Crackback block, nickel back, dime back, stunting?

Question

What do these football terms mean?

Crackback block,

nickel back,

dime back,

stunting

Answer 1

I'd agree with dude on everything but his definition of the crack back block - I think to be a crack back the defender being blocked needs to be in contact with another offensive player when another offensive player hits him below the waist.

For example - a DE is being blocked by an OT and a TE cracks back and hits the DE below the waist. Generally speaking this is when the penalty is called. Just coming outside to inside to make a block isn't illegal you need that "all ready in contact" part.

And for stunting again dude is right but here's an example to clarify: when pass rushers switch pass rush lanes - i.e. DE comes inside and DT goes outside. Or dropping a DE in to short pass coverage and blitzing a linebacker.

It's been a looooong time since I played though so I may or may not be on the ball.

Answer 2

Crackback: 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 below the waist or in the back with the force of the block back toward the original position of the ball at the snap

Nickel back: the fifth defensive back (db) when passing defense formation with 5 or more db's is used

Dime back: the sixth db when passing defense formation with 6 or more db's is used

Stunting: when the defensive players switch roles on the field (in order to confuse the blockers)