In American football, a halfback is also known as a tailback or sometimes just a running back. But running backs can include fullbacks and halfbacks. A halfback usually lines up behind the quarterback on offense and either takes a handoff or pitch from the quarterback and runs with the ball, or the halfback may stay in the backfield to block or go out for a pass. Many of the best-known players in football have been halfbacks because they are integral to the game and often make game-breaking plays. Halfback is also a position in soccer, though in that sport, the position is primarily a defensive one.
Qualities
Halfbacks need to be tough and quick because they take a lot of hits, whether they are running with the ball or blocking for another player, such as the quarterback. Quickness is also important so they can find openings in the defense and gain more yards. Some halfbacks are smaller and more agile, often relying on their speed and ability to outrace defenders to get yards. Other halfbacks are a little bigger and stronger, preferring to pound the ball in the middle of the defense. Halfbacks who can catch the ball out of the backfield provide their teams with extra dimensions and options on offense.
Changes
Before the 1980s, NFL teams often used two running backs, a fullback and a halfback. The fullback's primary job was to block for the halfback, who did most of the running with the ball. But teams started to going to one-back offensive schemes, so rather than identify players and halfbacks or fullbacks, they all just became known as running backs. Some famous players who were identified as halfbacks include Hall of Famers Frank Gifford, Gale Sayers, Paul Hornung and Doak Walker. Players who came later, but still essentially played the role of halfback include Hall of Famers Walter Payton, Marcus Allen, Barry Sanders and Emmit Smith.
Identification
Halfbacks generally wear uniform numbers in the 20s or 30s. Fullbacks tend to wear numbers in the 40s, though some, such as Cleveland's Jim Brown wore a number in the 30s. If you watch a game, at any level, and you see two running backs lined up behind the quarterback, the halfback will be the one in the rear. He'll often be looking for the other running back, his fullback, to provide running room. A halfback sometimes will get the ball and start to run and then throw it instead in a play known as a halfback option. A quarterback option has the quarterback running with the ball, but with the option to stop and pass it or flip the ball to the halfback, who will be trailing the quarterback.
Soccer
In soccer, the halfback also has an important position, particularly the center halfback. There are also right and left halfbacks, but the center halfback's primary responsibilities include marking the opponent's lead striker and stopping attacks in the middle of the field. He is often considered the leader of the defense and is frequently responsible for starting to move the ball downfield on offense. As with American football, halfbacks are joined by fullbacks. In soccer, fullbacks play between the halfbacks and the goalkeepers on defense.
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