Slant, Screen, and Shotgun: An In-Depth Look at American Football

The NFL is about two months shy of a new season. So what does this imply? It's time to get going! And as custom would have it, getting going comes in the form of informational articles to help you better grasp the game — whether it's watching for fun or even learning how to bet on american football.

There’s already been a short NFL guide on the blog, then a more comprehensive one — and now it’s time for the ultimate deep-dive guide. After reading this, you’ll (almost) fully understand what commentators are saying during broadcasts and what experts are writing on various sites.

The guide is separated into categories and provides an overview of offensive and defensive formations, play combinations, and player positions on the field. And as a little bonus: where feasible, videos have been included to clarify terms better.

In spite of the large size of the text, some terms might be omitted. If you have questions — feel free to post a comment!

Formations

In American football, a formation is the arrangement of players to their positions before a play from scrimmage. Formations can be offensive or defensive formations. Each formation has several positional groupings with strengths and weaknesses. Formations are typically designed for a specific type of play (run or pass), but there are no restrictions.

There are hundreds of formations, as well as sub-variations. To avoid information overload, the most important ones are as follows:

Offensive Formations

I Formation – One of the most well-known formations. The quarterback is close to the center to receive the ball from a direct handoff. Behind the quarterback is a fullback, and behind him is a running back. With fullbacks no longer as common, a variation called Ace or Single Set Back is now used more often, with an extra receiver replacing the fullback.

Typically used for rushing plays, especially on first downs or in the red zone when the gain is less than 5 yards.

• Shotgun – The quarterback lines up 5–7 yards behind the center and takes a snap by toss. A running back is beside him. Most often used for passing plays, but rushing plays are still an option.
• Pistol – Shotgun hybrid. The quarterback is closer to center (3–4 yards), with the running back directly behind. Suitable for runs and passes.
• Wildcat – A running back or receiver replaces the quarterback, and the quarterback moves out wide or off the field. Generally used for running plays and trick plays.
• Empty Backfield – No one lines up behind or beside the quarterback. Five receivers are spread out around the field. Although it screams "pass," run plays can still surprise the defense if the QB holds the ball and exploits space.
• Goal Line Formation – Used in short-yardage situations (1–2 yards to gain), specifically close to the end zone. There are no receivers — only tight ends, running backs, and an extra offensive lineman. It is relying on brute force but can also hide surprise passes.
• Victory Formation – The most favored formation of the offense. The quarterback stands close to the center with three backs in a row behind him. The QB kneels down after the snap to burn time off the clock. Used when the team is leading and only needs to close out the game.

Defensive Formations

• 4-3 Defense – Four linemen, three linebackers, two cornerbacks, and two safeties. A solid balance alignment that is effective against the run and the pass.
• 3-4 Defense – Three linemen and four linebackers. Sacrifices some power for speed and versatility. Makes it harder for the offense to guess which linebacker is blitzing.
• 4-4 Defense – Exchanges a safety for a fourth linebacker. Known as "eight men in the box," it's strong against the run but vulnerable to passes.
• Nickel – Any defense using five defensive backs. Most common variation: four linemen, two linebackers, three cornerbacks, and two safeties. Effective against pass-happy offenses. Sometimes, a third corner is replaced by a strong safety for better run defense.
• Dime – Uses six defensive backs, typically four cornerbacks and two safeties, one linebacker, and four linemen. A pass-defense special formation, used when a pass play is unavoidable.

Plays

There are many kinds of plays for offense and defense. The offense may either run, pass, or fake the defense, and the defense may either play man or zone coverage or blitz the quarterback aggressively. As in formations, let's cover the most common plays.

Offensive Plays

• Dive – A run play where the running back runs straight up the middle, attempting to run through holes opened by the offensive line.
• Toss – The QB pitches the ball sideways to the running back, who runs toward the sideline and looks for open space.
• Draw – A fake play where the offense fakes a pass but instead runs the ball. The QB fakes searching for a pass, then hands the ball off to the running back.
• Play-Action – The opposite of a draw. The QB fakes a handoff, then passes. Designed to get defenders to react to a run.
• Bootleg – The QB fakes a handoff and then runs to the opposite side of the field, often passing while running.
• Quarterback Sneak – The QB takes the snap and dives forward right away. Used in short-yardage situations (1 yard or less).
• Reverse – The ball is handed to a running back and he gives it to a receiver running in the other direction.
• Go Route – A long route where the receiver runs straight down the field. Most effective if the receiver has a speed advantage.
• Post Route – The receiver runs 10–15 yards straight, then cuts very quickly towards the middle of the field. Effective for medium to long passes.
• Out Route – Receiver runs 10 yards straight, then breaks 90° toward the sideline. Typically gets the player running out of bounds.
• In Route – Same as the out route, but the receiver breaks toward the center of the field.
• Slant – Receiver runs a few steps forward, then breaks diagonally across the field. Great for quick, short passes.
• Screen Pass – A pass behind the line of scrimmage. It is designed to exploit aggressive defenses by letting defenders rush in, then passing the ball to a player in the open. Variations include bubble screens with receiver groups and blockers.
• Checkdown – A short (3–4 yard) pass to a tight end or running back when the QB can't find an open receiver. Safe but not very explosive.
• Flea Flicker – A trick play. The QB hands the ball off to the running back, and he laterals it back to the QB, who then throws a deep pass.

Defensive Plays

• Rush – 3–4 defenders attempt to push through the offensive line in order to sack the quarterback or disrupt the play.
• Hurry – The QB manages a pass, but while under pressure and not as planned. Usually results in lower quality throws.
• Knockdown – QB is hit right after he throws. Can still result in a pass but also has the psychological effect of intimidation.
• Blitz – High-pressure play where additional defenders (linebackers or DBs) contribute to the pass rush. Increases chances for a sack but leaves zones vulnerable.
• Man-to-Man Coverage – Each defender covers a specific offensive player.
• Zone Coverage – Defenders cover specific areas of the field, reacting to whoever enters their zone. There are six fundamental zone classifications, depending on how many players drop into coverage. For example, Cover 1 uses one safety in zone, while Cover 4 uses up to six players — three corners and two safeties — to cover deeper zones.