full-back

A full-back sprints down the field to defend the goal.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A defensive player in sports: "full-back" refers to a player positioned primarily in defense, especially in football (soccer), rugby, or field hockey. In football, full-backs are typically located on the left or right side of the defensive line, tasked with preventing opposing attackers from advancing and supporting offensive plays.
   • A position in rugby: In rugby union and rugby league, a "full-back" is a player who stands behind the main defensive line, acting as the last line of defense and often handling high kicks or counter-attacks.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The full-back made a crucial tackle to stop the striker from scoring. (The defensive player prevented an opponent from advancing toward the goal.)
  • In rugby, the full-back must be skilled at catching high balls. (The player positioned behind the defensive line is responsible for catching kicked balls.)

Advanced Usage

• "to play full-back": to perform the role of a full-back in a game.

  • He was asked to play full-back for the national team. (He was assigned the defensive position in the match.)

• "left full-back" / "right full-back": specific positions on the left or right side of the defensive line in football.

  • The left full-back overlapped to deliver a cross into the box. (The defensive player on the left side moved forward to send a pass into the penalty area.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fullback (n): a variant spelling (often used in American English) with the same meaning.

  • The fullback charged forward to support the attack. (The defensive player moved up the field to assist in offense.)

• Full-back play (n): the actions or strategies associated with the full-back position.

  • Effective full-back play requires speed and tactical awareness. (The performance of the defensive player demands quickness and strategic thinking.)

Synonyms

• Defender: a player who primarily defends in team sports.
• Back: a player positioned behind the forwards in rugby or football.
• Wing-back: a more offensive full-back in football who also attacks.

Antonyms

• Forward: a player positioned in attack, opposite to a defender.
• Striker: a forward whose main role is to score goals.

Related Idioms

• "Full-back to the rescue": a phrase used when a full-back makes a critical defensive play.

  • With the goalkeeper beaten, the full-back came to the rescue with a last-ditch tackle. (The defensive player saved the goal with a desperate defensive action.)

• "Play a full-back role": to act in a supportive or defensive capacity in a non-sporting context.

  • In the project, she played a full-back role, protecting the team from external criticism. (She took on a defensive or supportive function.)