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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Shadowdancer" data-source="post: 1194892" data-attributes="member: 515">Maybe this will clear up some misconceptions and misinformation.  While a tailback and fullback are both running backs, they are not the same thing. The term "tailback" is usually used by teams running the I formation offense. It is the running back who lines up deepest in the I formation, behind the fullback, not between the fullback and the quarterback. In the I formation, the quarterback lines up directly behind the center, with the fullback about 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage and the tailback about 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage. They are all in one line perpendicular to the line of scrimmage. True, the tailback is usually smaller and faster, but not always. The fullback is usually bigger and stronger, and is used primarily as a blocker and in short-yardage situations when power is more important. The term "halfback" is used by teams running a T formation offense. In this formation, the fullback is again directly behind the quarterback with a halfback on either side of him. They are lined up in a straight line, parallel to the line of scrimmage. In the Wishbone variant, the two halfbacks are set a little further back than the fullback, so that the alignment of the quarterback and the other three running backs looks vaguely like a bird’s wishbone. Most teams that run a T formation put one of the halfbacks on a wing, which means he lines up next to the tackle or tight end, but set back off the line of scrimmage a bit. Or they will remove one of the halfbacks completely in favor of a second wide receiver. Most pro teams run what is called a pro set formation. In it, you have two running backs in the backfield behind the quarterback. Usually, one is a fullback and primarily blocks for the other runner. These can be split to either side of the quarterback, or lined up in an I formation, or with the fullback lined up on the wing.  The correct sequence is quarterback, then fullback, then tailback, all lined up in a row.  The shotgun formation often uses the same number of running backs. They line up on either side of the quarterback.  The power I formation has nothing to do with the number of tight ends used, although many teams do use two tight ends when running a power I formation. The "power" in the power I comes from the use of a second fullback, lined up next to the first fullback. So you have three running backs: two fullbacks, who usually block, and the tailback, who usually runs the ball. Most five receiver sets use four wide receivers and one tight end. This way, the team can keep an extra blocker in the mix if the defense blitzes or the offense runs a quarterback draw. The tight end will read what the defense is doing, and if he has no one to block, he will go out for a pass. If he has a blocking responsibility, he will stay at the line of scrimmage and block. Very few teams have a fifth wide receiver who is better at catching passes than their primary tight end.  Many colleges and high schools use a 5-2 alignment with five linemen and two linebackers. Sometimes the two ends will stand up rather than get down in a three- or four-point stance, in effect becoming linebackers and the alignment looks just like a 3-4. But the responsibilities are different than in a straight 3-4. Also, they will often use a 6-2 alignment if the other team very rarely passes.  Many teams will take out a lineman rather than a linebacker in the nickel formation. It just depends on the team’s personnel.  This is a common misconception. Actually, the lineman cannot simulate the start of a play once he is set. Or in other words, he cannot move his feet, or move his head or body in a manner that would make the defense believe the play has started. The linemen can, and frequently do, move while in their set stance. They will move their heads from side to side to see how the defense is lined up. They will talk to each other, to make sure everyone knows their blocking assignments against that defensive alignment, especially if the defense looks like it will blitz. They often will even point to various defensive players, indicating either who they will block or who someone else without a specific assignment (a running back or tight end) needs to pick up and block on the play.  Wrong. The man in motion can only move parallel to the line of scrimmage or away from it. He can never move toward it prior to the snap.</blockquote>

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