The Pro Set is one of the most basic formations you will see. Almost all the pro teas run it at one time or another. It is a balanced offense from which a team can either pass of run.

Positions-

Offensive Line: the offensive lines job is to open holes for runners of protect the quarterback on passing plays. Although O-lines don't get much press, they have got to perform their job or the offense is going nowhere.

C or Center snaps the ball to the QB and then blocks or protects the passer.

RG and LG The Right and Left Guards are posted about a yard away from the center on his right and left sides respectively. The three positions are collectively called interior linemen. Their job is also to open holes for runners and pass protect when its appropriate. On sweep plays Guards often pull or slide down the line and a running back can follow him around either end.

RT and LT The right and the left tackles are key to both the running and passing game. If they can physically dominate the defensive linemen, their team will be able to pass or run with relative ease. There are a whole series of running plays that go off tackle where a tackle is expected to open a running lane for a back. They must also pass protect because they are typically lined up against defensive ends which are usually a defensive teams best pass rushers.

TE or Tight End The Tight End is a special player. Depending on the play, he can either block, run pass patterns or run the ball on an end around. He is the only offensive lineman who is eligible to catch a pass. Whichever side a Tight End lines up on is called the Strong Side because there is an extra blocker on that side. A team can use two tight ends but this is usually reserved for short yardage situations.

Outside Receivers- these receivers are lined up clear of the formation so they can get up to speed and run their pass routes.

WR A team may have one to four receivers lined up on the outside. A team must at the time that the ball is snapped have at least six people on the line of scrimmage, a line from sideline to sideline equal to the position of the ball. WRs can run all sorts of routes from very short yardage to as far as his QB can throw it.

F The Flanker (sometimes called a slot-back, H-back or Split end) may line up on either side of the ball but just off the line of scrimmage. Flankers can go into motion prior to the snap of the ball but their motion must be parallel to the line of scrimmage. Only one offensive player may be in motion at any one time. By moving the receivers around, the offense hopes to trick or confuse the defense and end up with a receiver uncovered.

Offensive Backfield Often called the skill positions, these positions get much of the glory.

QB or quarter back runs the offense. He runs the huddles, calls the plays (usually in communication with the bench), and executes the teams offense. A QB is usually a good athlete because he needs a rich mixture of skills to play the position effectively. He has to be quick, durable, have a strong and accurate throwing arm. He has to be smart because he will need to read the defense instantly and chose his best option given the situation.

HB A halfback is generally considered a speed back. They don't necessarily have to be very big but they need to be quick and agile enough to to get in the running lanes provided by their blockers and get the most yardage out of a play. Ideally a halfback has a mixture of speed, agility, balance and power. They also need to be able to catch the football as many offenses use their backs as additional receivers.

[FB] The Fullback is a big, strong running back who job is to run for short yardage, block for the Half back and protect the QB from blitzing linebackers. It's not a very glorious job but if it is done poorly, the running and passing games will suffer. Full backs are sometimes used as outlet receivers when everyone else is covered so good hands is a vital skill for the position.

What can we tell just looking at this formation?

1. It is a strong right formation meaning that the tight end is lined up on the right side of the formation.

2. The flanker is in close to the tight end on the right side creating something of an overload. There will be extra blockers or receivers on that side.

3. the HB is on the left side of the formation and the fullback is on the right.

This is the kind of formation that gives defensive coordinators fits. The offense can either pass or run out of this formation. They can run a tradition pitch sweep type play around the right side with the FB, TE and Flanker blocking for the halfback.

They can also run a quick pass on the right outside short zone and try to split the defense.

The formation is versatile enough to keep the defense guessing.

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Next: the I-Formation, the Shotgun, single-back sets and short yardage.