Two back

In American football, a “two-back” formation has two rushing backs in the backfield. The team’s rushing game benefits from this formation’s more handoffs, pitches, and quarterback protection. There are several ways to align the running backs:

• I-Formation: The fullback lines up behind the quarterback, while the tailback or halfback lines up behind him. This classic shape excels in running.
• Offset I-Formation: I-Formation with one back, generally the fullback, somewhat offset to the quarterback. This makes running plays on either side of the field easier.
• Split Backs: The two backs line up on either side of the quarterback, offering efficient running and pass protection.
• T-Formation: A rarer version when both backs line up behind the quarterback one after the other. Modern football rarely uses this older setup.

The two-back formation balances running and passing possibilities when a team wants to build a strong running game or protect the quarterback with additional blocks. It differs from the single-back configuration, which has one running back and is pass-oriented.