The fullback and halfback positions on a football team primarily are responsible for advancing the football by running from the line of scrimmage. In addition to running the ball, the halfback and fullback – collectively known as running backs – also are allowed to throw and catch the ball. As part of a team’s offensive unit, the fullback and halfback have position-specific responsibilities that are best performed by players with physical traits suited for these positions.
Halfback
A halfback, commonly one of the fastest players on a football team, is called upon to apply this speed often. He also is able to apply short bursts of speed within tight quarters and change directions often and quickly. Next to the quarterback and center, the halfback touches the ball more than any other player on the team. As a result, he endures a lot of hits and spends much of his time trying to elude tacklers. Halfbacks must have a high level of upper and lower body strength and be well-conditioned when it comes to running. In passing situations, the halfback must provide pass protection for the quarterback by blocking larger players, such as linebackers and defensive linemen.
Fullback
Typically, a fullback is not as fast. He is bulkier and does not carry the ball as often as a halfback. His main responsibilities are to block for the halfback and provide pass protection for the quarterback. When a fullback does carry the ball, it usually is to gain short amounts of yards or throw off a defense that is expecting the halfback to carry the ball.
Formations
When a football team lines up in a “single-back” offensive formation, the halfback is the only running back in the backfield. From this formation, the offensive unit is able to provide more wide receivers for the quarterback to throw to or more blockers to open holes for the halfback to run through. The fullback is one of the additional blockers or is not on the field for this particular play. In the “T” formation, the halfback and fullback line up on both sides of the quarterback but at about 3 to 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage. From this formation on a running play, one player likely runs with the ball, while the other blocks. The “I” formation involves the fullback lining up in a three-point stance directly behind the quarterback, but about 3 yards behind, while the halfback lines up in a standing position about 2 yards behind the fullback. This formation commonly is used in passing and running situations.
Receiving
On occasion, the halfback and fullback act as wide receivers, giving the quarterback additional options on passing plays. Normally, when a halfback or fullback is thrown to, the pass covers a short amount of distance and is part of a play designed for him to gain additional yards after making the catch. For instance, a halfback may run to a point about 5 yards beyond the line of scrimmage, catch the ball and look for holes created by blocking assignments designed specifically to give him opportunities to advance the ball.
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