Given a surge in interest in American football over recent years (with big games even played at Wembley) comes a surge in searches online (2,400 searches a month in Google UK for “American football rules). There’s a surge in interest in betting too with 1,400 searches in Google UKL monthly for “nfl betting,” too. Bonus Blitz no deposit bonus offers are a solid shout for those looking to get in on the NFL betting.
So essentially, interest is at an all time high, but as a population our knowledge on the rules, positions and game play is a little behind.
Let’s unpick that. We’re starting with this piece on the safety position.
The Safety Position in American Football
The safety position in football is one of the most important and difficult roles on the team. Players in the safety football position are the team’s last line of defence, covering the deepest part of the field. The primary responsibility of a safety is to defend against passes and assist in run support. Thus, safeties are versatile players and must show proper flexibility in tactics and strategy during the game.
In the past, the safety was known as the “safetyman”, but over time, in the modern National Football League, the role of the safety has undergone significant changes to meet the demands of a more dynamic game and intense collisions on the field. In the era of the one-platoon system, the free safety was known as the defensive fullback or goaltender, while the strong safety was the defensive halfback.
What does a safety do in football? Regarding the safety position in football, this role includes two main types of players: free safety and strong safety. The free safety specialises in pass defence and plays deep in the defensive field, watching the quarterback and keeping an eye on the ball. The strong safety is closer to the line of scrimmage, helping to defend against runs and covering tight ends or running backs. Both types of safeties must possess good ball skills, quick reactions, the ability to switch rapidly, and a comprehensive understanding of the game.
Free Safety vs Strong Safety: Differences and Key Features
The free safety is usually faster and more agile than the strong safety, as their primary duty is pass defence. A player in this position must closely monitor the quarterback and the ball to intercept a potential pass in time or prevent a long throw. Therefore, for a free safety, sharp vision and the ability to scan the alignment of forces in the offense on the go and adjust to it accordingly are essential.
- Key Role: Plays deep in the field, is responsible for covering long passes, keeps an eye on the quarterback, and tries to intercept the ball when possible.
- Preparation Features: Speed and lightning-fast reaction, agility and interception skills, and the ability to analyse the game quickly in progress.
- Tactics and Strategy: Plays in the deep field, supports defence against long passes, and rarely participates in close combat.
The strong safety is usually stronger and bigger than their counterpart, the free safety. The strong safety is usually positioned closer to the line of scrimmage and supports the team in defending against runs and covering tight ends and running backs. The strong safety combines the roles of a defender and a linebacker, making him a versatile player with diverse responsibilities. Their hybrid role requires significant physical preparation and versatility.
- Key Role: Plays closer to the line of scrimmage, is responsible for covering tight ends, assists in defending against short-distance runs, and performs the role of a linebacker.
- Preparation Features: Serious physical training and wrestling skills, the ability to bring down opponents, and proficiency in playing near the line of scrimmage.
- Tactics and Strategy: Mainly participates in close combat, tackles opponents, plays in both zone and man-to-man defence, and provides support against runs.
Thus, the main differences in the football safety position lie in the fact that the free safety plays deep, while the strong safety is closer to the line of scrimmage. Due to the tactical and strategic features of these roles, the strong safety requires more physical excellence and strength, while the free safety needs speed and agility.
Tips for Playing the Safety Position in Football
How to play safety in football effectively? To play the safety position successfully, you need to follow these recommendations:
- Learn to analyse the game: Practise reading manoeuvres and tactics of the offense, and timely recognise the schemes and plans of the quarterback.
- Train speed and strength: Develop agility, speed, and physical strength intensively to cover space effectively and engage with opponents. Improve your reflexes and reaction time to quickly respond to changes on the playing field and switch rapidly when the situation changes.
- Play in the zone and man-to-man coverage: Hone your skills in both zone and man-to-man defence. Regularly practise interception and ball-return skills.
- Develop versatility: Find a balance between aggressive play and tactical thinking, and play smartly but aggressively when necessary. Learn to play various defensive positions to show flexibility in the game or step in as a substitute if needed.
- Discipline and communication: Communicate with the coach and teammates, help adjust schemes and setups, and discuss tactics and strategies together. Also, study recordings of past games to identify the weaknesses and strengths of your opponents in a timely manner.
