What is the difference between tail back and running back

Many teams also have a running back designated as a "goal line back" or "short yardage specialist". This running back comes into the game in short yardage situations when the offense needs only a little bit of yardage to get a first down or a touchdown.

They also come into the game when the offense nears the goal-line. Normally when an offense gets inside the 5 yard line they send in their goal-line formation which usually includes 8 blockers, a quarterback, a running back, and a fullback. The closer they are to the goal-line the more likely they are to use this formation. If a certain running back is used often near the goal-line he is called the goal-line back.

Short yardage and goal-line backs often are Power Backs that are not prone to fumbling. Their job is to get the first down or touchdown by muscling through or pushing a large mass of defenders to push their way to the designated area. Running backs are sometimes called upon to return punts and kickoffs , a role usually filled by wide receivers and defensive backs , such as cornerbacks, who are generally the fastest players on the team. A running back, Brian Mitchell , holds the NFL records for kickoff return yards 14, yards and punt return yards 4, Mitchell also gained 1, rushing yards, 2, receiving yards, and 14 fumble return yards, giving him a total of 23, all-purpose yards, the second-most in NFL history behind Jerry Rice.

American Football Database Explore. Recent blog posts Forum. Explore Wikis Community Central. Register Don't have an account? Running Back. History Talk 0. Main articles: Halfback American football and Halfback Canadian football. Main article: Fullback American football.

Categories American football positions American football running backs. While halfbacks are typically fast and elusive, Rea also notes some can be as effective after contact. This is where a fullback comes in. One of the biggest differences between halfbacks and fullbacks is the task of blocking on a run. While running backs often receive the handoff, a fullback has other duties during the play.

This added blocker can help halfbacks find open lanes and gain more yardage downfield. Because of the extra emphasis on blocking, fullbacks are sometimes larger and stronger than their backfield counterparts.

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. In American football, there are various position designations for runners that carry the ball across the line of scrimmage: full, half and running back. The fullback is used as a lead blocker, running out in front of the play to set blocks and clear a path for the tailback. Initally, the quarter, half, and fullbacks were deployed a quarter, half, and full yard behind the line of scrimmage.

The quarterback has the most versatile role of the three "back" types, because he can either pass the ball, or run, if the defense has kept its men back to cover his "receivers. The halfbacks were supposed to use speed to run to either end of the line, either past the end end run or behind the tackle off tackle. The fullback was supposed to charge through the middle of the opposing line by using power. This could be done successfully only if previous passing or end-running plays caused the defense to weaken the center of the line to reinforce their flanks.

Alternatively, an unsuccessful "draw play" by a fullback might "set up" a flanking running or passing play. Otherwise, a fullback may be a blocker for a quarterback who wants to pass, or a halfback who wants to run to the side. Sign up to join this community. On a running play, the running back half back or tailback will get the ball from a hand off from the quarterback. The fullback will protect the ball carrier half back or tailback from being tackled by defensive players.

Because of this, the fullbacks should be very strong and aggressive, as they are literally moving multiple defenders out of the way to create space for their teammates. There have been many well known running backs in NFL history.

Some of the most common names brought up when talking about legendary running backs include:. Previous Next. Table of Contents. Running Back The running back is a player on the offense who can run with the ball and catch passes thrown by the quarterback.

There are three main types of running backs : half back tailback fullback The differences between running backs is based on their: size and strength position on the football field.