Strong safety vs. free safety...

[Ruthinking]

Bobby D is doing a great job going through the position battles leading up to camp. I can't be the only one who doesn't quite know the difference between a strong safety and a free safety? (ask me a rowing question and I'll have an answer). Bobby might write something like "he might be a better fit at strong safety" (Hester). Can someone tell me the difference between a strong safety and a free safety? Skill set etc. Thanks...

 

[Abro1975]

Ever hear of goggle ? :)

 

[phs73rc77gsm83]

Ever hear of goggle ? :)

In defense of the OP, many of the posts/queries might be researched through Google. I think he/she is looking for the board's view. Maybe in the most simplistic terms SS is better at run support and FS is better at coverage. A lot depends on the defense scheme, though.

 

[RAA-1]

The SS usually is playing the strong side of the formation which usually has the TE on that side. This player is more physical. and doesn't require as much speed as the FS.

The FS is the centerfielder and plays vs the WRs. He is usually more athletic and should have the ability to jump as he is covering fast, tall receivers.

I am not sure of their responsibilities vs spread offenses where there may not be a strong side of the formation or there may not be a TE on the field.

 

[RUskoolie]

FS has to have a lot more range. Basically plays center field and needs to be able to cover a lot of ground fast. SS think of more like a hybrid LB. They'll come down into the box to support the run a lot.

 

[retired711]

When there is a tight end in the offensive formation, the strong safety usually covers him if the coverage is man-to-man. Tight ends are big so strong safeties must be, too.

I remember when the free safety was referred to as the "weak" safety (because he was on the "weak" side of the formation). That didn't last long.

 

[SouthJerseyRU]

Bookmark http://www.footballstudyhall.com/, visit there often.

Here's some articles on safeties:
http://www.footballstudyhall.com/20...he-most-important-position-against-the-spread
http://www.footballstudyhall.com/20...-box-safety-roy-williams-kansas-state-alabama
http://www.footballstudyhall.com/20...es-are-evolving-to-stop-the-smashmouth-spread
http://www.footballstudyhall.com/20...e-modern-pass-defense-coverage-spread-offense

 

[Ruthinking]

Ever hear of goggle ? :)

Was that really necessary? Do you feel better now?

 

[PhilaPhans]

Ever hear of goggle ? :)

Yes, I used to wear them when I swam as a kid.

 

[bryanjints]

FS = Ronnie Lott
SS = Troy Polamalu

 

[SouthJerseyRU]

FS = Ronnie Lott
SS = Troy Polamalu

Hybrid = Brian Dawkins