Half backs are a vital part of any football team but they can also be referred to by several other names. One common synonym for a half back is a midfielder, which is used more often in soccer. Some other terms used to describe half backs are half-wingers, midfield anchors, central midfielders, and deep-lying playmakers. In rugby, they are often referred to as scrum-halves, while in American football they are known as running backs. Whatever the sport, half backs play a critical role in maintaining the balance between attack and defense, making them key players in any winning team.