Running game
In American football , the running moves , called rush or run, are one of two possibilities for the offense to gain space in addition to passing moves . After the snap, the ball is usually handed over to a ball carrier ( running back ). He can then run with the ball until it is tackled , runs out of the field or scores. A distinction is made between:
Dive
Describes a run in which the ball carrier runs through the middle of the formation, e.g. B. between center and guard . These moves are usually quick and easy to play and usually gain "a few" yards of space. Depending on the strength of the offense or defense, it can also be significantly more or less.
Offtackle
Describes a run in which the ball carrier does not run straight through the offensive line , but walks past the last player on the line, the offensive tackle, on the left or right outside.
Sweep / Stretch / Toss
Describes a run in which the ball carrier runs past the formation far outside. Because the ball carrier has to run a long distance parallel to the line of scrimmage and thus has not gained any space, the quarterback often throws the ball instead of handing it over. This is called a pitch or toss. This saves time, because the ball carrier can start running immediately after the snap and does not have to wait for the quarterback.
Quarterback Rush
If the quarterback can not find a pass station, he can run forward with the ball himself. Such a move is rather unusual because the quarterback is tackled very often and hard.
literature
American football. The official rules. Things worth knowing from A – Z , Falken-Verlag 2000, ISBN 3-8068-1673-5 .
