So, you want to know how to play Army football? It’s a game of strategy, power, and teamwork, deeply rooted in the traditions of West Point football. The basic objective is for one team to score more points than the other by advancing a football into the opponent’s end zone or kicking it through their goalposts. This guide will break down the fundamental rules and offer insights into the strategies that make Army Black Knights football a unique and exciting experience.
The Fundamentals: Fathoming the Gridiron
Army football, like all American football, is played on a rectangular field 100 yards long and 53.3 yards wide, with end zones extending 10 yards at each end. Two teams of 11 players face off, aiming to score points. The game is divided into four 15-minute quarters, with a halftime break.
Scoring Points: The Path to Victory
There are several ways to score in football:
- Touchdown (6 points): This is the primary way to score. A touchdown is achieved when a player carries the ball across the opponent’s goal line, or catches a pass while in the opponent’s end zone. After a touchdown, the scoring team gets a chance for an extra point or a two-point conversion.
- Extra Point (1 point): After a touchdown, the scoring team can kick the ball through the goalposts from a designated spot on the field.
- Two-Point Conversion (2 points): Instead of kicking, the scoring team can attempt to run or pass the ball into the end zone from a shorter distance (usually the 2-yard line). This is riskier but yields more points.
- Field Goal (3 points): If a team is within kicking range of the opponent’s goalposts but doesn’t score a touchdown, they can attempt a field goal. The kicker kicks the ball through the uprights.
- Safety (2 points): This occurs when an offensive player is tackled in their own end zone, or commits a penalty in their own end zone. The team that forced the safety gets two points and possession of the ball.
The Flow of the Game: Possession and Downs
The game revolves around possession of the ball. The team with possession is on offense, and their goal is to advance the ball. The other team is on defense, trying to stop them and regain possession.
- Downs: The offense has four “downs” or attempts to advance the ball at least 10 yards. If they succeed, they get a new set of four downs. If they fail to gain 10 yards within four downs, they lose possession of the ball to the opposing team at the spot where the fourth down play ended.
- Line of Scrimmage: This is an imaginary line across the field where the ball is placed before each play. Neither team can cross this line until the ball is snapped.
- Snap: The play begins when the center hikes the ball between their legs to the quarterback or another player.
Key Positions: The Players on the Field
Each player has a specific role. Here’s a look at some key Army football positions:
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Offense:
- Quarterback (QB): The leader of the offense. They call the plays, hand off the ball, or throw passes.
- Running Back (RB): Carries the ball on running plays.
- Wide Receiver (WR): Catches passes.
- Tight End (TE): A hybrid player who can block or catch passes.
- Offensive Line (OL): Protects the quarterback and blocks for running backs. This includes the Center, Guards, and Tackles.
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Defense:
- Defensive Line (DL): Tries to stop the run and pressure the quarterback. Includes Defensive Ends and Defensive Tackles.
- Linebackers (LB): Versatile players who can stop the run, cover receivers, and rush the passer.
- Defensive Backs (DB): Cover receivers and try to intercept passes. Includes Cornerbacks and Safeties.
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Special Teams:
- Kicker (K): Kicks field goals and extra points.
- Punter (P): Kicks the ball away on fourth down to gain field position.
- Returner: Catches punts and kickoffs to try and advance the ball.
Deciphering Army Football Strategies: The Black Knights’ Approach
Army football is known for its distinctive strategies, often centered around a powerful running game. The West Point football program emphasizes discipline, execution, and physical toughness.
The Triple-Option Offense: A Signature Strategy
The Army Black Knights football team famously employs the “triple-option” offense. This is a highly specialized and physical offensive scheme that relies on misdirection and option plays.
How the Triple-Option Works:
- The Dive: The quarterback can hand the ball off to a fullback who runs up the middle.
- The Keep: The quarterback can keep the ball and run around the end.
- The Pitch: The quarterback can pitch the ball to a trailing player (often a slotback) who can then run.
The key to the triple-option is the quarterback’s ability to read the defense and decide which option to execute. This puts a lot of pressure on the defense to make quick and correct decisions.
Advantages of the Triple-Option:
- Ball Control: It’s a run-heavy offense that can control the clock, limiting the opponent’s opportunities to score.
- Physicality: It’s a very physical style of play that wears down defenses.
- Misdirection: The constant threat of different options can confuse and outmaneuver defenders.
Challenges of the Triple-Option:
- Requires Specific Personnel: It needs quarterbacks who are good runners and decision-makers, and offensive linemen who excel at blocking for the run.
- Can Be Vulnerable to Speed: Faster defenses that can contain the outside can sometimes limit its effectiveness.
Defensive Schemes: Stopping the Opponent
On defense, Army typically focuses on being stout against the run, given the offensive style they often face in the Mountain West Conference. Their defensive schemes aim to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm and force turnovers.
- Run Defense: With a strong emphasis on stopping the run, Army’s defense often utilizes formations that bring more players closer to the line of scrimmage to clog up running lanes.
- Pass Rush: While the run is primary, a solid pass rush is still crucial to disrupt the quarterback and force bad throws.
- Coverage: Defensive backs are tasked with covering receivers and preventing big plays through the air.
The Army Football Season: A Year-Round Commitment
The Army football season is more than just the games played in the fall. It’s a year-round commitment for the players.
Recruiting and Joining Army Football: The Path to West Point
How to join Army football is a rigorous process. Aspiring players must first gain admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point. This involves:
- Academic Excellence: Strong grades and standardized test scores are essential.
- Physical Fitness: Demonstrating exceptional physical ability and stamina.
- Character and Leadership: Showing leadership potential and a commitment to service.
- Military Aptitude: Passing the medical exam and meeting other military requirements.
Army football recruiting is a unique process. While coaches identify talented athletes, the primary focus is on finding individuals who are a good fit for the Academy’s demanding academic, military, and athletic programs. Players don’t receive traditional athletic scholarships; instead, they commit to military service after graduation.
Training and Preparation: Beyond the Season
The preparation for the Army football season begins long before the first game.
- Off-Season Workouts: Players engage in intense strength and conditioning programs to build muscle and improve endurance.
- Spring Practice: This period allows coaches to evaluate new talent and refine existing players’ skills. It’s a crucial time for implementing new schemes and for players to get used to the Army football playbook.
- Fall Camp: Leading up to the season, players and coaches work on game strategies, conditioning, and team cohesion.
The Army Football Schedule: Facing Tough Competition
The Army football schedule is often challenging, pitting the Black Knights against a variety of opponents. They compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Their schedule includes games against other service academies (Navy, Air Force), as well as teams from various conferences. The rivalry with Navy is particularly intense and is one of the most storied traditions in college sports.
Game Day Traditions: More Than Just a Game
Game days at West Point are steeped in tradition. The Army football history is a proud one, and fans celebrate it with enthusiasm.
- Cadet March to the Stadium: Before each home game, the entire Corps of Cadets marches from the barracks to Michie Stadium, creating a powerful and inspiring scene.
- The “Black, Gold, and Gray”: These are the iconic colors of Army football.
- Pre-Game Ceremonies: These often include flyovers by Army aircraft and patriotic displays.
Army Football Playbook: Strategic Depth
The Army football playbook is a complex document detailing every play, formation, and strategy the team might use. It’s the foundation of the team’s offensive and defensive game plans.
Offensive Playbook Elements:
- Formation Variations: Different ways the players line up before the snap.
- Running Plays: Detailed assignments for the quarterback, running backs, and offensive line on every running play.
- Passing Plays: Routes for receivers, protection schemes for the offensive line, and throwing options for the quarterback.
- Option Reads: Specific instructions for the quarterback on how to read defensive players and make decisions on option plays.
Defensive Playbook Elements:
- Defensive Fronts: How the defensive linemen and linebackers line up.
- Coverage Schemes: How the defensive backs cover receivers.
- Blitz Packages: Strategies to send extra players to rush the passer.
- Gap Assignments: Which defensive player is responsible for stopping a particular gap in the offensive line.
Frequently Asked Questions About Army Football
Here are some common questions people have about Army football:
Q1: What is the primary offensive strategy used by Army football?
A1: Army football is renowned for its use of the triple-option offense, a run-heavy scheme that relies on misdirection and the quarterback’s ability to choose between handing off, running, or pitching the ball.
Q2: How can I join Army football?
A2: To join Army football, you must first be admitted to the United States Military Academy at West Point. The admissions process is highly competitive, requiring strong academic performance, physical fitness, leadership potential, and a commitment to military service.
Q3: Is Army football recruiting different from other college football programs?
A3: Yes, Army football recruiting differs because the primary focus is on finding individuals who are a good fit for the Academy’s rigorous academic, military, and athletic programs. While athletic ability is important, it’s weighed alongside character and academic standing, and there are no athletic scholarships, only commitments to military service.
Q4: When does the Army football season typically begin and end?
A4: The college football season generally begins in late August or early September and concludes with bowl games in December and January. Army football follows this typical schedule.
Q5: What are the most important Army football positions to consider for beginners?
A5: For beginners looking to grasp the game, understanding the roles of the Quarterback (offense) and the Defensive Linemen (defense) are crucial, as they are often at the center of the action and key to executing the team’s strategies.
Q6: Where can I find the Army football schedule for the upcoming season?
A6: The official Army West Point athletics website is the best place to find the most up-to-date Army football schedule, including game times, opponents, and broadcast information.
Q7: What is the significance of West Point football?
A7: West Point football represents a unique blend of athletic competition, military discipline, and tradition. It embodies the values of the United States Military Academy and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and leadership among its players.
Q8: Can a player be cut from Army football if they don’t perform well academically or militarily?
A8: Yes, the standards at West Point are very high. Cadets must maintain good standing in academics, physical fitness, and military duties. Failure in any of these areas can lead to dismissal from the Academy and, consequently, from the football team.
Q9: What is a typical Army football playbook like?
A9: A typical Army football playbook is extensive, detailing various formations, running plays (especially the triple-option), passing plays, defensive schemes, and special teams strategies, all designed to leverage the team’s strengths and exploit opponent weaknesses.
Q10: Does Army football play in a specific conference?
A10: Yes, Army football competes as an FBS independent. While they don’t belong to a conference for football championship purposes, they often schedule games against teams from various conferences, including those in the Mountain West Conference.
By familiarizing yourself with these basic rules, strategies, and traditions, you’ll be well on your way to appreciating the unique and exciting world of Army football. From the disciplined execution of the triple-option to the fervent spirit of game days at West Point, there’s a lot to admire about this storied program.