Football Depth Chart Template (Free Printable PDF)
July 10, 2026
A depth chart is your game-day map: who starts, who backs them up, and where players go when someone is out. This free template lays out offense, defense, and special teams with first, second, and third string so you are never scrambling on the sideline.
What is in it
Three sections — offense, defense, and special teams — each with every standard position and columns for first, second, and third string. Print it for your clipboard, or build and update it online so your assistants always see the current version.
How to fill it out
Set your starters first, then assign backups by the positions you are most likely to need mid-game. Cross-train intentionally: your best athletes should know two spots so an injury or a hot day does not leave a hole. Revisit the chart weekly — youth rosters change fast as kids develop, and the Week 1 depth chart rarely survives to Week 6.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a football depth chart?
It is a chart listing each position and the players ranked behind it — starter, then backups. Coaches use it to plan substitutions, manage playing time, and adjust quickly when someone is unavailable.
How is a depth chart different from a lineup?
A lineup is who is on the field for a given play; a depth chart is the full ranked roster by position, including backups. The lineup comes off the depth chart.