potentially stupid question about football (running uphill, downhill)

[Syrinx]

What do the football commentators mean when they talk of players running uphill or downhill? Football fields look pretty flat and level to me. My first thought was maybe they are talking about which side of midfield the runner is on. But from context, that doesn't seem to be the case.

Can someone enlighten me? Thanks.

[trotsky]

1. It refers to the effectiveness of the back.

If he's running well, waiting for blocks, making cuts, and making more forward than lateral movement, he's said to be "running downhill." Not following these things makes running more difficult, so they say a runner is going "uphill" in that case. (Working harder than he has to.)

[Syrinx]

4. thanks

That makes sense, I guess. Thanks for the answer.

[caraher]

2. A crazy answer to this question is on Yahoo!

One person says a downhill runner follows the crown of the field!

[Syrinx]

5. that actually sounds plausible too... sorta

:shrug:

[wilt the stilt]

3. I don't think it has to do with effectiveness

I believe running uphill is a style. Uphill refers to an upright style of running and when they get hit they stand straight up or go backwards.

Running downhill is a back who is low to the ground and falls forward when hit. I think the ultimate back running downhill was Larry Csonka. He never went backwards.

I could be wrong.

[Syrinx]

6. another scenario that could be correct

Seems like we lack a consensus. :D

[Iggo]

7. From the same Yahoo Answers thread at the link in caraher's post.

"as far as i know its when they run "head first" some runners run in a way so they can easily juke,spin, or stop. then theres the downhill runners. the ones that put there head low and tend to go in straight lines and try to smash through anything in their way. Imagine running downhill, your not going to move around to much. your going to go blistering fast and get low. I have no idea about the "topography" answer"

Imagine running downhill...