Definition

1. Noun:
   • The group of offensive players positioned behind the line of scrimmage in American or Canadian football: The backfield consists of players such as the quarterback, running backs, and fullbacks, who are primarily responsible for carrying, passing, or receiving the ball.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The team's strategy relies heavily on the speed of its backfield.
  • A strong offensive line is crucial to protect the backfield.
  • The coach is drilling the backfield on new passing routes.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a strong/weak backfield": Used to describe the overall quality or effectiveness of a team's backfield players.
  • Despite their strong defense, they have a weak backfield that struggles to gain yards.

Variants and Related Words

• Backfielder (n): A less common term for a player who is a member of the backfield.
  • He was a talented backfielder known for his agility.

Synonyms

• Offensive backfield: A more specific term emphasizing the offensive unit.
• Backs: A general, informal term for the players in the backfield (e.g., running backs).

Related Phrases

• "Backfield in motion": A pre-snap offensive play where a backfield player is moving laterally or parallel to the line of scrimmage.
  • The penalty was called because two players were in the backfield in motion.

Noun

1. the offensive football players who line up behind the linemen