Running back

A running back, halfback or tailback is the position of a player on an American football team who lines up in the offensive backfield. Depending on the offensive formation, the halfback may be joined in the backfield by other backs, most commonly a fullback.

Fullback

A fullback carries the ball only infrequently. Currently, they are primarily used to aid the offensive linemen in blocking. On most running plays, the fullback leads the halfback, attempting to block potential tacklers before they reach the ball carrier. Also, fullbacks are sometimes used in passing plays, although they typically protect the quarterback. Fullbacks are technically running backs, but today the term is usually used in referring to the halfback or tailback. Although fullbacks currently are rarely used as ball carriers, there was once a time when they ran the ball as frequently as running backs.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Because fullbacks usually carry the ball infrequently, the position is less glamorous, if possibly of equal importance. Whereas in previous years the fullback lined up on the field for almost every offensive play, teams currently often opt to replace the fullback with an additional wide receiver or a tight end in modern football. Because fullbacks in the National Football League rarely get to carry or catch the ball, and are used almost exclusively as blockers, their talent and value to a team is usually judged by how sucessful the team's halfback is. Or they are judged by how many times the team's quarterback is sacked, similar to the way offensive linemen are judged.

Related Topics:
Wide receiver - Tight end - National Football League

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~