A cutback in football generally refers to a move a running back makes when a run play is designed to go one way but the back sees opportunity for gain elsewhere. Certain plays are designed to create this type of opportunity, particularly those where the offensive linemen zone block (step in the same direction initially, blocking the first defender), or during a stretch play.

Cutbacks are effectively performed by faster backs, as they have the speed to expand their gain and the agility to shake pursuing defenders off.