Fullback
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Most football games include a position called fullback or full back.
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[edit] Football
In association football (soccer), a fullback is a defender playing in a wide position. Their main task is to prevent opposition players crossing or cutting the ball back into the penalty area. Most full backs are also expected to provide an attacking dimension by getting upfield along the wings and providing crosses.
[edit] American football
In American football, a fullback is the name of a position in the offensive backfield. Traditionally, the duties of a fullback are split between power running and blocking for both the quarterback and other running backs.
Many of the great runners of the history of American football have been fullbacks, notably Jim Brown, but in recent years the position has evolved to be more a blocker than a runner, with occasional pass-catching duties. The remaining prominent fullbacks in the NFL are typically employed for breaking through tight defensive alignments, often in short-yardage situations. As a result, fullbacks are typically less known for speed and agility than for muscularity and the ability to avoid being tackled by knocking down defenders.
[edit] Criticism of position
Some fans and experts take issue with the position because fullbacks are often wasted as an extra running back or additional blocker. Often, critics want the fullback more involved in the running game. Special plays designed for the fullback (or H-back formation) were popularized by Coach Joe Gibbs.
- See also: American football positions
[edit] Rugby (union and league)
In rugby, both union and league codes, teams usually play with a single full back. In addition to being the last line of defence against running attacks by the opposing three-quarter backs, the full back is expected to field high kicks from the opposition, and reply with a superior kick or a counterattack. The full back is sometimes the specialist goal-kicker in a team, taking penalty and conversion kicks.
- See also: Rugby union positions and Rugby league positions
[edit] Australian rules football
In Australian rules football, the fullback position has traditionally been a purely defensive role, with the aim of preventing the full-forward from marking the ball and scoring. However, in recent times, where the ability to move the ball out of defense and down the field quickly has become a more important tactic, the fullback often starts a chain of passes up the ground. The defensive aspect of the position remains important, with the ability to accelerate and change direction quickly. Spoiling the ball is also of utmost importance. The fullback often kicks the ball back into play after a point has been scored, although some teams prefer a midfielder for this role, freeing the (typically taller) fullback player to attempt to mark the kick in. Often fullbacks are capable of long clearing kicks out of defense.
- See also: Australian rules football positions
[edit] Trivia
- SU-32 "Fullback" is also the NATO reporting name for the Russian fighter aircraft Sukhoi Su-32.
- Fictional character Al Bundy of television series Married... with Children used to play fullback at fictional James K. Polk High School in Chicago, Illinois.
