation with 4 linemen and 3 linebackers. Several variations are employed. First used by coach Joe Kuharich and Tom Landry.
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46 DEFENSE
A formation of the 4-3 defense (four linemen and three linebackers) in which three defensive backs (the two cornerbacks and the strong safety) crowd the line of scrimmage. The remaining safety, which is the free safety, stays in the backfield. It was invented by Buddy Ryan while with the Chicago Bears and popularized by the Super Bowl XX Champion 1985 Chicago Bears.
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ACCELERATION
Rate at which a player can reach his top speed.
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ACTIVE HANDS
For a DL, the ability to gain leverage with hand movement and strikes. For a DB, the ability to jam receivers at the line with proper hand technique and swat or tip balls in the air away.
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ALL-PURPOSE YARDS
The sum of all yards gained by a player who is in possession of the ball during a play. This includes rushing and receiving yards gained on offense, yards gained on returns of interceptions and fumbles, and yards gained on kickoff punt and missed field goal returns.
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ANCHOR
To hold ground and become the point of attack on the offensive or defensive line.
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ARM TACKLER
Defender who fails to use his shoulders, torso and thighs to generate power when tackling.
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AUDIBLE
A play called by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage to make a change from the play that was called in the huddle.
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BACKED OFF
Describes a CB playing 3-5 yards off his receiver in man coverage. As a result, he can't jam.
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BACKED-OFF MAN COVERAGE
Man-to-man pass coverage in which the defensive back lines up several yards off the line of scrimmage. It's the opposite of press coverage or bump-and-run coverage.
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BALL SKILLS
Defender's ability to catch the ball, secure it and generate long returns on interceptions.
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BALL-LOCATION SKILLS
Defender's ability to determine where the ball is after defeating his blocker.
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BANDIT
Depending on the defensive scheme, either a pass-rushing OLB-DE or a safety who often plays in the box like a linebacker.
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BASE
Lineman's combination of size, balance and lower-body strength. Ideal linemen have a wide base: thick legs and thighs, low center of gravity and a proper blocking stance.
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BEATS THE JAM
When a WR breaks press coverage and gets into his route with minimal disruption of timing.
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BIRD-DOG
For a QB: To stare down the intended receiver, tipping off the defense.
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BLIND SIDE
The side of the offensive line that the quarterback cannot see when passing; the left side for a right-handed quarterback.
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BLOCKY
Describes a bulky, less-athletic body type, which pegs an offensive lineman as an interior lineman at the NFL level, as opposed to a tackle.
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BODY CATCHER
Receiver who cradles the ball with his body or traps the ball against his torso. A bad habit.
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BODY CONTROL
A player's overall agility and coordination.
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BODY LEAN
Tendency of a running back to have his weight moving forward which allows him to gain extra yardage after contact.
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BREAK DOWN
To get into proper body position to make a tackle.
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BREAK, PLANT, DRIVE
For DBs: To identify a route, take the first step to defend that route, then run towards the receiver or the ball to break it up.
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BREAKAWAY SPEED
Ability to separate from and outrun defenders.
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BREAKS TO THE BALL
When a player gets a jump on defending a play before the ball is thrown by IDing the route combination or spying the QB's head and arm motion.
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BRINGS HIS FEET ALONG
When a player keeps his feet underneath him while blocking and doesn't trip easily.
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BUBBLE BUTT
Thick, heavy backside and thighs; a sign the player has a low center of gravity. A good thing.
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BUBBLE SCREEN
A type of screen pass where the quarterback takes the snap and immediately throws to a wide receiver lined up to the far right or left of the center. The receiver catches the ball, and then turns to run downfield.
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BULL RUSH
A pass rush move in which the defender gets leverage on his blocker and tries to drive him straight back into the quarterback.
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BURST
Ability to make an impact with first and second steps off the line of scrimmage.
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CARRIES HIS PADS
Describes a player who's just as fast with pads on as with pads off.
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CATCH RADIUS
The area around a WR in which he can realistically catch the ball. A receiver who can make leaping catches, dives for balls and can react to passes thrown behind him has a much greater catch radius than a receiver who needs the ball on his hands or body.
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CAUGHT PEEKING
What a DB is said to be when he loses track of his assignment because he is watching QB or ball on a playfake.
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CENTER FIELDER
Safety who excels at defending passes over the middle, covering receivers on deep routes and picking off poorly-thrown passes.
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CHOP BLOCK
Similar to a cut block in which one offensive player blocks a defensive player below the knees and another blocks him above the waist. It is illegal to block low if a team mate is already engaged with the defensive player blocking high to prevent knee and ankle injuries.
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CHOPS FEET
When a receiver gives away that he's about to make a cut by changing his stride.
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CIRCUS ELEPHANT
Huge lineman with quick feet and good footwork.
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CLIMBS THE TREE
When a receiver expertly uses timing and leaping ability to jump for a pass.
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CLOSING BURST
Defender's ability to accelerate when he's within striking distance of a ball carrier.
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COACH UP
To turn a marginal prospect into a solid player by instilling sound technique and fostering a competitive attitude.
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COMBINE
NFL Scouting Combine held each February in Indianapolis, at which draft prospects are given medical and skill exams.
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COMBO BLOCK
A double-team block in which two blockers engage one defender. Often, one of the blockers peels off to attack another defender, as in a zone-stretch run.
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COME TO BALANCE
Chopping feet and breaking down from full speed often to make a tackle or block.
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CONTACT BALANCE
Player's ability to maintain his balance even after being engaged by an opponent.
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CONTAIN
A defensive assignment. On outside runs such as the sweep, one defensive player (usually a cornerback or outside linebacker) is assigned to keep the rusher from getting to the edge of the play and turning upfield. If executed properly, the rusher will have to turn upfield before the design of the play calls for it, giving the linebackers a better chance of stopping the play for little or no gain.
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COUNTER
A running play in which the running back will take a step in the apparent direction of the play (i.e., the direction the line is moving), only to get the handoff in the other direction. Weak side linemen will sometimes pull and lead the back downfield (sometimes called a counter trap), but not necessarily. The play is designed to get the defense to flow away from the action for a few steps as they follow the linemen, allowing more room for the running back.
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COUNTER MOVE
A pass-rush move designed to defeat a blocker who has mastered the defender's preferred move. Typically, the primary move works outside the blocker, while the counter move starts outside but turns inside.
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COVER 2 DEFENDER
A defender well-suited to the zone defense-oriented systems favored by the Tony Dungy family of coaches. Cover 2 defenders include: Small, fast linebackers who excel in zone coverage, big cornerbacks who can jam receivers and defend the run, and safeties who can cover a lot of ground when defending the deep part of the field.
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CROSSES FEET
A major mistake for offensive linemen. A blocker with his feet crossed has almost no leverage and can easily be pushed around by a defender.
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CUT BLOCK
A block thrown below the knees of a defensive player; a legal block often confused with the illegal chop block, which is a cut block thrown when a defender is already engaged by another lineman. Famously used by the Broncos' Super Bowl teams under offensive line coach Alex Gibbs.
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CUT BLOCKING
A blocking technique in which offensive linemen, and sometimes other blockers, block legally below the waist (i.e., from the front of the defensive player) in an attempt to bring the defenders to ground, making them unable to pursue a running back for the short time needed for the back to find a gap in the defense. The technique is somewhat controversial, as it carries a risk of serious leg injuries to the blocked defenders. The San Francisco 49ers of the 1980s and early 90's were noted for their cut-blocking (and leg-whipping, which is illegal), a tactic that was later adopted in mid-90's by the NFL's Denver Broncos.
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CUTS THROUGH TRAFFIC
Moves well around pileups of players to make plays.
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DIAGNOSE
To quickly determine the offensive play.
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DIME
Situational pass defense featuring six defensive backs.
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DOES NOT PLAY TO HIS TIMED SPEED
Does not play as fast as fast as his 40-time would suggest.
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DOUBLE CATCHES/CLUTCHES
When a receiver bobbles or juggles the ball before bringing it into his body.
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DOWN BLOCK
A block thrown from the outside across a defender's feet to cut off his pursuit angle, as opposed to a straight ahead block.
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DOWNHILL RUNNER
Running back who always has forward momentum and can be counted on for extra yards after contact.
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DRAG-DOWN TACKLER
Defender who doesn't square himself and explode when tackling.
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DRIVE BLOCK
Straight-ahead block designed to push the defender backward, usually on a running play.
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DROP LINEBACKER
An LB who is skilled at pass coverage.
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EDGE RUSHER
OLB or DE whose primary function is to rush the quarterback from the outside.
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ELUSIVE IN SPACE
Ability to make defenders miss in the open field with cuts and jukes.
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ENGULF
To block using the entire body, pushing the defender back and preventing him from disengaging.
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FALLS OFF BLOCKS
Describes a defender who can slip out of blocks to make tackles as ballcarrier approaches.
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FALSE STEPS
Footwork errors by linemen, usually extra steps that they should not take when pass blocking or pulling. False steps negate the lineman's quickness and can put him in bad position when blocking.
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FILL
To occupy and control area of field for which a player is responsible.
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FIND SOFT SPOTS IN ZONES
Describes a receiver (often a tight end) who recognizes zone coverage and knows when and where gaps in the coverage will occur.
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FINISHER
Blocker who maintains contact and intensity to the whistle.
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FIRST-STEP QUICKNESS
Speed with which a defensive lineman leaves his stance and attacks the offense.
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FITS BALL INTO TIGHT WINDOW
Describes a quarterback who can squeeze a pass in between multiple defenders to a barely-open receiver. He will anticipate that the window will come open before it does and possesses the arm strength to push the pass through.
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FIVE-TECHNIQUE
The defensive lineman that aligns with his nose on the outside shade of an offensive tackle and has greater responsibility to stop the run than rush the passer.
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FLANKER
a player position on offense. A wide receiver who lines up in the backfield outside of another receiver. The term is used infrequently in American Football, having been long since replaced by the "Z" wide receiver.
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FLASHES
Shows ability sporadically.
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FLATTENS OUT
When a pass-rusher suddenly turns inside and attacks the QB after using his initial steps to beat his blocker to the outside edge.
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FLEXED OUT
Describes a TE lined up 2-3 yards wide of the tackle, putting him in better position to run routes.
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FLIPS HIS HIPS
How a player turns his hips.
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FLUID HIPS
Great agility in lower body. A cornerback with fluid hips can easily twist and turn to stay with a receiver without losing speed.
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FOOTBALL IQ
Player's understanding of the game and/or his ability to make optimal decisions on the fly.
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FRINGE PLAYER
In defensive terminology, it refers to a player who's always on the fringe of the action but never in the midst of the heavy hitting. From a roster standpoint, it refers to a player who will have a difficult time making a team.
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FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH
Combination of strength, balance and leverage needed to block, shed blocks and make or break tackles (as opposed to weight-room strength).
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GAMBLE AND GUESS
For DBs: To predict the pass route and jump in front of the receiver for an easy pick.
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GEARS DOWN
When a receiver runs routes at less-than-full speed to allow holes in zones to open up.
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GUARDS GRASS
When a defender who doesn't understand his role in zone coverage ends up covering a plot of field instead of the receivers who are entering or leaving it.
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GUNNER
The player lined up on the outside of the kick or punt coverage units who must fight through double teams to make the tackle. Often used as a generic term for a player who will excel as a special teams defender.
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HAND FIGHTING
Offensive lineman's use of hands to block and neutralize his assigned defender(s).
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HAND PUNCH
The way an offensive lineman punches with his hands when blocking an opponent.
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HAND-PATS THE BALL
When a QB double-clutches or taps the ball before a throw, slowing delivery and allowing the D reaction time.
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HANG TIME
The length of time that elapses from when the ball comes off a kicker's foot until it touches a plyer or the ground.
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HANGS IN PLANT
When a defensive back is slow to plant his feet and drive to the ball.
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HEAVY HANDS/LIGHT HANDS
An offensive lineman with heavy hands is able to knock a defender backwards or stand him up with his hand strikes; one with light hands cannot.
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HIGH CUT
Player with longer legs and a shorter upper body; can be a positive for speed, but limits agility and flexibility.
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HIGH-POINTS THE BALL
When a receiver catches the ball at its highest possible point.
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HIP SNAP
Ability to get off the line of scrimmage on the snap.
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HITTER NOT A TACKLER
Defender who hits hard but without proper technique.
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HOOK BLOCK
Technique used against a defender playing off the blocker's shoulder. The blocker steps forward and turns into the defender, hooking him and walling him off rather than driving him backward. Often employed by TEs against LBs.
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HYBRID
A player with the skills of a big outside linebacker or a small defensive end; a pass rusher who can play a role in either a 3-4 or a 4-3.
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INITIAL PUNCH
First blow delivered by offensive lineman while blocking.
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JACK
Interior Linebacker (ILB) of the 3-4 formation, that plays in the weak side of the formation. Also known as Mo.
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JAM PRESS
The act of engaging a receiver on the line of scrimmage and slowing or disrupting his route, a.k.a. press or bump-and-run coverage.
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JUKE
A quick cut to elude or fake out a defender.
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JUMBO
An offensive package which includes two tight ends, a full back and a half back. Similar to heavy jumbo, in which either the half back or the fullback is replaced by another tight end. In a goal line formation, Miami package, often one or more of the "tight ends" is actually a linebacker (the New England Patriots used Mike Vrabel this way - he has 11 career regular season TDs) or offensive lineman. In the NFL, such a player must report in as an eligible receiver because a lineman or linebacker would not generally wear an eligible number.
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KEEPS LEGS CLEAN
Describes a defender who knows how to protect himself from cut blocks.
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KEY AND DIAGNOSE
Read the keys of a developing play and diagnose what is about to happen.
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KNEE BENDER
Blocker who uses proper technique to gain leverage, bending his knees to get low while keeping his waist straight and shoulders above his center of gravity.
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LATERAL MOBILITY
Ability to move from side-to-side; absolutely essential for linebackers.
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LEVERAGE
Ability to get lower than an opponent, maintain balance and maximize strength while turning the opponent's size into a liability. Critical to line play.
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LONG SPEED
Extra gear of a player who's already run 20-40 yards.
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LONG STRIDER
Running back or receiver whose gait is marked by long, looping strides, like those of a track runner. Such players are sometimes deceptively fast but also have a hard time cutting or running tight routes.
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LOOKS LIKE TARZAN, PLAYS LIKE JANE
A prospect who looks like a prototype athlete but lacks the aggressiveness to succeed in the NFL.
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LUNGES
When a blocker loses balance by throwing his body at a defender, or when a defender leaves his feet while trying to make a tackle.
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MAKE UP SPEED
Defensive back's ability to reach full speed when turning and pursuing a receiver who's past him, a.k.a. recovery speed.
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MAN-OFF COVERAGE
Man-on-man pass coverage when a defender is backed off the line of scrimmage, as opposed to tight bump-and-run coverage.
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MAULER
Highly aggressive and powerful offensive lineman who dishes out punishment while blocking.
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MAX PROTECT
A modification used on pass plays (usually combined with a shotgun formation) which keeps the tight end and both backs in behind the line of scrimmage to pass protect rather than run a pass route. This is used in obvious blitzing situations to give the quarterback "maximum protection" in the pocket. Although good for holding off a blitz, it leaves the quarterback with only two receivers to throw to (and therefore only two players for the secondary to defend). Some of the logic behind this play might stem from a player's supposed lack of defensibility: when a receiver (such as Randy Moss) or quarterback-receiver duo (such as the historic Joe Montana-and-Jerry Rice) is of the caliber that a completion is likely even when the receiver is closely guarded by defenders. Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs is known for having used a two tight end formation to protect his QB from the nearly unstoppable blitzer Lawrence Taylor.[
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MIKE (MLB)
The middle linebacker in 4-3 formation. In the 3-4 formation Mike is the Interior Linebacker(ILB) that play in the strong side of the formation. Mike has the responsibility to defend the interior gaps and the Curl Zone. Mike is the leader of the defense and has to be as bright as Quarterback because often he calls the audibles on defense.
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MIRROR
Shadow; stay in front of.
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MIRROR AND SLIDE
Describes a lineman's ability to read the defender's pass-rush moves and execute proper counter-strategies. The "slide" refers to a tackle's ability to step smoothly back into proper position to set a pocket for the QB.
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MO
Also known as Jack. The Interior Linebacker (ILB), 3-4 formation, that plays in the weak side of the formation.
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MOTOR
Player's intensity and drive.
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MOVE TIGHT END
Small tight end who's most effective when going in motion and blocking defenders on the perimeter. Similar to an H-back.
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MUDDER
Player who can perform well on a bad field or in poor weather.
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NARROW BASE
Describes a player with lean hips and thin thighs and legs for his position -- making it hard for him to generate leverage.
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NICKEL
Situational pass defense featuring five defensive backs.
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NORTH-SOUTH RUNNER
Running back who makes minimal cuts or moves parallel to line of scrimmage.
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ON AN ISLAND
Describes a CB with no safety help; a defender locked in man coverage with no additional support.
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ON THE GROUND
Describes an offensive lineman who can't stay on his feet.
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ON THE HOOF
Initial impression of a player based on first glance.
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ONE-CUT RUNNER
Running back who waits for a hole, cuts into it, then runs full speed downfield with a minimum of other cuts or moves.
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ONE-GAP DT
A DT best suited to a system that allows him to attack one spot on the offensive line instead of two. Most 4-3 teams in the NFL use one-gap prinicples.
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OPENS HIPS
When a defensive back transitions out of a backpedal and into a sprint in coverage.
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OVEREXTENDS
When an O-lineman comes out of his base and lunges for a defensive lineman. A technical flaw.
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OVER-THE-TOP DELIVERY
A QB throwing motion that resembles a baseball pitcher's windup. Such a delivery is slower and less accurate than a standard delivery.
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PAD LEVEL
Height of shoulder pads off the ground while engaged during a play; in general, the lower the better (to maximize balance and leverage).
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PANCAKE BLOCK
A block that knocks the defender off his feet.
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PATIENCE
A RB's ability to wait for a blocking scheme to unfold before attemping to turn a play downfield. A runner with little patience outruns his blockers and runs into defenders before the blockers do.
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PHONE BOOTH
Region extending a yard or two in all directions around an offensive or defensive lineman; the small area on the field on which most of their action takes place.
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PICK AND SLIDE
The ability to see blocks and pick holes as a runner.
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PLAYS OVER HIS PADS
Describes a player who shows good balance by not leaning or lunging too far forward.
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PLAYS THE PIANO
Describes a lineman who does most of his work in the trenches as opposed to up and down the field.
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PLAYS WITH LIGHT HANDS
Has no force with his hand punch; considered a negative for a lineman.
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PLAYS WITHIN HIMSELF
Plays within his ability.
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PLUCKS THE BALL
Describes a player who grabs a pass strongly with his hands, away from his body.
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POCKET PRESENCE
A QB's understanding of what his blockers are doing and how the defense is rushing him, plus the innate sense of when the rush is closing in.
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POINT OF ATTACK
Spot of the field to which a run play is directed.
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POST PATTERN
A passing route in which the receiver sprints 8 to 10 yards, fake, look back at QB, then sprint deep at 45 degrees, the opposite pattern is the flag route. It is called a post pattern because the middle of the field is where the goal posts are found.
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POWER TRAIN
Lower and central body as it relates to football playing strength.
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PRECISION PASSER
A QB with excellent accuracy.
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PRESS COVERAGE
Refers to defensive back lining up on the line of scrimmage.
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PRESSES BLOCKERS
Describes a defender who routinely gets his hands inside his blocker's hands, his center of gravity below the blocker's, and initiates body-to-body contact.
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PREVENT DEFENSE
A defensive strategy that utilizes deep zone coverage in order to prevent a big pass play from happening down field, usually at the expense of giving up yards at shorter distances.
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PRO SET
Offensive formation using two backs, lined up side-by-side 2-3 yards behind the quarterback, with one on either side of the quarterback
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PROGRESSION READS
System most clubs use whereby the QB, in deciding which receiver to throw to, reads defensive keys in a specific sequence, such as beginning downfield and then progressing back toward the line of scrimmage, or vice versa.
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PROJECT
A player who will require substantial practice time before is capable of playing regularly in the NFL.
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PROJECTION PICK
A player who may be selected to play a position other than the one he played in college.
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PURSUIT ANGLE
The path a defender takes to the ball. Good defenders pick a spot on the field where they can realistically make a tackle, then run to it, as opposed to chasing the ballcarrier wildly.
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PUSHES THE PILE
When a running back generates extra yards by shoving through a mass of blockers and defenders at the line of scrimmage.
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QUICK HITTER
Short pass thrown almost immediately after the snap, like a quick hitch.
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QUICK OUT OF BREAKS
Receiver's ability to accelerate out of the cut in his route and make himself available to receive a pass.
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QUICK-TWITCH ATHLETE
Player with superb reaction time.
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RAG DOLL
Blocker who has been tossed aside by a defender.
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RANGE
The amount of ground a defender can cover. Top linebackers and safeties have "sideline-to-sideline" range. Range is a mixture of speed, proper angles and the ability to quickly diagnose plays.
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REACTS TO BAD BALLS
Describes a receiver with a knack for spotting poorly thrown passes and making quick adjustments by slowing, turning his body, adjusting his route, etc.
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READ AND REACT
For defenders: To determine the play then attack, as opposed to attacking at the snap.
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RELEASES OFF LINE
When a receiver avoids getting jammed by a DB, by using footwork to cut past or upper-body strength to out-muscle him.
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REPS
The act of repeating various movements and techniques in practice to hone one's skills.
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ROAD GRADER
Huge O-lineman who can drive his defender backward.
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ROUNDS OFF ROUTES
Describes a receiver who shortens his steps and turns his body slowly when cutting, making it easy for defenders to recognize his pass pattern and follow him.
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RUN THROUGH THE BALL
Catch the ball without breaking stride.
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RUN VISION
A RB's ability to read his blockers and the flow of the defenders to determine where and when holes will open. This requires a combination of patience, experience and instinct.
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RUN-DOWN SPEED
The speed necessary to catch a player from behind.
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RUNS BEHIND PADS
Runs with good form - with a good base, good balance and without overextending.
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RUNS NORTH-SOUTH
Runs toward the goal line rather than laterally.
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RUNS THE TREE
Describes a receiver who uses proper technique on all traditional pass routes (ins, outs, curls, etc.), in contrast to one who ran only deep routes in college.
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RUN-THROUGH LINEBACKER
A linebacker who tends to run through gaps, as opposed to taking on blockers.
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SAM
The strong side outside linebacker
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SCOPE
Refers to an arthroscopy, which is the visual examination of the interior of a joint with a special surgical instrument. It usually involves a shorter recovery time than more invasive surgery methods.
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SCRAPES (AND SIFTS)
When a LB or DB avoids blockers by trying to go around them, in lieu of taking them on directly.
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SECOND GEAR
Ability to accelerate beyond initial level of speed when running downfield or in space.
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SECOND LEVEL
Down the field.
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SECOND-LEVEL BLOCK
Block by an O-lineman on a LB or safety 2-3 yards downfield.
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SEES ENTIRE FIELD
Describes a QB who knows the locations of all his eligible receivers and can read the entire defense, allowing him to find open, nonprimary receivers.
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SELL OUT
To sacrifices one's body.
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SELLS ROUTES
Describes a receiver who routinely fools his defender by, say, making different routes look identical at the start of the pattern.
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SEPARATION
Ability of a receiver to put distance between himself and the defender on a pass pattern.
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SETTING THE EDGE
A defender's ability to set his feet in the ground, sink his hips and anchor against the run.
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SHADED NOSE
A DT who lines up over one of the center's shoulders.
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SHAKE AND BAKE
Quick, elusive moves.
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SHED
To disengage from a blocker.
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SHIFT
When two or more offensive players move at the same time before the snap. All players who move in a shift must come to a complete stop prior to the snap.
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SHORT-AREA BURST
Ability to accelerate within a short distance.
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SINK HIPS
Act of lowering hips to provide proper balance and explosion into breaks (for receivers) or defensive linemen (offensive linemen).
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SLANT
A receiver route. In the slant route, a receiver runs straight up field a few yards, plants his outside foot hard while in full stride, and turns 45 degrees towards the quarterback. A staple of the West Coast Offense(WCO) and the player may go as little as 2 yards or as many as 6 yards before moving inside for the pass. Variations include the quick slant in which the player plants and turns at the snap instead of running ahead first and the Slow or Zone route, in which the receiver runs 10 to 15 yards downfield to get behind the linebackers before turning.
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SLEW FOOTED
Feet point slightly outward.
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SLOBBER-KNOCKER
A particularly gruesome tackle or hit.
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SMALL-AREA PLAYER
A player who is effective only when responsible for a limited area of the field.
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SMASHMOUTH
Physical style of play.
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SPLIT
The distance between the feet of adjacent offensive linemen. Said to be wide, if there is a large gap between players, or narrow, if the gap is small.
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SPLIT END
A player position on offense. A receiver who lines up on the line of scrimmage, several yards outside the offensive linemen. The term is now rarely used in American Football, having been long since replaced by the wide receiver or wideout, with no distinction between whether the receiver is on the line or not.
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SPLITS
The distance between the feet of adjacent offensive linemen. Said to be wide, if there is a large gap between players, or narrow, if the gap is smal
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SQUARES SHOULDERS
When a blocker keeps his shoulders in front of his assignment, allowing him to adjust to whatever move a rusher attempts to make while remaining balanced.
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STACK
For defenders: To engage a blocker head on, using his body to help fill a running lane.
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STACK AND SHED
To take on a blocker, locate the ball and disengage.
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STALK BLOCKER
Receiver adept at running a fake pass route then blocking his defender once that player realizes the play is a run.
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STAY FRONTAL
Stay in front of an opponent.
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STRAFE
Sideways motion of a defender (usually a linebacker) moving laterally while diagnosing a play.
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STRAIGHT-LINE PLAYER
One whose speed is negated by inability to change direction quickly or make sudden moves.
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STRONG SIDE
The side of the offensive line where the tight end is lined up, making for more inline blockers than on the opposite (weak) side.
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STUNT
A tactic used by defensive linemen in which they switch roles in an attempt to get past the blockers. Both defenders will start with power rushes, with the stunting defender getting more of a push. The other lineman will then go around him, ideally using him as a pick to get free from his blocker.
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SUDDENNESS OFF THE EDGE
Combination of acceleration, fluidity and anticipation that allows a pass-rusher to take a step or two into the backfield before his blocker is in position to engage him.
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SUSTAIN BLOCK
To latch onto a defender, keeping him from disengaging.
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SWINGMAN
A player who can play more than one position.
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SYSTEM QB
A QB whose statistics are inflated by playing in a pass-happy offense or whose shortcomings were masked by the type of offense he ran in college.
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THREE TECHNIQUE
A defensive lineman who lines up on the outside shade of the guard or in the "B" gap and is considered to be the centerpiece of a 4-3 defense. The ideal 3-technique is very quick and possesses better than 4.95 speed.
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THREE-QUARTER DELIVERY
A QB throwing motion in which the ball is thrown slightly sidearm, away from the quarterback's helmet. A mechanical flaw that reduces accuracy and touch and makes passes easier to bat down.
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TOP-END SPEED
Long-distance speed (beyond 20-yards).
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TOUCH
A QB's ability to vary the speed and trajectory of his passes.
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TRANSITION
Point at which a DB stops backpedalling and turns to run with his receiver. The best don't lose speed or position in transition.
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TRAP
A basic blocking pattern in which a defensive lineman is allowed past the line of scrimmage, only to be blocked at an angle by a "pulling" lineman. Designed to gain a preferred blocking angle and larger hole in the line.
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TRASH
On-field traffic: Blockers, blocked teammates and fallen players. Good defenders must have the vision and agility to "sift through" trash.
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TRIANGLE NUMBERS
Player's size, speed and strength.
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TRIPS
A formation in which 3 wide receivers are lined up on the same side of the field, with one on the LOS and usually the others flanking the WR one yard off the LOS (as in Slot or Wing, though only one yard off the WR, each way.
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TRUNK STRENGTH
Power in the thighs and glutes.
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TWEENER
A player that plays 2 or more positions because he is a very gifted athlete who could not possess enough size for one position or enough quickness for another.
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TWO-DEEP ZONE
Type of zone coverage in which each safety is responsible for half of the deep portion of the field. This type of coverage requires a safety to have a lot of range so he can cover receivers going to the deep outside of the secondary.
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TWO-GAP
Refers to the ability of the defensive lineman to cover two gaps in the offensive line.
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TWO-GAP DT
A DT best-suited to a defense that requires him to engage his blocker and attempt to control the spaces to his left and his right. Teams like the Steelers and Patriots employ two-gap principles.
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TWO-STEPPER
Player who can get to top speed in two steps.
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UNBALANCED LINE
Usually refers to an offensive formation which does not have an equal number of linemen on each side of the ball. Done to gain a blocking advantage on one side of the formation; typically one tackle or guard lines up on the other side of the ball.
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UNCOVERED
When a player has no opponent lined up directly across from him, such as an outside linebacker when no tight end is across from him.
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UPMAN
During a kickoff, every player on the return team is called an "upman" with the exception of the one or two designated kickoff returners, who stand furthest away from the starting point of the kicking team.
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UPRIGHT BLOCKER
O-lineman who stands erect at the snap instead of bending his knees, widening his feet and getting into proper position. Upright blockers get knocked off balance easily.
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UPRIGHT RUNNER
Player who does not lean forward when carrying the ball, making him easier to hit.
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WAIST-BENDER
O-lineman who bends at the waist instead of the knees when trying to get leverage on his opponent. A major technical flaw.
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WALK OFF ON COVERAGE
Moving outside of his normal position to cover another player; a linebacker will sometimes "walk off on coverage" to cover a running back split wide.
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WALL OFF
To use one's body as a shield, rather than drive blocking through an opponent, to create a wall so the defense can't get through to the ballcarrier.
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WAVE DEFENDER
A defensive lineman who lacks special qualities but has the skills to contribute as an NFL backup.
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WEAK SIDE
The side of the offensive line without a tight end, which contains fewer inline blockers than the opposite (strong) side.
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WHEEL ROUTE
A pass route in which the receiver, often a running back, travels parallel along the line of scrimmage and then takes off up the field.
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WIDE-9 TECHNIQUE
Describes a DE or OLB who lines up one-to-two yards wider than the spot usually occupied by the tight end; a pure speed rusher in the Dwight Freeney mold.
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WILDCAT OFFENSE
An offensive philosophy that dictates that either a quarterback or a running back can receive a direct snap from the snapper; it is often compared to the single wing. The Wildcat creation is attributed to Gus Malzahn (current OC at SEC Auburn University, formerly at Tulsa and Arkansas where he made the formation famous with star backs Felix Jones and Darren McFadden.
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WILL
The weak side linebacker.
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WOOD-HAULER'S BUTT
The opposite of a bubble butt, a backside on an offensive lineman that's flat.
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WORK IN SPACE
To read, react and anticipate well on defense when no blockers are around. Critical ability for weakside LBs in a Cover 2.
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WORK THE EDGES
When a defensive lineman works the fringes instead of attacking straight ahead.
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WORKOUT WARRIOR
Player whose 40-time, weight room results and other measurables are more impressive than his on-field stats.
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X-RECEIVER
Term used in play calling that usually refers to the split end, or the wide receiver that lines up on the line of scrimmage. For example, "Split Right Jet 529 X Post" tells the X-receiver to run a post route.
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Y-RECEIVER
Term usually used in offensive play calling to refer to the tight end. For example, "Buffalo Right 534 Boot Y Corner" tells the Y-receiver to run a corner route.
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ZONE BLITZ
A defensive package combining a blitz with zone pass coverage. Allows the defense to choose the blitzer after the offense shows formation and pass coverage requirements, and features unpredictable blitzes from different linebackers and defensive backs. Invented by coach Dick LeBeau.
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ZONE-STRETCH RUNNER
Running back best suited to a zone-blocking scheme; a RB who can slide along the line of scrimmage, read blocks then cut back into open lanes.
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Z-RECEIVER
A term used in offensive play calling that usually refers to the flanker, or the wide receiver that lines up off the line of scrimmage. For example, "Panther Gun 85 Slant Z Go" tells the Z-receiver to run a go (also called a fly or streak) route.
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