Football Depth Chart Template: Offense, Defense, and Special Teams
A complete, printable football depth chart with first, second, and third string columns for every position. Includes both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes. Print it, fill it out, and keep your roster organized all season.
A football depth chart template is something every football program needs, from Pop Warner all the way up to varsity. It tells every player on the team where they stand, who starts, who backs up, and what the pecking order looks like at every position. When a starter goes down on Friday night, you don't want to be scrambling to figure out who goes in. The depth chart answers that question before it ever gets asked.
This page has free printable depth chart templates for offense, defense (both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes), and special teams. Each template includes first string, second string, and third string columns so you can slot players at every level of depth. Print them out, post them in the locker room, and update them weekly.
Once your depth chart is set and you know your roster, make sure everyone looks the part. Check out our custom football jerseys and youth football uniforms to outfit your team. And if you need to review field dimensions or brush up on flag football rules for your younger programs, we've got those covered too.
What This Template Includes
Three depth charts covering every phase of the game.
Offensive depth chart
Every offensive position: QB, RB, FB, WR (X, Y, Z receivers), TE, and all five offensive line spots (LT, LG, C, RG, RT). Three string columns for each position.
Defensive depth chart (4-3 and 3-4)
Two versions: one for 4-3 defenses (2 DE, 2 DT, MLB, 2 OLB, 2 CB, SS, FS) and one for 3-4 defenses (2 DE, NT, 2 ILB, 2 OLB, 2 CB, SS, FS). Use whichever matches your scheme.
Special teams depth chart
Kicker, punter, kick returner, punt returner, long snapper, holder, and kickoff specialist. Don't overlook special teams. Games are won and lost in the kicking game.
Three-string depth
Each position has columns for 1st string (starter), 2nd string (primary backup), and 3rd string. Use player name and jersey number in each slot so there's zero confusion on game day.
Offensive Depth Chart
Every offensive position with starter and backup slots.
OFFENSE DEPTH CHART
Secondslide.io
| Position | 1st String | 2nd String | 3rd String |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill Positions | |||
| QB (Quarterback) | |||
| RB (Running Back) | |||
| FB (Fullback) | |||
| WR-X (Split End) | |||
| WR-Y (Flanker) | |||
| WR-Z (Slot) | |||
| TE (Tight End) | |||
| Offensive Line | |||
| LT (Left Tackle) | |||
| LG (Left Guard) | |||
| C (Center) | |||
| RG (Right Guard) | |||
| RT (Right Tackle) | |||
Defensive Depth Chart: 4-3 Scheme
Four down linemen and three linebackers. The most common high school defense.
4-3 DEFENSE DEPTH CHART
Secondslide.io
| Position | 1st String | 2nd String | 3rd String |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defensive Line | |||
| LE (Left End) | |||
| DT (Defensive Tackle) | |||
| DT (Defensive Tackle) | |||
| RE (Right End) | |||
| Linebackers | |||
| SLB (Sam / Strong OLB) | |||
| MLB (Mike / Middle) | |||
| WLB (Will / Weak OLB) | |||
| Secondary | |||
| CB (Cornerback) | |||
| CB (Cornerback) | |||
| SS (Strong Safety) | |||
| FS (Free Safety) | |||
Defensive Depth Chart: 3-4 Scheme
Three down linemen and four linebackers. Popular for teams with athletic, versatile linebackers.
3-4 DEFENSE DEPTH CHART
Secondslide.io
| Position | 1st String | 2nd String | 3rd String |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defensive Line | |||
| LE (Left End) | |||
| NT (Nose Tackle) | |||
| RE (Right End) | |||
| Linebackers | |||
| LOLB (Left Outside) | |||
| ILB (Inside Linebacker) | |||
| ILB (Inside Linebacker) | |||
| ROLB (Right Outside) | |||
| Secondary | |||
| CB (Cornerback) | |||
| CB (Cornerback) | |||
| SS (Strong Safety) | |||
| FS (Free Safety) | |||
Special Teams Depth Chart
Don't overlook special teams. Games are won and lost on kicks, punts, and returns.
SPECIAL TEAMS DEPTH CHART
Secondslide.io
| Position | 1st String | 2nd String | 3rd String |
|---|---|---|---|
| K (Kicker) | |||
| P (Punter) | |||
| LS (Long Snapper) | |||
| H (Holder) | |||
| KR (Kick Returner) | |||
| PR (Punt Returner) | |||
| KO (Kickoff Specialist) |
Tip: Use your browser's Print function (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P) to print each depth chart. Print all three and staple them together for a complete team depth chart packet.
How to Use This Depth Chart Template
A practical workflow for building and maintaining your depth chart.
Pick your defensive scheme
Decide whether you're running a 4-3 or 3-4 defense (or something else). Print the matching defensive depth chart. Some programs run both and keep two versions. If you're not sure, the 4-3 is the most common at the high school level.
Start with your starters
Fill in the 1st string column first. Write the player's name and jersey number at each position. These are your day-one starters based on preseason camp, previous season, or tryout evaluations. If you're still deciding, write both names with an "OR" between them.
Fill in backups
Add 2nd and 3rd string players. Many backups will appear at multiple positions. That's fine. The goal is to know who goes in if the starter can't play. Some positions (like quarterback) should always have at least two deep. Others (like long snapper) might only have one backup.
Post it and update weekly
Hang the depth chart in the locker room or team meeting room. Update it every week after film review and practice evaluation. Players should be able to see it at all times. Some coaches use a whiteboard version for easy updates and print a clean copy for game day.
When to Use a Football Depth Chart
Key moments in the season when the depth chart matters most.
Preseason camp
The depth chart is fluid during camp. Update it daily based on practice performance, conditioning test results, and scrimmage play. By the end of camp, your starting lineup should be mostly set with the depth chart reflecting the pecking order at every position.
Weekly game prep
Update the chart every Monday or Tuesday after reviewing Friday's game film. If a backup outplayed a starter, move them up. If someone is dealing with an injury, note it. The weekly depth chart is your communication tool to the team about who earned what role.
Game day
Keep a printed copy on the sideline. When a player goes down, every coach should instantly know who's next in line. No huddles needed, no confusion. The depth chart makes the substitution automatic. Assign a team manager to track who's in the game.
Injury management
When a starter is out for multiple weeks, the depth chart shows the ripple effect. The backup moves up, and a third-stringer becomes the new backup. Seeing this on paper helps coaches identify where the roster is thin and which positions need extra practice reps for the new starters.
Tips for Building a Better Depth Chart
Advice for getting the most out of your depth chart as a coaching tool.
Use it as a competition tool
When players can see the depth chart, they know where they stand. This creates healthy competition. The kid who's 2nd string at left tackle knows exactly who he needs to outperform to earn the starting spot. Make it visible and update it honestly.
Cross-train players at multiple positions
Especially at the high school level, many players appear on both offense and defense. Note these two-way players on both depth charts. Also identify players who can play multiple positions on the same side of the ball. A guard who can play center, or a safety who can play corner, gives you flexibility.
Don't forget special teams
Too many coaches treat special teams as an afterthought. Build your kickoff, kick return, punt, and punt return units as part of the depth chart. Assign starters and backups for every special teams role. The kicker goes down with a pulled muscle, who kicks? Answer that before it happens.
Pair it with your team roster
The depth chart shows who plays where. The team roster has the contact and medical details. Together, they're the two most important documents in your coaching binder. Keep them updated and side by side.
Be honest but have conversations first
Before posting a depth chart change where a player drops from starter to backup, talk to them first. A player finding out they lost their starting spot by reading a piece of paper is bad for morale. Have the conversation, explain what they need to work on, then post the chart.
Related Templates and Tools
Other printable coaching tools to go with your depth chart.
Roster Template
Universal roster template with player info, contacts, and emergency details for any sport.
Soccer Tryout Evaluation Form
Structured evaluation form for rating players during soccer tryouts.
Soccer Stat Sheet
Track match stats including goals, assists, shots, passes, and more.
Volleyball Rotation Sheet
Map all 6 volleyball rotations with serve-receive positions and transition arrows.
Football Gear from Secondslide
Ready to outfit your team? Check out our custom gear.
Custom Football Jerseys
Custom sublimated football jerseys with your team's colors, logos, and numbers.
Youth Football Uniforms
Full uniform packages for youth and high school football programs.
Football Field Dimensions
Official field dimensions for youth, high school, college, and NFL play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a football depth chart?
A football depth chart is a document that lists every position on the team with the starter (first string), backup (second string), and sometimes third string players at each spot. It covers offense, defense, and special teams. Coaches use it to organize personnel, communicate roles to players, and plan for injuries or substitutions. Most programs update their depth chart weekly during the season.
How do you fill out a football depth chart?
Start with offense. List every position (QB, RB, WR, TE, OL) with your first, second, and third string players at each. Then do the same for defense (DE, DT, LB, CB, S) based on whether you run a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Finish with special teams (K, P, KR, PR, LS, holder). Use player names and jersey numbers. Update it after every week of practice based on performance.
What is the difference between a 4-3 and 3-4 defense on a depth chart?
A 4-3 defense uses four defensive linemen (two DEs and two DTs) and three linebackers (one mike/middle and two outside). A 3-4 uses three linemen (one nose tackle and two DEs) and four linebackers (two inside and two outside). The depth chart positions change based on your scheme. A 4-3 depth chart has slots for 2 DE, 2 DT, 1 MLB, 2 OLB. A 3-4 has slots for 2 DE, 1 NT, 2 ILB, 2 OLB.
How often should you update a football depth chart?
Most programs update the depth chart weekly, typically on Monday or Tuesday after reviewing game film from the previous week. Depth charts also change after injuries, disciplinary actions, or when a backup outperforms a starter in practice. During preseason camp, the chart may change daily as coaches evaluate players. Post it in the locker room or team meeting room so players always see the current version.
Should youth football teams use a depth chart?
Yes, even youth football teams benefit from a depth chart. It doesn't need to be as detailed as a varsity chart, but having a simple list of who plays where on offense and defense helps with practice planning and game-day substitutions. For youth leagues that require equal playing time, a depth chart helps coaches track who has played and who needs more reps. Keep it flexible since youth players should try multiple positions.
Ready to Outfit Your Football Team?
Custom football jerseys, pants, and full team packages. No minimums, fast turnaround.