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the ball.

Screen Pass - This is similar to the forward pass, but instead of throwing the ball down the field, the receiver or running back will move to the sides of the field behind the line to receive the pass. Usually another player will run in front of the player who received the ball to block would-be tacklers. Like the sweep/toss running play, because the action is out to the sides, usually there are fewer defenders there, but also like the sweep/toss, since the play is parallel to the line, it gives defenders a chance to adjust and pursue the receiver.

Play-action Pass - This is a passing play which initially looks like a running play. After receiving the snap, the quarterback pretends to give the ball to the running back. This makes the defense start to pursue the wrong player and may allow a receiver to not be defended. The quarterback then looks for an open receiver to throw to. If he "sells" the run well, chances are good that a receiver is wide open. However, if not executed well, since this play takes time to develop, the quarterback may be tackled for a loss.

If you have a working knowledge of these plays, you will understand about 90% of the offensive football plays in any given game, and hopefully you will have a deeper appreciation for the game and not just see it as a bunch of big guys running into each other.

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