Guard

Guards line up on either side of the center (left guard and right guard) and are the engine of the interior run game. They drive defensive tackles off the ball, combo-block up to linebackers, and — more than any other lineman — pull: leaving their stance to run down the line and lead-block on power, counter, and sweeps. The guard is where a coordinator hides his nastiest finisher.

In pass protection, guards wall off interior rushers and pick up blitzing linebackers and stunts up the middle. Because the interior is short-area and violent, guards trade a little of the tackle's height for power and quickness in tight space — they win with leverage, hand strength, and the ability to move a man off the spot.

What the guard does

• Drive-block and combo-block defensive tackles in the run game.
• Pull to lead-block on power, counter, and sweeps.
• Anchor against interior rushers and pick up blitzes/stunts in pass pro.
• Climb to linebackers on combo blocks.

Traits that matter

• Power and leverage in short-area, interior collisions.
• Athleticism to pull and finish on a moving target.
• Hand strength and a nasty finish.
• Recognition of interior stunts and twists.

How big is a guard?

Guards are typically a touch shorter and just as heavy as tackles — roughly 6'2"–6'5" — built for power. See the measurables table for size by level.

How the job is coached

Key terms for the guard

Pull

When a lineman leaves his stance and runs along the line of scrimmage to lead-block on a sweep, power, or counter.

Trap block

When a backside lineman pulls and blocks a playside defender at an unexpected angle, "trapping" him.

Combo block

Two linemen briefly working together on a single defender before one releases to the next level.

Power

A gap run scheme with a pulling guard and a lead blocker hitting downhill through the hole.

Counter

A gap run scheme with a pulling guard going opposite the initial backfield flow to misdirect the defense.

Position questions

What does a guard do in football?

The offensive guard lines up next to the center and is the power of the interior line — driving defensive tackles in the run game, pulling to lead-block on power and sweeps, and walling off interior rushers and blitzes in pass protection. Guards win with leverage, hand strength, and the athleticism to pull and finish.

What is the difference between a guard and a tackle?

Guards play inside (next to the center) and win with power and short-area quickness, pulling and finishing in tight space. Tackles play on the edge, are usually taller and longer, and handle speed rushers in pass protection. Guards trade a little height for interior power; tackles trade some power for length and foot quickness.

What makes a good pulling guard?

Footwork, vision, and nastiness. A good pulling guard opens with a clean bucket step, runs flat and tight to the line, finds his block on the move, and finishes a moving target. Pulling guards are the athletes of the interior line.