A football teaching system and method is disclosed that promotes rapid learning by novice football players who are thereby able to better visualize offensive and defensive football formations and correct stances for the individual positions thereof. The system includes twenty-two life size, vertical, two-dimensional football player models that can each be positioned at the appropriate places in the field. The football player models are labeled with a position name so that each position is easily identifiable. Football players on the line may also be numbered for easy set up by the novice players. Each football player model is in the correct stance from a frontal and rear view, such as three-point or four-point stance, as would be appropriate for the position. The overall size of the football player models corresponds to the size of the novices. The system of the present invention allows novice football players to easily visualize opposing teams and team members, as well as their placement and names for much quicker understanding. Therefore, the coach can easily explain plays to novice players in terms such as running between the left tackle and left guard without confusing the novice players. The base portion preferably includes a mount for holding the football player model upright and may include an insertion member such as a spring-loaded spike or other means such as a weight with rounded bottom that biases the model to an upright position.