A crack back is a specific type of block in American football, characterized as a blind-side block on a defensive back by a pass receiver who initially runs downfield and then cuts back towards the middle of the line of scrimmage.
This maneuver is designed to surprise a defender and create a clear path for a ball carrier, typically during run plays, screen passes, or reverses. However, due to significant player safety concerns, rules regarding crack-back blocks have been heavily restricted in professional and collegiate football.
Understanding the Crack Back Block
The mechanics and purpose of a crack back block are quite distinct:
- Initial Movement: A wide receiver or tight end will initially run a few yards downfield, as if running a pass route. This often draws a defensive back (like a cornerback or safety) with them.
- The "Crack" or Cut Back: The blocker then sharply changes direction, cutting back towards the line of scrimmage and often towards the inside of the field.
- The Target: The primary target is usually a defensive back who is either covering the blocker or is in a position to make a tackle on the ball carrier.
- Blind Side: The block is frequently delivered from the "blind side" of the defender, meaning the defender often does not see the blocker approaching, making it difficult to brace for impact.
Purpose in Offensive Strategy
Historically, crack-back blocks were a potent tool for offenses to spring big plays. Their main objectives included:
- Creating Running Lanes: By taking out a key perimeter defender, the offense could open up large running lanes for halfbacks or wide receivers on sweeps, draws, or screen passes.
- Exploiting Aggression: Defensive backs, focused on covering a receiver or attacking the ball, could be caught off-guard by a blocker moving in an unexpected direction.
Legality and Player Safety
The term "crack back" has become synonymous with blocks that are now largely illegal or heavily penalized under modern football rules, particularly the NFL and NCAA. The evolution of rules reflects a strong emphasis on player safety, especially concerning head and neck injuries.
Key Rule Changes and Penalties
Most football leagues have stringent rules against blocks that resemble the traditional crack back:
- Blind-Side Block Restrictions: Many leagues have specific rules prohibiting blocks delivered from the blind side, particularly if the blocker initiates contact with the head, neck, or if the block is below the waist and from the side or rear.
- Peel-Back Blocks: This is a closely related term often used in official rulebooks. A "peel-back" block generally refers to a block by an offensive player who is moving toward their own end zone and blocks a defender from behind or the side. These are almost universally illegal due to the risk of severe knee and ankle injuries.
- Block Below the Waist: Blocks below the waist, especially if delivered from behind or the side, are heavily regulated and often illegal, regardless of whether it's a "crack back" or not.
- Player in Motion: The legality of a block can also depend on the direction of the blocker's momentum relative to the opponent's goal line. Blocks moving towards the opponent's goal line are generally more permissible than those moving back towards the blocker's own end zone.
Examples of when a crack back type block would be illegal today:
- An offensive player lines up wide, runs 5 yards downfield, turns, and blocks a cornerback who is facing the line of scrimmage, hitting them from behind or the side below the waist.
- A receiver runs a go-route, stops, and delivers a block to a safety who is tracking a different player, hitting them high on the head or neck from the blind side.
These types of blocks carry significant penalties, typically 10 or 15 yards, and in some cases, can lead to player ejection due to dangerous contact. The goal of these rules is to encourage safer blocking techniques where defenders have a chance to see and react to incoming contact.
While the strategic concept of removing a perimeter defender remains, offensive schemes now utilize legal blocking techniques that do not endanger players with blind-side, low, or high contact.
