PrometheusFaulk
Starter
- Joined
- May 25, 2013
- Messages
- 618
It was a joke, but it was also true.
Usually on the right side? Don't know if I'd say that. Obviously, it depends on the formation called. X will be lined up in twin, and trips formations, so he's no always alone. At least 7 offensive players must be on the LOS. The X is also called a split end, because he is split out, and on the end of the LOS. The Z is also called a Flanker, and he is traditionally on the TE side, and off the LOS. If a player is on the LOS, outside the TE, then the TE is covered, and not eligible to go out on a route, but you can run a play.
A Y is usually the designation for a TE. H has become a popular term for a TE who is playing in the slot, and off the LOS. Some offenses call the 4th receiver a B, or Bandit, but there are other designations...depends on the offensive system.
The main thing here is that the X plays on the LOS, so he has to be able to beat press coverage. Big and strong helps, but a quick guy can often beat press too. A Z plays off the LOS, so the defender can't line up right on him, and being off the LOS, the Z can go in motion creating more havoc on the defense, because that can change their responsibilities, and coverages right before the snap.
Great description, and far more in depth than the way I presented it.
The only reason I went with the right-left side was an observation of my own to simplify a way of reading it presnap, and obviously is not a rule of thumb, but more times than not something I saw.
I will add that Y can also be a designation for a slot receiver, in the place of a tight end, if the tight end is lining up in-line.