What he does

• Takes handoffs and runs through the gap the play is designed for
• Reads the blocks of the offensive line and cuts toward open space
• Catches short passes out of the backfield, such as screens and checkdowns
• Blocks pass rushers to protect the quarterback
• Protects the ball, because a fumble can cost the team the game

Types of running back

Halfback and tailback

The halfback, or tailback, is the player who carries the ball on most running plays. The two names come from alignment. In the old formations the halfback stood about halfway between the line of scrimmage and the fullback. In the I-formation the main runner stands at the very back, behind the fullback, so he is often called the tailback. Today most teams simply say running back, because many formations use only one back.

• Carries the ball on most running plays
• Catches short passes and serves as the quarterback’s checkdown option when the other receivers are covered
• Lines up as an extra receiver in some formations
• Takes the snap directly in the Wildcat formation
• Blocks blitzers and helps the offensive line in pass protection

Fullback

The fullback is the bigger back who lines up in front of the halfback and uses his size as a lead blocker. His first job is to clear a path for the runner by blocking the first defender who appears, and in passing situations to pick up blitzers. He still counts as an eligible receiver and can carry the ball when a team needs a short gain, such as on the goal line or on fourth and one.

• Leads the way for the halfback by blocking linebackers or safeties
• Picks up blitzers in pass protection
• Carries the ball in short-yardage and goal-line situations
• Is the main inside runner in the triple option, which is common in high school and college football
• Is on the field less often today, since many offenses replace him with a tight end or a third receiver

On running plays

Hits the designated hole quickly on a power or gap run, or presses the line and cuts back against the flow on a zone run. The fullback goes first and blocks a linebacker so the halfback has room.

On passing plays

Runs a short route into the flat or over the middle, or stays in to block a blitzing linebacker or defensive back. A back who recognizes the blitz is worth a lot to his quarterback.

What makes a good one

Vision, balance, acceleration and the strength to break tackles. Good hands and solid pass blocking keep him on the field on every down.

How he lines up

A running back usually lines up four to seven yards behind the line. In the I-formation, the fullback stands in front of the halfback. In the shotgun, the back stands beside the quarterback, which lets him read the defense before taking the handoff. Offenses also move the back out wide or into the slot to see how the defense reacts, because a linebacker covering a back in space is a mismatch.

Techniques and common mistakes

Techniques include the jump cut, the stiff arm, the spin move and running with a low pad level through contact, along with a firm two-hand carry in traffic. Common mistakes are running into the back of his own blockers, bouncing outside when the hole is inside, carrying the ball loosely away from his body, and missing a blitzer in pass protection, which leaves the quarterback exposed.

Good to know

Running backs are also grouped by style. A scat back is small and quick, and uses a low center of gravity to dodge tacklers. A power back is bigger and stronger, usually runs straight ahead and breaks through arm tackles. Many modern backs combine both traits.

Some backs have special roles. A third-down back is good at catching passes and picking up blitzes, and often enters the game on a long third down, though a team can also use him as a decoy before a run. A goal-line back, or short-yardage back, is a powerful runner who rarely fumbles and plays inside the 5-yard line, where the offense uses a formation with extra blockers.

The team’s main runner is called the feature back. Because the position takes a lot of contact and injuries are common, many teams share the work: a common split gives about 70 percent of the carries to one back and the rest to a change-of-pace back, others use two backs in a tandem, and some rotate three or more. A workhorse back who handles almost every carry is now rare.

Running backs are also valued less than in the past. Analysts argue that a back’s production depends heavily on the offensive line and the scheme, and that capable backs can be found later in the draft or in free agency, so teams pay them less and take them early in the first round much less often. Some backs also help in the kicking game as kick or punt returners.

In the early game the fullback often did more than block: before teams used separate offensive and defensive units, he was commonly the team’s punter and drop kicker.

Animated play

Blue circles are the team with the ball. X marks the other team. The yellow oval is the ball.

1. The running back lines up behind the quarterback, a few steps away from the line.
2. After the snap, the quarterback turns and puts the ball in his hands. That is a handoff.
3. The offensive line pushes the defenders aside and opens a hole. The back runs through it and tries to get past the first defenders.
4. He keeps running until a defender tackles him. A good run gains several yards and keeps the offense moving.

Related terms