Short yardage
In American football, “short yardage” means the offensive team has a short distance to travel to get a first down or score a touchdown. The offense uses this expression when they need two yards or less to score. Here are some short yardage components and strategies:
Attacking Strategy
- Goal-line formations emphasize power and leverage to generate yards in short yardage situations.
- These situations may require additional offensive linemen, tight ends, or fullbacks to maximize blocking.
- Play Selection: QB sneaks, fullback dives, and power runs are common.
On defense:
- To stop the run, defenses may use goal-line or other heavy formations with additional defensive linemen and linebackers.
- Personnel: Defensive players may excel in stopping the run and shedding blocks to tackle.
- Tactics: Defenses may “stack the box” with more men to prevent offense yards.
Strategy for Special Teams
Teams may kick a field goal or punt in short yardage circumstances if they doubt they can get a first down or touchdown, especially in crucial games.
Decision-making and execution
Short yardage execution can change a game’s momentum and outcome. These situations evaluate coaches’ and players’ decisions.
In American football, the battle of inches is crucial in short yardage situations. These situations require strategy, people, and execution from offensive and defensive teams.