How to Play Tight End on a Football Team

Last Updated: September 17, 2020

In football, the tight end is a position on the offense who can be used for numerous types of plays. The tight end has to have game smarts, as well as experience on the field. This article will help you play tight end.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:
Blocking

1
Know where to block. In some plays, where the ball is being run by the running back, or the tight end is just not receiving, they will usually be lined up on the offensive line, blocking. Depending on the play, the tight end will block a few different people, but most of the time, it is the defensive end.^{[1]
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2
Know when, and when not to be aggressive. On blocking plays, your job is to keep the pocket open for the quarterback to get rid of the ball, or for the runner to get through the gap. If anyone on the offensive line fails to complete this task, the ball carrier will most likely be taken down.^{[2]
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3
Avoid getting a penalty. While it sounds like you have to try your absolute best to keep the defenders out, don't overdo it. While still blocking, make sure you don't hit too hard, or hold the defender. That will result in a penalty and have your team further back than it was before.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:
Receiving

1
Work on passing. Besides on blocking, the tight end is known for pass receptions. The majority of them are not long passes, but they still do pick up the first down, or get those few extra yards into the end zone.
2
Know your routes. If the other receivers are covered, the quarterback is depending on you to be in the right place, in the right time. Most times, failure to complete routes result in a sack, or the quarterback being overwhelmed by defensive players.
3
Be able to keep the ball. Most people can catch a football, but not all of them can secure it and protect it from being knocked out for an incompletion, or in worse cases, a fumble. If you see an open space after making the reception, go for it. Pick up all the yards you can to get your team further down the field.^{[3]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:
Running

1
Practice running the ball in case it's needed. There are few plays where the tight end runs the ball, but there are some times where it's needed to pick up those last few yards for a conversion. It is better to know how to run the ball, rather than not know how, and get a turnover on the field.
2
Complete the route. Every running play has offensive linemen ordered to keep an open space on the line of scrimmage, or outside the offensive line. If the route tells you to go between the left tackle and left guard, go there. Have trust in your teammates to get the spot open for you.
3
Be able to improvise. Sometimes the linemen fail to provide an open space for you to run the ball. Don't give up and take the tackle behind the line. Be able to recognize another open spot on the line, or make your way through the line.^{[4]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I push someone back without holding?

Community Answer

You can grab them by the shoulder pads and repeat pushing and letting go. Trust me, it works.
Question

How can I remember plays better?

Community Answer

I used to have the same problem. To start, ask your coach for a playbook to study. Once you have acquired that, proceed to make little phrases in your head. For example, on my team there is a play called "Orange 8." In this play, I go straight, so in order to remember it I tell myself, "Orange 8, go straight."
Question

How.do I keep the person I'm blocking from escaping?

Community Answer

Angle your body to push them away from the play. If they run around you after you angle your body, they will have already taken themselves out of the play because it took up too much time to run around.
Question

What if I don't have experience on the field and its my first time?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Everybody had a first time. Keep your eyes and ears open, and ask questions.
Question

How far can a tight end drive his block back without a penalty?

Community Answer

Until the whistle blows. There is no penalty for blocking.
Question

I used to play basketball. How can I be a good tight end?

Community Answer

The best tight ends have all had played basketball. That's why they are good at catching! Practice as much as you can and work with a good coach to be a great tight end.
Question

How do I block someone in football without them being able to sack the quarterback?

Community Answer

One way you can prevent a sack is if you block someone BELOW the pads. I know it sounds like you're cheating but I've done it a million times and it really slows them down. Also, make sure you are in the weight room often, this will build your strength.
Question

Can I have a list of drills that a tight end should do?

Community Answer

As a tight end, you'll want to be doing the same drills as almost all of the other offensive players. You'll need to know how to block, as well as catch passes and run. If you're working alone, agility ladders, box jumps, blocking dummies, etc. would be helpful.
Question

What else can a tight end do besides catching?

Community Answer

Tight ends are more often than not used as pass or run blockers. When they run out to catch a pass, it is often as a decoy. Their size can help them gain yards on short passes, but if you want to become a better tight end, focus on learning how to block and pick up rushers. Protecting the quarterback is your main job as a TE.
Question

Do I need to be fast to be a tight end?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Most tight ends are not especially fast. They can catch short passes, and they're good at blocking.

Warnings

As mentioned before, always stretch before playing. You risk getting yourself an injury if you don't stretch before a practice or game.

Thanks!
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Don't give up. Tight end isn't an easy position to pick up in 15 minutes. It takes hours of practice and experience to get yourself ready for the position.

Thanks!
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