1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Football

About Football Glossary - Crackback

By James Alder, About.com

Definition: A block by an offensive player who is usually spread out away from the main body of the formation and runs back in towards the ball at the snap, blocking an opponent back toward the original position of the ball at the snap.

Blocking below the waist or in the back in this situation is illegal.

Examples:
An illegal crackback block is a personal foul and is penalized 15 yards against the offending team.
Suggested Reading

Explore Football

About.com Special Features

Learn to Pitch

Strike out the competition with these step-by-step pictorials. More >

Introduction to Pilates

Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Football

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.