Information AboutQuarterback |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT QUARTERBACK | |
| american football positions | |
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quarterback Aaron Polanco sets up to throw.]] A quarterback ('''QB''') is a position in American and Canadian Football . Quarterbacks are members of the Offensive Team and line up directly behind the Center , in the middle of the Offensive Line . A quarterback is usually the leader of the offensive team, and initiates most plays. In addition, the quarterback is responsible for calling the signals before most plays. The term quarterback has its origin in Scottish Rugby , wherein backfield players, according to their customary distance behind the forwards, were designated "quarter back" (i.e. ¼ of the way back), "halfback", and "fullback". Eventually in rugby the English-Irish nomenclature prevailed, with halfback, three-quarters back, and fullback; in some places, notably New Zealand , the term "five-eighths back" is used as well. As of 2007, players in this position have won more Super Bowl MVP awards than any other position. SPECIAL TACTICS If quarterbacks are uncomfortable with the formation the defense is using, they may call an audible to change their play. For example, if a quarterback receives the call to execute a running play, but notices the defense is ready to Blitz , the quarterback may want to change the play. In order to do this, the quarterback will yell a special code, like “Blue 42” or “Texas 29”, which informs the offense to switch to a specific play or formation. Also, quarterbacks can "spike," or throw the football at the ground, in order to stop the official game clock. For example, if a team is down by a field goal with only seconds remaining, a quarterback may spike the ball in order to prevent the game clock from running out. This usually allows the field goal unit to come onto the field, or attempt a final " Hail Mary Pass ". However, if a team is winning, a quarterback can keep the clock running by kneeling after the snap. This is normally done when the opposing team has no timeouts and there is little time left in the game, as it allows a team to burn up the remaining time on the clock without risking a turnover or injury. CHANGING ROLES Calling the plays Traditionally, quarterbacks have been responsible for calling the team’s offensive plays based on the Defense’s formation, or game situation. In order to choose the proper play, quarterbacks will often spend time rehearsing and studying pre-arranged plays during their team’s practice sessions. The actual play starts with a “snap”, an action where the offense’s center lineman gives the ball to the quarterback. A quarterback who receives the ball has the option either to throw it to a receiver, to hand it to a Running Back or to keep the ball in an attempt to run or “scramble” past the defense. In recent years, the rise of Offensive Coordinator s have promoted a partiality towards a scripted game plan. The offensive coordinators and coaches will usually give the quarterback information via a built-in headphone in the helmet as to what to do before the play. Quarterbacks are allowed to talk to their coaches until there are fifteen seconds left on the play clock.Mayer, Larry, When does radio communication get cut off? (August 15, 2007), chicagobears.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2007. The quarterback will then relay the information to teammates and execute the plays. When the players are set in a formation, the quarterback will start the play by calling out a code word, a number or a combination thereof. uses his mobility to elude a defender at the NFL's 2006 Pro Bowl ]] Dual threat quarterbacks With the rise of several blitz heavy defensive schemes, the importance of a mobile quarterback has been redefined. While arm power and accuracy are still the most important quarterback virtues, the ability to elude or run past defenders creates an additional threat, that allows greater flexibility in the team's passing game. SEE ALSO REFERENCES EXTERNAL LINKS
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