Chamberlain Released

[joecrisp]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

Ok, I've always wanted to know that. But, why don't they just call the H-back a fullback? What's the difference there?

While we're at it, what's the difference between a tailback and a halfback?

...Also, what's the origin of the universe?... the meaning of life?

The difference between an H-back and your traditional fullback is the way in which the H-back is sent in motion. While a fullback will often shift from the strong to the weak side or vice-versa, he generally stays in the backfield, whereas an H-back is often shifted to the TE position-- either opposite the primary tight end, or alongside him in a "slot TE" look.

As far as tailbacks and halfbacks, think of the tailback as the "tail" back in the various "I" formations. In those sets, the tailback always lines up behind the fullback. However, in the "Pro" set, the runningback lines up next to the fullback, and becomes a halfback. Of course, the term "Halfback" has been around for a long time-- ever since the days of the old "T" and "wishbone" formations, where there was one fullback and two runningbacks split to either "half" of the backfield.

I hope those explanations clear up what have often been fuzzy terms applied to the players in the offensive backfield.... I can't help you with the other stuff!