Defensive back
In American football and Canadian football, defensive backs (DBs) are the players on the defensive team who take positions somewhat back from the line of scrimmage; they are distinguished from the defensive line players and linebackers, who take positions directly behind or close to the line of scrimmage.[1]
The defensive backs, in turn, generally are classified into several different specialized positions:
Safety:
Free safety – most often the deepest safety
Strong safety – the bigger more physical safety, much like a small, quicker linebacker
Defensive halfback (Canadian football only)
Cornerback – which include:
Nickelback – the fifth defensive back in some sets, such as the nickel formation
Dimeback – the sixth defensive back in some sets, such as the dime formation- The seventh defensive back, in the exceedingly rare "quarter" set, but often strong
- known as a dollar back or a quarter back (not to be confused with the offensive player who throws the ball)
The group of defensive backs is known collectively as the secondary; being the second line of defense after the lineman and guards.[2] They most often defend the wide receiver corps; however, at times they may also line up against a tight end or a split out running back.
References
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^ "The Positions in a Football Secondary - dummies". dummies.com.
See also
- American football positions
Positions in American football and Canadian football | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Offense (Skill position) | Defense | Special teams | |||||
Linemen | Guard, Tackle, Center | Linemen | Tackle, End | Kicking players | Placekicker, Punter, Kickoff specialist | ||
Quarterback (Dual-threat, Game manager, System) | Linebacker | Snapping | Long snapper, Holder | ||||
Backs | Halfback/Tailback (Triple-threat), Fullback, H-back, Wingback | Backs | Cornerback, Safety, Halfback, Nickelback, Dimeback | Returning | Punt returner, Kick returner, Jammer, Upman | ||
| Receivers | Wide receiver (Eligible), Tight end, Slotback, End | Tackling | Gunner, Upback, Utility | ||||
Formations (List) — Nomenclature — Strategy | |||||||
