Football is a complex sport with various positions, each playing a vital role in the success of a team. One such position is the offensive guard (OG or G), which often goes unnoticed by casual fans but is essential for the team’s offensive strategy.
Here we look at the responsibilities, skills, and importance of the offensive guard in football.
The Role of the Offensive Guard
The offensive guard is a position in American football that is part of the offensive line.
The offensive line consists of five players, including two guards, two tackles, and a center.
The primary responsibility of the offensive guard is to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the running back.
Let’s delve deeper into the specific tasks and duties of an offensive guard:
1. Pass Protection
One of the primary responsibilities of an offensive guard is to provide pass protection for the quarterback.
When the quarterback drops back to pass, the offensive guard must prevent defensive players from reaching the quarterback and disrupting the play.
They use their strength, technique, and agility to block opposing defensive linemen and linebackers, creating a pocket of protection for the quarterback.
2. Run Blocking
Another crucial role of the offensive guard is run blocking. They work in tandem with the other offensive linemen to open up running lanes for the running back.
The offensive guard must quickly identify the defensive alignment and execute their blocking assignment accordingly.
This involves engaging with defensive linemen, driving them backward, and creating gaps for the running back to exploit.
3. Pulling and Trapping
Offensive guards are often required to pull or trap, which means they move laterally or diagonally to block defenders at the point of attack.
Pulling is when the offensive guard moves from their original position to block a defender on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage.
Trapping is when the offensive guard blocks a defender while another offensive lineman takes over their original position.
These techniques are used to confuse the defense and create opportunities for successful running plays.
4. Communication and Coordination
The offensive line, including the offensive guard, must work together as a cohesive unit.
This requires effective communication and coordination to identify defensive schemes, make adjustments, and execute blocking assignments.
The offensive guard plays a vital role in this process by relaying information to their teammates, ensuring everyone is on the same page, and making split-second decisions based on the defensive alignment.
Skills and Attributes of an Offensive Guard
Being an offensive guard requires a unique set of skills and attributes.
Here are some of the key qualities that make a successful offensive guard:
1. Strength and Power
An offensive guard needs to possess exceptional strength and power to engage with defensive linemen and drive them backward.
They must be able to hold their ground against powerful defenders and create leverage to control the line of scrimmage.
2. Agility and Quickness
While strength is crucial, an offensive guard also needs to be agile and quick on their feet.
They must be able to move laterally or diagonally to execute pulling or trapping techniques effectively.
Additionally, agility helps them adjust their blocking assignments based on the movement of the defense.
3. Technique and Fundamentals
Proper technique and fundamental skills are essential for an offensive guard to succeed.
This includes hand placement, footwork, body positioning, and leverage.
Good technique allows the offensive guard to gain an advantage over the defender and maintain control throughout the play.
4. Football IQ
An offensive guard must have a high football IQ to understand defensive schemes, identify potential blitzes, and make split-second decisions.
They need to be able to recognize and react to different defensive alignments, adjust blocking assignments, and communicate effectively with their teammates.
The Importance of the Offensive Guard
While the offensive guard may not receive as much recognition as other positions, their role is vital for the success of the offense.
Here are some reasons why the offensive guard is crucial:
1. Protecting the Quarterback
The offensive guard plays a significant role in protecting the quarterback from opposing defenders.
By providing pass protection, they create a pocket of safety for the quarterback to operate in, allowing them to make accurate throws and avoid sacks or pressures.
2. Opening Running Lanes
Effective run blocking by the offensive guard is essential for the success of the running game.
They create running lanes by engaging with defenders and driving them backward, allowing the running back to find gaps and gain yardage.
Without proper run blocking, the offense would struggle to establish a ground game.
3. Balancing the Offensive Line
The offensive line must work together as a cohesive unit.
The offensive guard plays a crucial role in balancing the line and ensuring there are no weak points that the defense can exploit.
They provide support to the tackles and center, helping to maintain the integrity of the offensive line.
4. Versatility and Adaptability
Offensive guards need to be versatile and adaptable to different offensive schemes and game situations.
They must be able to adjust their blocking techniques based on the defensive alignment and execute various blocking assignments, such as pulling or trapping.
Their ability to adapt quickly is essential for the success of the offense.
Quenton Nelson breaks down the proper stance and how to pull in the video below (has to be viewed on YouTube due to copyright).
Quenton Nelson Breaks Down Proper Stance, How to Pull, & More! | NFL Film Session
Average Height and Weight of NFL Offensive Guard
In the NFL, offensive guards generally vary in size, but there is an average range for their height and weight.
The following are the average height and weight figures for NFL offensive guards:
- Height: The average height of an NFL offensive guard is typically around 6 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 5 inches (190 cm to 196 cm). However, there are exceptions, as players can be shorter or taller than this range.
- Weight: The average weight of an NFL offensive guard falls within the range of 310 pounds to 330 pounds (141 kg to 150 kg). Again, individual players can weigh more or less depending on their body type and play style.
It’s important to note that these figures are rough averages and can vary based on individual teams, player positions, and personal characteristics.
Additionally, the size and physical attributes of offensive guards can change over time as players go through training programs and adjust their physique to meet the demands of professional football.
Difference Between Offensive Guard (OG) and Offensive Tackle (OT)
Offensive guards and offensive tackles are both positions on the offensive line, but they have distinct roles and responsibilities.
Here are the main differences between offensive guards and offensive tackles:
Position on the line
Offensive guards typically line up on the inside of the offensive line, flanking the center, while offensive tackles line up on the outer edges of the line, next to the guards or sometimes as the outermost lineman.
Pass protection
Offensive tackles primarily focus on pass protection, as they are responsible for blocking edge rushers and protecting the quarterback’s blindside (left tackle for a right-handed quarterback).
They must have the footwork, agility, and strength to handle speedy and powerful defensive ends.
Run blocking
Offensive guards play a significant role in both pass protection and run blocking.
They are responsible for opening up running lanes by engaging with defensive linemen and linebackers.
Guards need strength, leverage, and technique to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage.
Mobility
Offensive tackles need to be more agile and mobile than guards.
They often face speedier pass rushers on the edge, requiring quick lateral movement to mirror their opponents.
Tackles need to maintain balance and body control while engaging with defenders in open space.
Size and body type
Offensive tackles are generally taller and have longer arms compared to offensive guards.
Their height and arm length help them effectively block taller edge rushers and provide a larger barrier for pass protection.
Offensive guards tend to have a stockier build and may possess greater lower-body strength for run blocking.
Blindside protection
The left tackle, as the offensive tackle responsible for the quarterback’s blindside (for a right-handed quarterback), is typically considered more critical than the right tackle.
This is because a quarterback’s vision is often directed towards the right side of the field, making the left tackle’s pass protection crucial.
Versatility
Offensive guards may have more versatility to play either the left or right guard position interchangeably.
On the other hand, offensive tackles are usually designated to either the left or right tackle position due to the distinct challenges and responsibilities associated with each side.
While both offensive guards and offensive tackles are crucial components of the offensive line, their distinct roles, body types, and responsibilities highlight the differences between these two positions.
The tackle position often demands greater athleticism and pass-blocking prowess, while the guard position requires strength and versatility for both run and pass blocking.
What Is Pulling and Trapping?
Pulling and trapping are two common techniques used in football for offensive linemen, particularly guards and tackles, to create opportunities in the running game.
Here’s a brief explanation of each technique:
Pulling
Pulling is a technique where an offensive lineman, typically a guard or tackle, leaves their original position on the line and moves laterally to block a defender at a different location.
The lineman “pulls” from their initial spot and often leads the way for the ball carrier around the edge or through a specific gap.
When executing a pull, the lineman must quickly move laterally, maintain their balance and body control, and locate the target defender to engage and block them effectively.
Pulling can be executed to the left or right side of the line, depending on the play design and blocking scheme.
Trapping
Trapping is a technique where an offensive lineman, usually a guard, releases their initial blocking assignment and moves to block a defender in a different area.
The purpose of trapping is to create a lane or opening for the ball carrier by surprising and overwhelming a specific defender.
In a trap play, the offensive lineman will allow a defensive lineman or linebacker to penetrate the line of scrimmage, while the trapping lineman quickly moves to block that defender from the side or back.
This allows the trapped defender to be effectively neutralized or pushed out of the play, creating a running lane behind them.
Trapping requires good timing, coordination with other offensive linemen, and the ability to quickly diagnose and react to the defensive alignment.
It can be an effective strategy to counter aggressive defensive linemen or linebackers.
Both pulling and trapping techniques require offensive linemen to have good agility, quickness, and the ability to make accurate blocks while on the move.
These techniques are often used to add variation and complexity to the running game, create misdirection, and exploit defensive weaknesses.
Difference Between Offensive Guard (G) and Center (C)
Here are the main differences between offensive guards and centers:
Position on the line
The center is the player who snaps the ball to the quarterback to initiate each play.
They line up directly over the ball and are positioned in the middle of the offensive line.
Offensive guards, on the other hand, line up on either side of the center.
Snapping the ball
The center has the critical responsibility of accurately snapping the ball to the quarterback.
They must have a strong and consistent snap, delivering the ball to the quarterback in a precise manner, whether in shotgun or under center formations.
Blocking assignments
Offensive guards and centers have different blocking assignments based on the play call.
Centers are primarily responsible for engaging with the defensive nose tackle or interior linemen in both run and pass blocking situations.
Guards, on the other hand, typically block the defensive tackles, linebackers, or defensive ends, depending on the play design.
Communication and line calls
Centers often take on the role of the primary communicator on the offensive line.
They are responsible for making line calls, which involve communicating blocking assignments and adjustments to the rest of the offensive line based on the defensive alignment.
Centers must have a deep understanding of the offensive scheme and be able to quickly process information to make the appropriate line calls.
Size and body type
Centers are typically slightly smaller in size compared to offensive guards.
They are often more compact and possess good core strength to handle the physical demands of snapping the ball and engaging with larger defensive linemen.
Guards tend to have a more robust and powerful build, focusing on both run and pass blocking duties.
Movement and agility
Centers need to be quick and agile to execute the snap and then transition into blocking.
They often need to reach or combo block with the guards or make pulls and lead blocks on run plays.
Guards also require mobility and agility, but their assignments usually involve less lateral movement compared to centers.
Leadership and understanding of the offense
Centers play a crucial leadership role on the offensive line.
They must have a deep understanding of the offense, including the playbook, blocking schemes, and adjustments.
Centers work closely with the quarterback, ensuring a smooth exchange and providing guidance and support in identifying defensive alignments and adjustments.
While both offensive guards and centers are essential to the success of the offensive line, their distinct roles, responsibilities, and physical attributes differentiate them.
The center’s primary responsibility lies in the snap and making line calls, while offensive guards focus on blocking assignments, pass protection, and run blocking.
FAQs – What Does the Offensive Guard Do in Football?
1. What is the role of an offensive guard in football?
The offensive guard’s primary role is to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the running back.
2. How does an offensive guard protect the quarterback?
An offensive guard protects the quarterback by providing pass protection, blocking opposing defensive linemen and linebackers to create a pocket of protection.
3. What is run blocking, and how does an offensive guard contribute to it?
Run blocking involves creating running lanes for the running back.
The offensive guard engages with defenders, drives them backward, and opens up gaps for the running back to exploit.
4. What are pulling and trapping techniques used by offensive guards?
Pulling is when the offensive guard moves from their original position to block a defender on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage.
Trapping is when the offensive guard blocks a defender while another offensive lineman takes over their original position.
5. How important is communication and coordination for an offensive guard?
Communication and coordination are crucial for the offensive line, including the offensive guard.
They help identify defensive schemes, make adjustments, and ensure everyone is on the same page.
6. What skills are necessary for an offensive guard?
An offensive guard needs strength, power, agility, quickness, technique, fundamentals, and a high football IQ to succeed in their role.
7. Why is the offensive guard important for protecting the quarterback?
The offensive guard creates a pocket of protection for the quarterback, preventing defenders from reaching them and disrupting the play.
This allows the quarterback to make accurate throws and avoid sacks or pressures.
8. How does the offensive guard contribute to the running game?
The offensive guard’s run blocking creates running lanes for the running back, allowing them to find gaps and gain yardage.
Without effective run blocking, the offense would struggle to establish a ground game.
9. What is the role of the offensive guard in balancing the offensive line?
The offensive guard provides support to the tackles and center, helping to balance the offensive line and prevent the defense from exploiting weak points.
10. Why do offensive guards need to be versatile and adaptable?
Offensive guards need to adapt to different offensive schemes and game situations.
They must adjust their blocking techniques based on the defensive alignment and execute various blocking assignments, such as pulling or trapping.
11. How does an offensive guard contribute to the success of the offense?
The offensive guard’s role in protecting the quarterback, opening running lanes, balancing the offensive line, and adapting to different situations is crucial for the success of the offense as a whole.
12. Can an offensive guard score touchdowns?
While it is rare, offensive guards can score touchdowns if they recover a fumble or catch a lateral pass behind the line of scrimmage.
13. Are offensive guards eligible to catch passes?
Offensive guards are not typically eligible receivers, meaning they cannot catch forward passes.
However, they can catch lateral passes behind the line of scrimmage.
14. Can an offensive guard play other positions on the offensive line?
While offensive guards primarily play at the guard position, they can also play as tackles or centers if needed.
However, each position requires specific skills and techniques.
15. How does the offensive guard contribute to the overall success of the team?
The offensive guard’s performance directly impacts the success of the offense, which, in turn, affects the team’s overall performance.
Their ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes significantly influences the team’s ability to score points and control the game.
Summary
The offensive guard is a crucial position in football, responsible for protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for the running back.
They contribute to the success of the offense by providing pass protection, executing run blocking techniques, and maintaining communication and coordination with their teammates.
The offensive guard’s strength, agility, technique, and football IQ are essential for their role.
While often overlooked, their contributions are vital for the overall success of the team.
