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Creating an article on a topic such is this is challenging. The formations and setups that an offensive could start with offer opportunity for an indefinite amount of potential plays to the creative offensive mind. In order to provide some structure and value to this particular article, I am going to focus on some basic running play terminology and some of the basic pass routes that can be run from most offensive formations.

Running plays are essentially designed for a runner (referred to as the tailback, running back, fullback, halfback, or sometimes the quarterback) to take the football and run through a hole or a crease created by the offensive line. Sometimes, the runner is intended to run around a group of blocks to the outside. There are several basic types of running plays that can be run from most formations:

1) Dive - A dive play is when the quarterback takes the snap from center and immediately turns one direction or another and hands the ball off to a running back. A dive play could be run with the fullback or the back immediately behind the quarterback I-formations, wishbones, or other running sets. The fullback is generally considered the blocking back in running formations. On a dive to the trailing back, known as the tail back, running back, or halfback, the fullback runs in front of the ball carrier to block a linebacker or other defensive player attempting to fill the gap and make the tackle.

2) Trap - A trap play is similar to a dive play only there are unique blocking schemes intended to confuse the defensive line. With a trap, a guard on the offensive line to the opposite side of where the play is run pulls at the snap of the ball and hurries to lead the way for the runner. The challenge for the defense is that an extra blocker is brought over who can surprise an onrushing linebacker or defender who thought he was uncovered.

3) Pitch - A pitch play is a play in which the quarterback takes the snap and turns to the right or left and pitches the ball with one, or generally two hands to a runningback moving in the same direction as the pitch. The intention of this play is to have the running quickly reach the outside of the defensive line.

4) Draw - A draw play is intended to deceive the defensive into believe the offense is going to pass the ball. The quarterback takes the snap and drops back is if preparing to throw. After a brief 'delay' (This play is sometims called a delay), the quarterback either lowers the ball and hands off to the back,

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