Definition

Noun: 1. (American football) A player positioned in the offensive backfield, typically behind the quarterback and the fullback. This player's primary roles are to run with the ball, catch passes, and sometimes block for other players. 2. (American football) The playing position occupied by this player. 3. (Soccer/Football) A player, especially in older formations, who plays in a midfield or defensive role, roughly between the defenders and the forwards. (Note: This usage is less common in modern football terminology).

Usage Examples

• Noun (American football - player):
  • The halfback took the handoff and ran for a 15-yard gain.
  • He is the team's star halfback, known for his speed and agility.
• Noun (American football - position):
  • He was recruited to play halfback for the university.
  • The coach decided to switch him from wide receiver to halfback.
• Noun (Soccer/Football - player):
  • In the classic 2-3-5 formation, the halfbacks provided the link between defense and attack.

Advanced Usage

• "Tailback": In modern American football, "tailback" is often used synonymously with "halfback," especially in offensive systems where the halfback is the primary ball carrier lined up deepest in the backfield.
• The role of a halfback can be specialized: a "power back" focuses on strength and breaking tackles, while a "scat back" emphasizes speed and elusiveness.

Variants and Related Words

• Running back (n): The general term for an offensive player who primarily runs with the football. A halfback is a type of running back.
• Fullback (n): A different backfield position, often lined up closer to the line of scrimmage than the halfback, with more emphasis on blocking.
• Tailback (n): See "Advanced Usage" above.

Synonyms

• (American football): Running back, tailback, ball carrier.
• (Soccer): Midfielder (in a general sense), center-half (archaic).

Related Phrases

• To line up at halfback: To take the halfback position on the field.
  • For this play, the rookie will line up at halfback.
• Halfback option (play): A trick play in American football where the halfback, after receiving a handoff, has the option to throw a forward pass.
  • They surprised the defense with a successful halfback option.

Noun

1. (American football) the position of a back on a football team
2. (football) the running back who plays the offensive halfback position