Fullback in Football: The fullback (FB) was once a cornerstone of football offenses. Traditionally positioned in the backfield, fullbacks played a pivotal role during the era of “ground and pound” football, where running the ball was the game’s focal point. These players primarily served as lead blockers, clearing paths for running backs to gain yards.
However, the role of the fullback has diminished in modern football, especially at the collegiate and professional levels. The rise of fast-paced, pass-heavy offenses has led many teams to replace fullbacks with extra wide receivers or tight ends. Even run-focused teams now favor spread formations, which stretch the defense horizontally.
Despite these changes, the fullback position remains relevant, particularly in youth football, where running plays dominate. Let’s explore the role and responsibilities of fullbacks in today’s game.
What is a Fullback in Football?
The fullback is one of the most versatile positions on the field. To excel, a fullback must combine the skills of an offensive lineman, tight end, and running back. Their primary duty is to serve as a lead blocker, creating openings for the ball carrier. Additionally, fullbacks may run the ball on short-yardage plays or catch passes out of the backfield.
Fullback Position on the Field
The fullback lines up in the offensive backfield alongside the quarterback and running back. They typically position themselves between the quarterback and the running back, directly behind or slightly to the side. This setup allows them to buffer the ball carrier and rushing defenders.
In some formations, the fullback and running back split the backfield, each positioned on either side of the quarterback. Regardless of alignment, the fullback’s responsibilities include leading the running back to open lanes, protecting the quarterback, or running a route to receive a pass.
What does a Fullback in Football Do?
Identify the Correct Player to Block
The fullback’s primary responsibility is blocking. Unlike offensive linemen, fullbacks don’t always have a predefined assignment. They must navigate through a designated gap and block the first defender. This requires sharp vision and quick decision-making as the play unfolds.
If the fullback misidentifies their blocking target, the ball carrier can be exposed to unblocked defenders, potentially ending the play prematurely.
Execute Blocks Effectively
Blocking is critical to a fullback’s success. They often face defenders who have broken free from offensive linemen or linebackers advancing unchallenged. A missed block can result in defenders having a clear path to the ball carrier or quarterback, disrupting the play entirely.
Fullbacks frequently remain in the backfield in passing plays to protect the quarterback by blocking blitzing defenders. They are the last line of defense and must execute their blocks flawlessly.
Secure the Football
While not the offense’s focal point, fullbacks occasionally carry the ball or catch passes, typically in short-yardage or high-pressure situations. Their role is to gain crucial yards rather than make big plays. Fullbacks must prioritize ball security; a fumble or dropped pass can derail an offensive drive.
Coaches rely on fullbacks to maximize their limited touches and handle the football carefully, making them an integral part of the team’s success in key moments.
Though less prominent in modern football, the fullback position remains vital in certain systems, particularly at youth and amateur levels. Fullbacks are multi-skilled players who blend blocking, ball-handling, and protection duties to contribute to their team’s success.
Whether clearing a path for a running back, shielding the quarterback, or securing crucial yards, the fullback’s contributions are invaluable.
5 Traits of a Successful Fullback in Football
Toughness
Every football player needs to be tough, but for fullbacks, toughness is non-negotiable. Fullbacks endure high-impact collisions on nearly every play. Unlike offensive linemen who make contact immediately after the snap, fullbacks collide with defenders after a running start — and the defenders often have the same momentum.
Positioned a few yards behind the line of scrimmage, fullbacks charge forward to engage linebackers or defensive linemen running at full speed. This relentless physicality requires exceptional grit and resilience, making toughness a hallmark of any great fullback.
Vision
A fullback’s ability to see and interpret the field in real time is crucial. They must quickly read plays, anticipate defensive movements, and adjust their actions accordingly. This skill is even more challenging as fullbacks often begin plays in a low, three-point stance, limiting their initial field of vision.
Great vision allows fullbacks to identify the best gaps to exploit and the defenders they need to block. Reacting swiftly and decisively is key to their success, making them some of the most innovative players on the offensive side of the ball.
Strength
While fullbacks are smaller than offensive linemen, they must pack significant power to succeed. Their size typically falls between a tight end and a running back, but their strength allows them to compete with more prominent defenders like linebackers and defensive linemen.
Strength is critical not only for blocking but also when carrying the ball. Fullbacks often run in high-contact areas, taking on multiple defenders. They need the strength to break tackles, gain tough yards, and securely hold onto the football to succeed. A fullback’s physical power is a cornerstone of their effectiveness.
Soft Hands
Beyond toughness and strength, fullbacks need finesse. Having “soft hands” means reliably catching passes when called upon. While blocking and ball-carrying are primary responsibilities, the ability to contribute as a receiver adds a dynamic layer to an offense.
When fullbacks can run routes and catch passes, they force defenses to account for another threat, such as tight ends, and they need to be sure-handed, especially during critical plays where every yard counts. The combination of physicality and finesse separates great fullbacks from the rest.
Durability
A fullback’s job is one of the most physically demanding in football. They take hits play after play, enduring constant collisions throughout the game. To be effective, fullbacks must withstand this physical toll and recover quickly to perform at a high level on the next play.
While injuries are unavoidable in football, the best fullbacks possess remarkable durability, allowing them to stay on the field and contribute consistently. Their ability to “take a licking and keep on ticking” is a testament to their unique physical and mental resilience.
Best Fullbacks of All Time
Here’s a list of the top 10 fullbacks who have defined the position:
- Mike Alstott
- Jim Brown
- Larry Csonka
- Marion Motley
- Earl Campbell
- Franco Harris
- Tom Rathman
- John Riggins
- Jim Taylor
- Bronko Nagurski
These legends epitomize the toughness, vision, strength, finesse, and durability that define the fullback position.
3 Essential Tips for Fullbacks
Focus on Building Strength
To excel as a fullback, developing overall strength is crucial. Strength in the lower body, core, and upper body equips players to endure the physical demands of the position, including constant high-impact collisions.
A well-structured weight-training program, ideally guided by a strength and conditioning coach, can help fullbacks achieve their needed power and resilience. However, younger players must approach weight training cautiously. Engaging in heavy lifting before their bodies are fully developed can lead to injuries or long-term damage. Bodyweight exercises or light resistance training are safer alternatives for youth players.
Practice Contact Techniques
While it’s challenging to replicate game-day physicality in practice, a fullback must work on initiating and absorbing contact. Coaches can minimize wear and tear by incorporating tackling dummies, blocking bags, and sled drills into training.
Fullbacks should focus on exploding out of their stance, driving forward with power, and using proper technique to move defenders. These drills enable players to sharpen their skills without the strain of full-contact practice, ensuring they’re ready to handle real-game situations effectively.
Improve Hand-Eye Coordination
Hand-eye coordination is vital for fullbacks, especially when securing the football and catching passes. Strong hand-eye coordination enhances ball control and makes players more reliable in critical moments.
Fullbacks can improve this skill through various drills, such as:
- Throwing and catching a tennis ball off a wall to practice reaction speed and hand positioning.
- Repeating the drill with a football to simulate game conditions.
- Playing catch with teammates or coaches to develop consistency and familiarity with different passing angles.
Repetition is key. The more a fullback practices these drills, the better prepared they’ll be to handle the ball under pressure.
Conclusion
While the fullback position is less common at higher levels of football, it remains a cornerstone of youth football offenses. It’s a demanding role that requires versatility in blocking, ball-carrying, and pass-catching, all while enduring constant physical contact.
Though it can often go underappreciated, a skilled fullback can be a game-changer, providing the toughness and reliability that helps an offense thrive. By focusing on strength, contact techniques, and hand-eye coordination, aspiring fullbacks can master this challenging yet vital position.
Also check: 50 Essential Football Terms Everyone Should Know