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The running back is the player who receives the ball from the quarterback and tries to run towards the end zone with it. The running back is therefore the attacker of the team and positions itself behind the first line (the linemen)
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
What is a Running Back?
A running back is a player in American and Canadian football who is on the offensive team.
The aim of the running back is to gain ground by running with the ball towards the opponent's end zone. In addition, running backs also receive passes at close range.
The position of the Running Back
The running back lines up behind the front line, the linemen. The running back receives the ball from the quarterback.
Positions in American Football
There are different positions in it American Football:
- Attack: quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, center, guard, offensive tackle, running back, fullback
- Defense: defensive tackle, defensive end, nose tackle, linebacker
- Special teams: placekicker, punter, long snapper, holder, punt returner, kick returner, gunner
What is the Offense in American Football?
The Offensive Unit
The offensive unit is the offensive team in American Football. It consists of a quarterback, offensive linemen, backs, tight ends and receivers. The goal of the attacking team is to score as many points as possible.
The Starting Team
The game usually begins when the quarterback receives the ball (a snap) from the center and passes the ball to a running back, throws to a receiver, or runs with the ball himself.
The ultimate goal is to score as many touchdowns (TDs) as possible because those are the most points. Another way to score points is through a field goal.
The Function of the Offensive Linemen
The function of most offensive linemen is to block and prevent the opposing team (defense) from tackling (known as a sack) the quarterback, making it impossible for him/her to throw the ball.
backs
Backs are running backs and tailbacks who often carry the ball and a fullback who usually blocks for the running back and occasionally carries the ball himself or receives a pass.
Wide receivers
The main function of the wide receivers is to catch passes and drive the ball as far as possible towards the end zone.
Eligible Receivers
Of the seven players lined up on the line of scrimmage, only the players lined up at the end of the line are allowed to run onto the field and receive a pass. These are authorized (or eligible) receivers. If a team has fewer than seven players on the line of scrimmage, it will result in an illegal formation penalty.
The Composition of the Attack
The composition of the attack and how it works exactly is determined by the offensive philosophy of the head coach and offensive coordinator.
The Offensive Positions Explained
In the next section I will discuss the offensive positions one by one:
- quarter back: The quarterback is probably the most important player on the football field. He is the leader of the team, decides the plays and initiates the game. His job is to lead the attack, pass the strategy to the other players and throw the ball, pass it to another player, or run with the ball himself. The quarterback must be able to throw the ball with power and accuracy and know exactly where each player will be during the game. The quarterback lines up behind the center (a center formation) or further away (a shotgun or pistol formation), with the center snapping the ball to him.
- Centre: The center also has an important role, because in the first instance he must ensure that the ball properly reaches the hands of the quarterback. The center is part of the offensive line and it is his job to block the opponents. He is also the player who puts the ball in play with a snap to the quarterback.
- guard: There are two offensive guards in the offensive team. The guards are located directly on either side of the center.
The Positions in American Football
Offense
American Football is a game with different positions that all play an important role in the game. The offense consists of the quarterback (QB), running back (RB), offensive line (OL), tight end (TE), and receivers (WR).
Quarterback (QB)
The quarterback is the playmaker who takes place behind the center. He is responsible for throwing the ball to the receivers.
Running Back (RB)
The runningback takes place behind the QB and tries to gain as much territory as possible by running. A running back is also allowed to catch the ball and sometimes stays with the QB to provide additional protection.
Offensive Line (OL)
The offensive line makes holes for the RB and protects the QB, including the center.
Tight End (TE)
The tight end is a kind of extra lineman who blocks just like the others, but he is the only one of the linemen who can also catch the ball.
Receiver (WR)
The receivers are the two outer men. They try to beat their man and be free to receive the pass from the QB.
Defense & Security
The defense consists of the defensive line (DL), linebackers (LB) and defensive backs (DB).
Defensive Line (DL)
These linemen try to close the gaps the attack creates so that the RB cannot get through. Sometimes he tries to fight his way through the offensive line to pressure, even tackle, the QB.
Linebackers (LB)
The linebacker's job is to stop the RB and WR coming near him. The LB can also be used to put even more pressure on the QB and sack him.
Defensive Backs (DB)
The job of the DB (also called a corner) is to make sure the receiver cannot catch the ball.
Strong Safety (SS)
The strong safety can be used as an extra LB to cover a receiver, but he can also be assigned the task of tackling the QB.
Free Safety (FS)
The free safety is the last resort and is responsible for covering the back of all his teammates who attack the man with the ball.
Differences
Running Back Vs Full Back
The running back and fullback are two different positions in American Football. The running back is usually the halfback or tailback, while the fullback is usually used as a blocker for the offensive line. While modern fullbacks are rarely used as ball carriers, in older offensive schemes they were often used as the designated ball carriers.
The running back is usually the most important ball carrier in an offense. They are responsible for collecting the ball and moving it to the end zone. They are also responsible for collecting the ball and moving it to the end zone. Fullbacks are usually responsible for blocking defenders and opening gaps for the running back to get through. They are also responsible for collecting the ball and moving it to the end zone. Fullbacks are usually taller and heavier than running backs and have more power to block.
Running Back Vs Wide Receiver
If you like football, you know there are different positions. One of the most common questions is what is the difference between a running back and a wide receiver.
The running back is the one who gets the ball and then runs it. Teams often have smaller, faster players playing wide receiver and taller, more athletic players playing running back.
Wide receivers usually get the ball on a forward pass from the quarterback. They usually run a route devised by the coach and try to create as much space as possible between themselves and the defender. If they are open, the quarterback throws the ball to them.
Running backs usually get the ball through a handoff or a lateral pass. They usually run shorter runs and are often the safe option for the quarterback when the wide receivers are not open.
In short, wide receivers get the ball through a pass and running backs get the ball through a handoff or lateral pass. Wide receivers usually run longer runs and try to create space between themselves and the defender, while running backs usually run shorter runs.
