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American football is a fun and action-packed game, and while some may balk at trying to play for physical skills reasons, in reality there are so many positions that there’s literally something for everyone. For instance, a slow runner? Read below, we have a position for you.
The best position in American football for slow players would be the kick holder. However, since that player usually plays another position and only holds balls part-time, we would have to say the center on the line of scrimmage is the top spot for slower-footed players.
Why the kick holder and center? Read on. Football has players who run freely all the time all over the field; and also linemen who basically push each other fiercely with every play but do little sprinting.
On the Football Kick Holder
Not really an official position, but if a team had space on a roster for a kick-holding specialist, this is the prime spot for slow players.
This player receives the ball from the center on field goals and point-after-touchdown attempts, then places the ball on the ground and skillfully holds the ball upright in a vertical position so the kicker can then boot it forward. After that, he just watches the ball sail toward the uprights.
However, there are times when kick holders must stand up and run. These would include on blocked kicks, to help teammates tackle an opponent, and trick plays like fake kicks.
Almost all the time on every American football team, the kick holder primarily plays another position, and the kick holding is a secondary, extra duty. Teams just can’t afford to waste a roster spot for someone on the field only briefly and sporadically.
Now, on to the true best football position for slow players.
About the Center Position in American Football
At the beginning of play, the center of attention is on, well, the center. This position means being the first player to touch the ball, bending down to hold it on the ground, and then snapping it between his legs to the quarterback to initiate action.
The between the legs part seems rather silly, but after snapping the center must join the rest of the linemen in executing a called play to help the quarterback or ball carriers move the ball forward in open space. He could choose to stand sideways to hand the ball to the quarterback; but then he would be in an awkward position to block. Hence, between the legs.
Being fast would be an asset for the center for some plays, but the center is rarely called upon to pull left or right to lead a charge on sweeping running plays (more on pulling blocks below).
Aside from offensive line pull plays, after snaps the center usually plunges forward to push or block the defender closest. Sometimes that’s a nose guard line up right in front, or defensive guards who start slightly left or right. Usually the action is brief and he doesn’t move far from the snap point.
Usually on every play the center is called to immediately push one way or another, along with the rest of the line, in plays designed to overwhelm the defense on one side of the ball.
Ranking of Other Positions in American Football for Slow-Running Players
Nose guard
The center of the defensive side of the line of scrimmage.
Guard
Plays immediately left or right of the center or nose guard.
Tackle
Starts immediately left or right of the guard.
Kicker or Punter
The main job is to kick, but after the boot is expected to help teammates stop whoever caught the ball.
Every other position on American football gridirons require at least decent foot speed. Wide receivers and cornerbacks, and sometimes a running back, are usually the fastest players on any team.
About Pulling Offensive Lineman in American Football
A pulling offensive lineman is a player who, for specific plays, pulls off the line, or away from the line of scrimmage and defenders, instead of instantly pushing forward as in most plays.
This lineman then runs laterally along the line, behind his blocking teammates, to get to a certain spot on the field where he is expected to help get in the way of (block) defenders and help ball carriers get to open grass to gain yardage.
While all offensive linemen could be used in pull plays, the center is rarely asked to do so, because of his tricky spot in the center on the line, but mainly because coaches would rather have him focus on snapping balls cleanly to the quarterback consistently and repeatedly, than on special blocking assignments.
Offensive guards and tackles are the usual suspects, on these plays like the power play, sweep, and pin plays.
These lineman are usually specifically selected to participate in these plays because they are swift afoot ~ and can outrun defenders not far behind since they were not blocked at the line.