The running back is responsible for carrying the ball on running plays. They may also be asked to catch passes or block on passing plays. The running back is often considered the most important position in the offense, as their performance can directly affect the outcome of the game.
The running back position has evolved over the years, as offenses have become more specialized. In the past, running backs were often big, bruising players who were asked to simply pound the ball up the middle for a few yards at a time. Today, however, running backs come in all shapes and sizes, and they are often used in a variety of ways.
Some running backs are small and quick, and they are used primarily as a receiver out of the backfield. Others are big and powerful, and they excel at running between the tackles. And still others are a mix of both, with the ability to run, catch, and block. No matter what type of running back a team has, they are all important players in the offense.
Other football positions in one list here.
Types of running backs
There are different kinds of running backs in football, each with their own unique set of skills.
The traditional running back is a big, bruising player who is used primarily for running the ball up the middle. However, there are also smaller, quicker players who are used primarily as receivers out of the backfield.
Some running backs are powerful runners who excel at running between the tackles. And still others are a mix of both, with the ability to run, catch, and block. No matter what type of runner a team has, they are all important players in the offense.
Halfbacks
A halfback is a running back who lines up behind the quarterback in the backfield. They may be asked to carry the ball, catch passes, or block on passing plays. Halfbacks are often considered the most important players in the offense, as their performance can directly affect the outcome of the game.
Tailbacks
A tailback is a running back who lines up behind the fullback in the backfield. They are usually smaller and quicker than fullbacks, and they are used primarily as a receiver out of the backfield. Tailbacks are important players in the offense, but they are not as important as halfbacks.
Fullbacks
A fullback is a running back who lines up in front of the quarterback in the backfield. They are usually bigger and more powerful than tailbacks, and they excel at running between the tackles. Fullbacks are not as important as halfbacks or tailbacks in today’s offenses, but they are still valuable players.
