The defensive line tries to keep their initial configuration (even spacing without gaps) while also preventing any members of the opposing offensive line from effectively engaging the linebackers who pursue down the ball carrier. The defensive tackles are generally the team's most adept run defenders. They're usually the biggest players on the line, and they need to be because they often work alone against double teams from the guards and centers of the opposing offense. Despite this, a DT can still make some plays from behind the line of scrimmage, using his size and strength to shed blockers.
The 3-4 defense requires that each member of the line play a different role based on his position. For example, one player may be responsible for standing up against the run by the quarterback, while another player will be tasked with stopping the pass. Both players would then be involved in the action during a play. A lot can happen in between snaps so it's important that the linemen stay focused on what they're supposed to be doing at all times.
In the 4-3 defense, one player is typically assigned to stop the run while another player focuses on passing situations. This prevents either player from being forced into taking a non-existent free role on the field.
The line is usually coached together as a unit. That's why it's such an important part of any football team.
A football team's defensive line is made up of the biggest and strongest players on the pitch. The defensive linemen maintain the line as if they were in the trenches, battling offensive lineman play after play. The defensive tackles line up in the center, while the defensive ends line up on either side of the tackles. Each player on the line has a specific role to fill. For example, the nose tackle is responsible for taking on two- or three-point stances directly across from the opposing center. He then uses his size and strength to control the center who tries to block him. The other defensive linemen are assigned specific tasks based on their positions. For example, the 3-4 defense requires that each player be able to drop back into coverage if needed.
The term "D" stands for "defensive" because these players are in charge of defending the goal line and preventing their opponents from scoring.
There are several ways a defense can achieve this goal. They can use their size to intimidate opponents by standing over them when they pass, they can use their speed to get into the backfield before the ball is snapped, or they can cover their opponents very well. A defense that does all of these things well is said to have good "pass coverage" skills. They can also stop the run by playing the ball outside where there is less resistance. A defense that does this well is called good at stopping the run.
The D-line positions are as follows: Defensive Tackle (DT): There are two defensive tackles on the team. The DTs guard the inside of the line. They attempt to fill the A and B gaps (areas between the center and the offensive tackles). On defense, they are usually the most important players.
Defensive End (DE): There are two defensive ends on the team. They often rush the passer from either the left or right side, but can also come from behind the line. In fact, three of the four DE positions are referred to as "underside" defenders because they get so close to the line of scrimmage. They try to beat their opponents' outside linebackers to the ball and force them back into the pocket.
Outside Linebacker (OLB): There are two outside linebackers on the team. One plays on the left side, while the other plays on the right side. They both play in the open field, but they are typically assigned to cover different receivers. One will usually cover the tight end or running back if they have the ball, while the other covers the opposite side of the field.
Inside Linebacker (ILB): There is one inside linebacker on the team. He tends to drop back into coverage more than the other D-linemen. However, he does take on a role at the point of attack.
Defensive backs, sometimes known as "secondaries," play either behind the linebackers or to the sidelines. They are typically referred to by position names such as "right cornerback", "left cornerback", "safety", "strong safety", and "free safety". Although the positions are defined primarily by where they line up on the field, some secondary players may be assigned to cover opponents' receivers even when they are playing within the defensive backfield.
The term "secondary" itself comes from the old school football terms for the two groups of players that competed against each other: the "backfield" and the "sideline crew." Today, those terms have fallen out of use but the secondary positions have remained the same since early in the history of American football.
In modern NFL defenses, the secondary consists of a combination of defensive backs and linebackers. Each member of the secondary plays both coverage responsibilities; however, some players may be more comfortable with one technique over the other.
For example, a left cornerback might have an advantage using his speed to break up passes while a right cornerback would be better off relying on his physicality to stop receivers short of the sideline. Both roles are important in ensuring that no opposing receiver gets open long enough to make a big play.
Line. The ball is considered to be struck down the "line" when it travels from one team to the other down the same sideline. This word may also be used to refer to the defender who is closest to the same line as the attacker. For example, if there are two defenders on the court, then they are both lines away from the attacker.
The lines are those boundary markings that divide the court into three equal areas. Each side has one goal, which is to get the ball over the opposite net for a point. A player can score from anywhere on the court, but he or she must be within the line to do so.
There are five common lines on a volleyball court: backboard-frontboard, midcourt, out-of-bounds front, out-of-bounds back, and center line. These divisions help judges call penalties and mark personal touches. For example, if a player hits the floor with the ball at midcourt, then the action will stop until either team gets the ball back in play or the game goes into overtime.
During live games, referees usually announce which line was hit down by the ball during subsequent free throws. This allows players to adjust their strategy based on how far down the court the ball went.