In
American football, the pocket is the
small space where the
quarterback might either become
trapped, or be provided
excellent protection, depending on the quarterback's
mental acuity and
athleticism and the
quality of
defense afforded by the
offensive line.
Upon initiation of most offensive plays, the quarterback takes the ball and backs away from the offensive line while searching for a receiver or running back. As the defensive line presses in to stop the play, the offensive line bows and bends around the quarterback as if he were the focus of a lens. Ideally for the offense, the pocket will hold its integrity, allowing the quarterback enough time to hand the ball off to a running back or pass to a receiver or tight end. Ideally for the defense, the pocket will buckle and break, allowing for a linebacker or another defensive player to penetrate the offensive line, thus allowing him to tackle the quarterback, intercept or block a pass, or halt the advance of an offensive runner.