Shooting

What does Shooting Mean?

A colloquial term that describes an action in football in which a linebacker or a defensive back engages in a blitz.

Sporting Charts explains Shooting

A blitz takes place when linebackers and/or defensive backs, who normally cover the field behind the line of scrimmage, rush the passer in addition to the defensive line, and the number of blitzing defensive players outnumbers blockers on the offense.

When a linebacker or defensive back chooses to blitz, they are giving up their responsibility for run or pass coverage. Thus, it is risky when a linebacker or defensive back is shooting, as the quarterback typically has more open receivers.

Shooting should not be confused with "shooting the gap", which is a term that describes the attempt of a defensive linemen to gain leverage and pass rush through a "gap" in the offensive line.