Football: 101

What is the primary difference between a Tailback and a Halfback?

- 98

Note that the difference between halfback and tailback is simply the position of the player in the team's offensive formation. The halfback lines up approximately half-way between the line of scrimmage and the fullback (similarly, quarterbacks line up a quarter of the distance between the line of scrimmage and the fullback). Because the halfback is usually the team's main ball carrier (while the fullback is primarily a blocker), many coaches see fit to position the halfback behind the fullback (at the "tail end" of the formation). In this case, the halfback becomes a tailback.

oh

[ Edited by billybonka on Sep 24, 2008 at 11:51:18 ]

Don't forget
H-Back (not to be confused with a Half-Back) also known as F-Back. The position is a hybrid of a fullback and a tight end.

Originally posted by dmbgeek87:
Note that the difference between halfback and tailback is simply the position of the player in the team's offensive formation. The halfback lines up approximately half-way between the line of scrimmage and the fullback (similarly, quarterbacks line up a quarter of the distance between the line of scrimmage and the fullback). Because the halfback is usually the team's main ball carrier (while the fullback is primarily a blocker), many coaches see fit to position the halfback behind the fullback (at the "tail end" of the formation). In this case, the halfback becomes a tailback.

What he said....! Its just different verbiage for the same position basically. I always used "halfback" in a 2 back set, I-Formation. Considering most teams have dropped a true FB, the term Tailback has become more prevalent in modern football terminology because there's only 1 back.

ahhh... thanks!

- 98

What the Fck happen to just calling them a Running Back?

Wrong Forum! This belongs in the NFL forum!

Originally posted by DaddyRichSF:
What the Fck happen to just calling them a Running Back?

Technically they fall under the classification of a RB. But there is a difference between HB and a FB. Saying Staley is an offensive lineman doesn't tell where exactly he plays, that's why saying OT or going further LT is important.

I have a new question.

Why don't pro teams run some of the plays or formations we see in college football?

Option pass for example, or wishbone formations.

Originally posted by qnbrew88:
I have a new question.

Why don't pro teams run some of the plays or formations we see in college football?

Option pass for example, or wishbone formations.

Because fooling a 20 year old kid is easy, fooling a 30 year old vet isn't. Gimmicky plays only work sometimes and when the level of competition is much harder you don't have the extra time for the play to develop.

Originally posted by jreff22:

Originally posted by qnbrew88:
I have a new question.

Why don't pro teams run some of the plays or formations we see in college football?

Option pass for example, or wishbone formations.

Because fooling a 20 year old kid is easy, fooling a 30 year old vet isn't. Gimmicky plays only work sometimes and when the level of competition is much harder you don't have the extra time for the play to develop.

Also the level of athleticism varies on different levels of football. Michael Vick at Georgia Tech in college against Navy is much different than Vick verse a defense in the NFL.

Originally posted by delivered84:

Originally posted by jreff22:

Originally posted by qnbrew88:
I have a new question.

Why don't pro teams run some of the plays or formations we see in college football?

Option pass for example, or wishbone formations.

Because fooling a 20 year old kid is easy, fooling a 30 year old vet isn't. Gimmicky plays only work sometimes and when the level of competition is much harder you don't have the extra time for the play to develop.

Also the level of athleticism varies on different levels of football. Michael Vick at Georgia Tech in college against Navy is much different than Vick verse a defense in the NFL.

Vick = wrong "Tech"

We don't see plays in the NFL that you see in college for several reasons. The main one being the atheltic difference. In college you can get to the edge on defenses, in the NFL it is much harder. Also, for example the option, in college the best QB can outrun the best D-linemen, in the NFL even the fast QB can't get around these big athletic DE. Therefore when the QB runs the options the DE is not going to care about the RB, he is told hit that QB as hard as you can and make him not want to run your way again. The LB or CB or safety will be there to take care of the RB but the DE's job is to light the QB up. Not many pro teams want to take a chance of getting their QB hurt by running the option. College schemes are just too simple and rely to heavily on athletic ability, in the NFL you have to rely on deception and scheme more.

Could someone please explain the difference between "The Wildcat" and "The Taser?"