If you are like most casual American football fans you might have heard a t.v announcer refer to a strong and weak side during a football game. So, you might be wondering what is the strong side and weak side in football?
In American football, the strong and weak side are terms used to describe which side of the offense has the most players. The strong side is used to describe the side of the formation that has the most players. On the other hand, the weak side is the side of the formation that doesn’t have as many players lined up on that half of the field.
In this article, we will discuss more in-depth on what are the differences between the strong side and weak side, how to determine each one, as well as everything you need to know about these different football terms.
Let’s get started.
What is the Strong Side in Football?
The strong side in football is the side of an offensive football formation that has the greater number of players on it. In most cases, the strong side is where the tight end lines up on. The reason why it’s considered to be the strong side of the formation is because it has more players and potential blockers in the run game. The strong side of formation is usually the side of the field where the offense will run the ball to since there are more blockers on that side.
What is the Weak Side in Football?
The weak side in football is the side of an offensive football formation that has the smaller number of players on it. In most cases, this is the side of formation that is opposite of where the tight end lines up. It’s considered to be the weak side because there are less players and potential blockers.
Strong Side vs. Weak Side
Here is a side by side comparison of both the strong and weak side of the field to help illustrate the key differences.
| Strong Side | Weak Side |
| – Side of the football field that has the most players. – Typically the side of the field where the tight end is lined up. | – Side of the football field that has the lesser amount of players. – Typically the side of the field opposite of where the tight end lines up. |
How to Determine the Strong & Weak Side
The simplest way to determine which side of the football field is the strong or weak side is to identify which side has more offensive players lined up on. In most cases the strong side is going to be the side of the formation where the tight end lines up. On the other hand, the side of the formation that is opposite of the tight end is usually the weak side. With that being said it is easy to identify the strong and weak side by just counting the number of players on each side of the formation.
Strong & Weak Side Linebackers
In a traditional 4-3 defense there are four defensive linemen and three linebackers on the field. The three linebackers consist of a middle linebacker who lines up in the middle and two outside linebackers that are called the weak and strong linebacker.
As their name indicates the strong side linebacker lines up on the strong side of the offense and the weak side linebacker lines up on the weak side. This means the strong side linebacker will line up on the side of the field that has the most offensive players. While the weak side backer will be positioned on the opposite side where there are less players on the “weak side”.
Although the strong and weak side linebacker essentially play the same position there are some subtle and important differences between these two positions.
Here is a breakdown of the differences between a strong and weak side linebacker.
Strong Side Linebacker
As the name indicates the strong side linebacker (SLB) is an outside linebacker that is positioned in the middle of the field on the strong side. Meaning that the strong side linebacker is lined up on the side of the offensive formation that has the most players. This is usually the side of the formation where the tight end lines up on. The strong side linebacker is often referred to as the “Sam” which is a term used for blitzing purposes.
Responsibilities
Here are the main responsibilities a strong side linebacker has on a defense.
Defending the Run
One of the primary responsibilities of the strong side linebacker in a 4-3 defense is to be able to defend the run and make tackles. As the running back tries to get through gaps in the defensive line created by blocks, the strong side backer will try to fill those gaps and tackle the runner. Strong side linebackers are typically bigger, stronger and better at stopping the run than the weak side linebacker.
Rushing the Passer
Another important responsibility of a strong side linebacker is to be able to rush the passer and provide pressure on the quarterback during passing plays. They often blitz and are tasked with disrupting the offensive play.
Defending the Pass
On passing plays where the strong side linebacker isn’t rushing the passer they need to also be able to help in pass coverage. When a zone defense is called they will typically defend an area close to the line of scrimmage. If the defense calls man defense then they will typically guard a tight end or even a running back.
For more information on what a strong side linebacker is watch this YouTube video.
Weak Side Linebackers
The weak side linebacker (WLB) is an outside linebacker that is positioned on the weak side of the football field. Meaning the weak side linebacker will line up on the side of the offensive formation that has less players. This is usually the side of the field opposite of where the tight end lines up on. The weak side linebacker is often referred to as the “Will” which is a term used for blitzing purposes.
Here are the main responsibilities a weak side linebacker has on a defense.
Responsibilities
Defending the Run
On running plays the weak side linebacker is responsible for covering the edge and ensuring the running back break containment. When running plays are called to the opposite side of the field they need to have the speed to get there and make a play on the runner.
Rushing the Passer
On passing plays the weak side linebacker will be sent on a blitz to rush the passer or quickly disrupt a running play. Weak side linebackers need to be athletic and strong enough to shed blockers and get into the backfield.
Defending the Pass
On passing plays where the weak side linebacker isn’t blitzing they are responsible for helping in pass coverage. Since they are typically the more athletic linebacker they will often cover the running back as they go out of a pass. They will also help in zone defense by covering their assigned zone as well as guard tight ends and receivers during man defense.
For more information on what a weak side linebacker is watch this YouTube video.
| Strong Side Linebacker | Weak Side Linebacker |
| – Lines up on the side of the formation that has the tight end or the side that has the most number of players. – Great at tackling, are physical and frequently rush the passer. Occasionally help out in pass coverage – Typically bigger and more physical than the weak side linebacker, but not as good in pass coverage. | – Lines up on the weak side of the formation opposite of where the tight end lines up. – Typically smaller, faster and more athletic than the strong side and middle linebackers – Use their athletic ability more better pass coverage and containing the running back |
Strong & Weak Side FAQ
Is the Strong Side Right or Left?
In most cases the strong side is considered to be where the tight end lines up and can be either on the right or left side of the field depending upon the formation. Simply put the strong side is the side of the formation that has the most offensive players on it.
What Side is the Weak Side?
In football the weak side of the formation can either be on the right or left side. Simply put, the weak side is the side of the formation that has the lesser amount of players lined up on. In most cases, this is the side of the formation opposite of where the tight end lines up.
Final Thoughts
As we have discussed in this article the strong and weak side are terms used in American football to describe the side of the field that has the most amount of players (strong side) and the side with the least amount of players (weak side). The terms are important to understand for players, coaches and even casual fans.