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Football is a complex game. On any given play, eleven players from each team square off in an epic struggle for contested territory. From Pop Warner to the National Football League, the intensity changes, but the basic plays remain the same. Basic football plays are divided into two categories: running plays and passing plays.

On a running play, an offensive player attempts to gain as many yards as he can by crossing the line of scrimmage with the football. Running plays are designed to attack specific areas of the defense. A basic inside run is the "Blast". The "Blast" takes its name from the blocking responsibility of the fullback. The "B" and the "L" stand for back on linebacker. The fullback leads the play by engaging a linebacker and the halfback follows him until he sees an opening.

The "Off Tackle" is a run designed to threaten a defense just outside the shoulder of the offensive tackle. This area is significant because it is outside the normal alignment of the defensive lineman, but inside the alignment of the defensive backs. The "Trap" is a play that can be run inside or outside the tackles. "Traps" are different from other runs because of the blocking scheme. On a "Trap", a defender is singled out to be targeted. That player is left unblocked on purpose and allowed to advance up the field. At the last moment, a blocker pulls from the other side of the play and engages that defender. The runner moves in right behind that pulling blocker and heads for daylight.

The "Pitch Out" is designed to get the runner to the perimeter as quickly as possible. The runner takes the pitch and heads outside looking for an opportunity to turn up field. The "Draw" is a special play designed to take advantage of hard charging defenders. The offensive linemen are told to block for a moment, and then release their defenders up the field. The runner takes the ball after the delay and attacks the vacated space.

On a passing play, an offensive player attempts to gain as many yards as he can by throwing the ball to a teammate. Passing plays are designed to attack specific areas of the field with pass patterns. Some patterns are better for fast players while others benefit taller players or quicker players. The basic patterns usually have a complimentary pattern that looks similar, but ends differently.

A "Streak" is designed exactly as it sounds. A receiver runs as fast as he can toward the end zone and the passer tries to deliver the football over his inside shoulder. "Streaks" are good for long gains, but are low percentage passes. A "Curl" is the compliment to the "Streak". The receiver starts out running as fast as he can, convincing the defender that he is running a "Streak", but at the last moment, he turns and curls back toward the line of scrimmage. The passer delivers the ball right as the receiver makes his turn.

On a "Post", the receiver runs up field to a specified distance and then turns toward the goalpost. The passer delivers the ball just after the receiver makes his cut. On a "Corner", the receiver mimics the "Post", but instead of turning toward the goalpost, he turns toward the corner of the end zone. The passer delivers the ball over the receivers outside shoulder. Some teams design plays with a "Post-Corner" option, allowing the receiver to decide which direction is better.

A "Screen" is a special passing play similar to the draw. The offensive linemen block their defenders for a moment and then release them up the field. The receiver sneaks in behind the defenders and catches a short throw from the passer. With the linemen out in front, the receiver is free to maneuver in and out of traffic. When called at the right moment, a "Screen" has the potential to be very successful.

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