In football, the back is used for those players whose starting position is sometimes behind the line.
However, there are different backs, including halfback, fullback, cornerback, slotback, and quarterback.
According to American and Canadian football, the players whose position was outside scrimmage were backs. But in this post, we will discuss what is an A back in Football.
In American football, a back is a player who plays off the scrimmage line. Sometimes slotbacks are also referred to as A back or slot receivers in football. It is a position in gridiron football. The slot is the specific area between the last offensive lineman and the wide receiver.
What is an A Back in Football?
The term back was used to describe various positions on offense and defense. Slotback was referred to as an A back in football, which is a position in gridiron football.
The slot is the area between the wide receiver and the last offensive lineman. A back is a particular player who lines up between those two players and is positioned behind the line of scrimmage.
This position is seen mainly in Canadian football. Also, sometimes it is seen in American football.
The slotback or the A back is similar to the wide receiver, but it has many similar traits as a running back.
They stand almost five yards behind the line of scrimmage when the ball gets snapped.
In Canadian football, A back makes a running start towards the line of scrimmage before the snap. However, in American football, it is an illegal motion.
There are several various jobs a slotback has to take on the field. Mainly they are used as hybrid receivers or running backs.
Also, they are used to block any player on the defensive team who breaks through the line of scrimmage. A backs are used in flexbone formations where they are used as extra receivers.
Related: What Does a Halfback Do in Football?
Why is It Called A Back in Football?
In the previous times of gridiron football, backs were positioned behind the line of scrimmage. The furthest back was considered the fullback.
Also, there used to be the use of quarterback and halfback. At that time, running was mainly used. The quarterback also used to run the ball and played as a blocker.
The quarterback was more famous for passing and other positions at that time. But the position of quarterback was followed by the halfback and the fullback.
Otherwise, its general reference is to a running back when the back is referred to. It is called back as the players are positioned behind the line of scrimmage. They used to be reserved for ball carriers.
What is the Difference Between A Back and B Back in Football?
In gridiron football, slotbacks are sometimes referred to as an A-back. They are positioned almost five yards behind the line of scrimmage.
In the Canadian football and indoor game, when the ball gets snapped, A back makes a running start toward the line of scrimmage before the snap.
You can consider A back as the player between the end and wideouts. It is also called the slot as there is not anyone there typically.
That is one of the options where a player is positioned as far as possible. The slot is between the tight end of the line. So, overall we can say slot is the unoccupied position chrome where a player can get an advantage.
On the other hand, B back is the heart and soul of any triple option offense. B back is also reckoned as a fullback. B back must be a tough runner who won’t be afraid of contact.
During the first phase of the option, the B back most likely will be hit on every play. B back never should be taken down by an arm tackle. Otherwise, that particular B back will get replaced.
The B back should consider himself a bulldozer and must be ready to plow over any oncoming tacklers. He also should be capable of finding his action key defender before the snap to get the most out of every rushing attempt.
Sometimes the B back may rush the ball around 25 times a game. Therefore, his endurance must be extreme. He must be tackled by the dive key defender when he doesn’t get the ball or become a devastating and unselfish blocker downfield.
So, it is clear that the B back position is a very multidimensional and diverse position in the triple option offense. So, only smart and physically active players are suitable for this position.
Is A Back and Fullback Same?
No fullback and A back are not the same. Fullbacks are considered running backs. They are also referred to as tailback or halfback. Fullbacks are mainly used as ball carriers. Fullback blocks and runs the ball in short-yardage situations.
On the other hand, a back is a player who is used as opposed to a lineman. A back is positioned behind the line of scrimmage. This player is responsible for blocking and receiving shorter passes.
Conclusion
So, it is clear that an A back plays as a receiver who lines up in the slot position between the offensive tackle and the widest receiver.
This player catches the football or takes a handoff. Hopefully, now you understand what is an A back and what’s his responsibility in the field. With the innovation of the spread offense, A-backs have become more significant.
