How to Follow an Offense in Football by Watching the Guards

By watching the movement of the guards, you can guess what the quarterback will do with the ball. But be careful, as guards will often mask the play to trick the defense into a bad position.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Read the guards to let you know if the play will be a run or a pass.

2. See the guards pushing forward, 'firing' off the ball, and the play is likely a run.

3. Observe the guards back-pedaling and they are likely forming a cone around the quarterback to give him a protective pocket from which to pass.

4. Watch the guards moving laterally and they could be running a 'trapping scheme' to stop a big or aggressive defensive lineman, or they could be running a play action to open up a hole for a running back, a lateral pass, or a down-field bomb.

5. Spot a guard 'pulling back' from the line and he'll likely move laterally to sideswipe another tackle who thinks he's got a clean shot at the ball.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of trick plays that will lure linebackers into the wrong position and cause a safety to overcommit. One such play is the popular "reverse" (see Related eHows).