Fullback Blocking Tips

The position of fullback is often overlooked by casual sports fans, as fullbacks rarely are tasked with catching a pass or running the football outside of short yardage situations, however, fullback is a vital position. In addition to serving as a change of pace runner, the fullback must block for the halfback on running downs and protect the quarterback from loose rushers on passing downs.

  1. Positioning

    • The foundation of any successful block is proper positioning heading into the block and throughout the block. As the defensive player approaches and you enter the block, spread your feet wide and squat down low, getting your center of gravity beneath that of the defensive player. Keep your head up and facing forward, with your back straight and drive your weight forward into the body of the defensive player.

    Holding a Block

    • As important as the first contact with a defender is for determining the success of a block, the length of contact also plays a part. Simply hitting the defender once and then moving on, unless called for in the play design, allows the defender to get to the ball carrier with minimal loss of momentum. When making a block on a defender, drive into the player and then maintain contact, continuing to push away from the ball carrier to provide time or open up a running lane.

    Sealing

    • On an outside running play the fullback is responsible for helping the offensive lineman to establish a running lane on the corner for the halfback. Move to the outside on the side the play will be run and get to your assigned position. On an off-tackle run, for example, the lineman on the side being run to provides one side of the hole, while the fullback crosses behind the tackle to block in the direction the run is headed to create the second side of the hole.

    Inside Blocking

    • For an inside run, between the offensive tackles, the most common assignment for the fullback is to be the lead blocker. On a lead blocking assignment, get through the hole before the half back using the advantage of lining up closer to the line of scrimmage, and drive into the linebacker that is attempting to fill the hole, creating the lane for the halfback to get into the secondary.

    Pass Blocking

    • In pass protection the running backs are the last line of defense to prevent a pass rusher from reaching the quarterback. On a play where the halfback is sent out on a receiving pattern, the role of the fullback becomes even more important as he is the only player in the backfield to block a free rusher. When blocking a pass rusher, set your feet slightly wider as you will need extra stability to counteract the full speed run of the defender.