Running back

The running back is the offensive player on the gridiron team. It usually takes the handoffs from the quarterback or any other teammate who is eligible for that. The player’s position name hints at its involvement in running plays. The regular offensive game-day roster includes one to two RB. They also have contextual names – halfback/tailback, fullback or wingback. The starting RB is often feature back despite its role.

Halfback/tailback

The halfback is the dominating RB in the game. It participates in the majority of running plays. But it can serve the additional receiver in some passing patterns. A modern halfback dashes and is agile enough to run through the defensive fence but has tough hands for a receiver. The quarterback uses it as the extra receiver while checking when the wide receivers are under pressure.

When the halfback is out of service in the current episode, it helps the offensive linemen to block the defenders. The player is responsible for protecting the quarterback. HB can directly receive the snap in the Wildcat formation.

Most roles listed above are typical for tailback too. Only the position differs between these offensive backs. The halfback stood in the middle of the distance between the line of scrimmage and the fullback. But the modern teams prefer to hide their leading receiver behind the fullback. As it takes the final point in the formation, such performer got the name tailback. In Canada, the tailback is the running back in its classic sense, while the rules reserve the halfback for the defender, who equals the distances between it and the linebacker from one side and the cornerback from the second side.

Fullback

The fullbacks (FB) are rare ball carriers. Their physical conditions make them the perfect blockers. So, their primary role is to protect the ball carrier and distract the opponents’ best defenders from the actual ball carrier.

If the fullback took the ball, it might signal about two occasions. Sometimes the performer is the primary link in the wildcat formation. Otherwise, the quarterback considers the big gain because the fullback is physical enough to break the tackle very early. Most frequent outcomes are touchdowns.

Professional teams can find the fullbacks based on the required parameters. But college football and high school level suppose the variable player sizes. Thus the fullback may carry the ball.

Some facts about running backs

Two categories of running backs are extremes. One is smaller players with an average height of 5’4’’ – 5’10’’. They are quicker and have the maneuver potential for dodging the blockers. Such examples are Red Grange and Barry Sanders. On the other hand, are bigger players who have enough power to break the tackle and move the threat from the quarterback or ball carrier. Derrick Henry is the representative of this category. The new generation of running backs combines skill categories like Saquon Barkley.

Although the running backs are blockers, they often perform as the target for the quarterback to address the ball under pressure. HB chooses the safe hook route or expects to demonstrate its blocking qualities.

Only a few players gained 1000 rushing and the same quantity of receiving yards during the same season. The running back Christian McCaffrey from the San Francisco 49ers is good at pass reception and picking up a blitz.

Blocking is a significant part of the running back’s job. Its opponents are blitzing linebackers and safeties. If the RB fails to break the block, it will be hard for the offensive linemen to keep defensive colleagues because the battle-winner remains eligible to attack the ball carrier.

One of the RB’s roles is the short-yardage specialist. Such a running back distracts from the blocking job on N&GOAL plays when the chance to score the touchdown is high. The player’s only task is to run into the end zone and bring six points to the team. Sometimes they are also responsible for returning the punts or kicks if the team lacks a return specialist.