There are many different formations, or sets, teams use both on offense and defense. Some of the basic and most common and shown below.

On offense, teams use different formations in certain situations. If they need to pass, offenses use more receivers. If they like to run they can use more blockers. Teams select the best formation that suit their team's players.

On defense, team use formations to suit their needs. If they like to blitz and be aggressive they use more linebackers. If they think the offense is going to pass, they use more defensive backs.

Below are some of the common formations, or sets, team use. Next time you watch football, see if you can identify the different ones by name.

Formations

Offense

Pro Set
This is a basic set that most team use. Teams can either pass or run from this set.
```
WR LT  LG  C  RG  LT  TE 
	   QB  		WR
  
	RB       FB
```
Three Wide Receivers
Used when the offense wants to pass or spread out the defense.
```
WR LT LG C RG RT  WR 
	 QB  		WR

	RB      FB
```
Two Tight Ends
The extra tight end is used for adding another blocker.
```
TE  LT  LG  C RG  RT  TE 
	   QB  		WR

	 RB      FB
```
I Formation
This is a power running set. The full back blocks for the running back. The running back is back behind the quarterback about seven yards and gets a head start running.
```
WR LT LG C RG RT TE WR

	 QB  

	 FB



	 RB
```
Wishbone
This is a set that is used by college teams. Three running backs can carry the ball. Teams like to run the option play from this set.
```
WR LT LG C RG RT TE

	QB

	FB

      RB  RB
```

Defense

4 - 3
This is a basic defensive set. The 4 means four linemen and the 3 means three linebackers.
```
   DE   DT   DT   DE 
CB	LB MLB  LB	CB


  SS
            
                     S
```
3 - 4
This is a set where you have three lineman, adding a nose guard, and four linebackers. The linebackers like to blitz from this formation.
```
CB       DE    NG     DE   CB

OLB    LB      LB         OLB

            SS
		
                             S
```
Nickel
The defense adds an extra defensive back called the nickel back. Its is used when the defense expects a pass but is ready for the run.
```
CB   DE   DT   DT   DE  CB

	NB  LB	  LB

    			SS
	
      S
```
5 - 2
Defenses use this to stop the run. An extra lineman is added. Now the defense has five lineman and two linebackers.
```
CB       DE   DT   NG   DT     DE      CB

            LB            LB         SS

                 S
```
Six Backs or Dime
Defenses use this is obvious passing situations. Two extra defensive backs are added, a nickel back and a dime back.
```
CB     DE        NG       DE      CB

   NB   LB 	  LB DB

       SS
		
S
```

There are many different kicks in a game. The game starts with a kickoff or free kick. On fourth down teams usually punt. This is another type of kick. After a team scores they kick an extra point. Teams can try field goals to get three points. These two have similar formations. Below is a formation for extra point/field goal and punt.

Most team use the quarterback and the holder for the kick. He takes the snap from the center and places the ball on a tee or ground. The kicker then kicks the ball. IF the snap is bad the holder yells FIRE and the two wide receivers and two tight ends can go out for a pass, or the quarterback can run the ball.

The offense punt the ball to the defense on fourth down when they do not think they can get a first down. A good punter is an effective weapon and can put the opponents way on the other end to the field.

Formations

Formations

Offense

Defense