Quarterback facts for kids

The usual position of the quarterback is in blue

A quarterback (QB) is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offense, or attacking team. They line up directly behind the center, in the middle of the offensive team's line. A quarterback is usually the leader, and starts most plays. In addition, the quarterback gives commands to the other players before the start of a play. A quarterback will in most attacking plays throw the ball to a member of their team, ready to run to the end of the pitch. Quarterbacks may also run the ball themselves, as well as hand the ball to a runningback. These players are usually the faces of their respective teams. Some very notable players at this position in history are Brett Favre, Joe Montana, Peyton Manning and Johnny Unitas.

Special tactics

New York Giants QB Eli Manning throwing in pre-game warmups in 2009. Note how he holds the ball and the position of his legs.

If quarterbacks don't like the formation the defense is using, they may use an audible. An audible is a way for the quarterback to change the play at the line of scrimmage (where players line up to start a play). He changes what the play will be by shouting out things that his teammates will understand. An audible may be called if the quarterback sees how the defensive players are lined up and does not think that the play that has been called would be good against how the defense is lined up.

Images for kids

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  Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Mike Quinn throwing the football

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  Navy quarterback Craig Candeto pitches the ball while running an option-based offense.

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  QB Aaron Rodgers (12) and the Green Bay Packers breaking the huddle.

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  Michael Vick, a member of the NFC team at the NFL's 2006 Pro Bowl, uses his mobility to elude Dwight Freeney.

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  An illustration of a quarterback and center in Spalding's How to Play Foot Ball (1902)

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  Bo McMillin tossing a pass

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  An image of the single-wing formation, a popular formation and offensive scheme created in the early 1900s. Like many early formations, the quarterback did not receive the ball from center, and instead served as a blocking back. In modern football, the single-wing is only used as a primary offense by a small number of high school teams.

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  Steve Spurrier under center.

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  Bob Griese

See also

In Spanish: Quarterback para niños