Definition

Noun: 1. A player in American or Canadian football: A "running back" is an offensive player whose primary role is to carry (run with) the football on rushing plays from the line of scrimmage. They are positioned behind the quarterback.

Usage

The term "running back" is used to identify a specific position and role on an American football team's offense. It is a compound noun that functions as a single unit.

Examples: * The team's star running back gained over 100 yards in the game. * They drafted a new running back to improve their ground game. * The quarterback handed the ball off to the running back.

Advanced Usage

• "Feature back" or "Workhorse back": A running back who is the primary ball carrier for a team, receiving the majority of carries.
  • After his performance, he was named the team's new feature back.
• "Third-down back": A running back specialized in passing situations on third down, often valued for pass-catching and blocking skills.
  • He's not the starter, but he's a very reliable third-down back.

Variants and Related Words

• Halfback (HB) / Tailback (TB): A type of running back, often the primary ball carrier, typically positioned deeper in the backfield.
• Fullback (FB): A type of running back who often lines up closer to the line of scrimmage and is frequently used as a lead blocker for the halfback, though they may also carry the ball.
• Backfield: The area behind the line of scrimmage where running backs and quarterbacks are positioned.
• Rusher: A more general term for a player who carries the ball; can be used interchangeably with "running back" in some contexts.

Synonyms

• Ball carrier, rusher.

Related Phrases

• "Running back by committee" (RBBC): A strategy where a team uses multiple running backs to share the carries, rather than relying on one primary player.
  • The coach prefers a running back by committee approach to keep players fresh.

Noun

1. (football) a back on the offensive team (a fullback or halfback) who tries to advance the ball by carrying it on plays from the line of scrimmage