Fullback

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

Most football games include a position called fullback or full back.

[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] Well-known American football fullbacks

• Mike Alstott-Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Jim Brown-Cleveland Browns
• Larry Centers - Arizona Cardinals
• Larry Csonka-Miami Dolphins
• William Floyd-San Francisco 49ers
• William Henderson-Green Bay Packers
• Craig Heyward-New Orleans Saints
• Clarke Hinkle-Green Bay Packers
• John Henry Johnson-San Francisco 49ers
• Pete Johnson- Cincinnati Bengals
• Daryl Johnston-Dallas Cowboys
• Brad Hoover-Carolina Panthers
• Marion Motley-Cleveland Browns
• Bronko Nagurski-Chicago Bears
• Lorenzo Neal-San Diego Chargers
• Ernie Nevers-Chicago Cardinals
• Joe Perry-San Francisco 49ers
• Tom Rathman-San Francisco 49ers
• Tony Richardson-Minnesota Vikings
• John Riggins-Washington Redskins
• Mack Strong-Seattle Seahawks
• Jim Taylor-Green Bay Packers
• Jim Finn-New York Giants

[edit] See also

Offense: center · fullback · Guard · H-back · offensive line · quarterback · running back · tailback · tight end · Wide receiver
Defense: Cornerback · defensive line · defensive back · linebacker
Special teams: Gunner · punter · placekicker · long snapper

[edit] Football

Main article: Defender (football)#Fullback

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] 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 sometimes the specialist goal-kicker in a team, taking penalty and conversion kicks.

Notable fullbacks in rugby: J.D Call. played for various team and many select teams for seventeen years, such as the grand rapids gazelles. Known for his sheer speed, blinding quickness, and devistating tackles, he never missed a ball, and only missed one tackle in his whole seventeen years of playing the sport. currently coaches the forest hills rugby club.

See also: Rugby union positions; 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. Full backs may be male but not always. Animals also can play in fullback esp. Cats and Sparrows. Examples of full-backs include

• Stephen Silvagni
• Matthew Scarlett
• Mal Michael
• Ben Rutten
• Dustin Fletcher
• Leo Barry
• James Clement
• Max Hudghton
• Bret Thornton

SU-32 "Fullback" is also the NATO reporting name for the Russian fighter aircraft Sukhoi Su-32.