Running Back Drills: The Ultimate Guide for Football

The most critical element of football is offense, AKA the running back drills. This is what sets the core pivotal position for moving the football downfield. It secures those crucial first downs and breaks sprints toward the end zone end zone to score a game-changing touchdown.

Now, let’s delve into the essentials of receiving the football and explore a few great drills. These drills will help football player increase their speed and become more refined with their footwork.

What is a Running Back Drill?

Running back drills are among the most very vital workouts done by football players in order to be great at their position. Such training exercises aid in agility, speed, ball-handling ability, blocking, and decision-making capacity. From ladder drills, which help develop one’s quick feet to “gauntlet” drills that ensure ball security, a running back does many focused trainings. Running back drills can really increase one’s level of performance all the way from simple agility to such complex things as vision and protection.

Handing off the Football: Essential Running Back Drills

It all begins with getting the handoff right.

Football players should hold the ball with a tight grip. Players must secure the football close to their body at all times to avoid interference or botched handoffs. We advise football coaches to first teach the simple way of carrying the ball. Once the basics are mastered, graduate players to carry out more advanced drills. I’m sure it sounds a bit dry, but even advanced players need to consistently revisit the basics. This will help keep your players fumble-free all season.

2-Step Handoff

Setup: Running back drills should start with the football player positioned a few paces behind the quarterback. The running back needs to be ready to quickly advance toward the quarterback directly.

Directions: After the movement, the quarterback takes two steps to a predetermined side. Here they will meet up with the runner back. The runner back needs to be ready to take the handoff and proceed on a forward route.

Tips: Ensure the running back continues running past the quarterback to the line of scrimmage. Their momentum has them completing their route quickly.

3-Step Handoff

Setup: Much like the 2-step, but only the quarterback is taking an extra step.

Directions: It’s the same idea – a close meet for the handoff. The quarterback must shield the ball firmly into the belly of the back.

Tips: This is often used as a “stretch” handoff – running in the opposite direction.

1-Step Fake Handoff

Setup: The setup needs to be quick, the quarterback will go one step and then hand off the ball to his teammate. Both players are behind the scrimmage line at the hike.

Directions: Alright time to bring out those acting skills! The believable fake handoff makes or breaks this play.

Tips: Get good at selling that fake. Both players should exaggerate the fake handoff action and sell it to the defence.

Stretch Fake Handoff

Setup: The player will be a few yards away from the quarterback, ensuring a quick meet-up for the fake handoff.

Directions: The quarterback extends their arm out, imitating a tight handoff. Meanwhile, the running back persists, taking the defence with them.

Tips: The closer the space and the better the communication, the better this fake will be.

See these Running Back Drills in action

Boosting Speed and Footwork in Running Back Drills

Agility and speed go hand in hand with one another for running backs. Having specific drills thrown into the mix to develop the correct techniques. It aids the football player’s ability to see their agility and speed increase significantly. They will elude defenders and make that mad sprint into the end zone.

Hop and Switch Drill: Crucial Drill for Running Backs

Setup: Players will line up first in a bent-over position, feet shoulder-width apart, football tucked against your chest.

Directions: Players will hop forward, changing the football from one arm to the other. They must simultaneously change out their landing foot, to simulate in-game ball switching.

Tips: Start players off executing the ball switch without the hop. Do this to make sure the move is smooth and can be done right before making things more complicated.

Learn more about Hop and Switch Drill

Fast Footwork Drill: Key Drill for Football Running Backs

Setup: Space two players, or one player and a marker, approximately 15 yards apart to simulate offensive and defensive positions.

Directions: Players are to utilize different footwork skills to get around the defensive player while keeping control of the football.

Tips: Add flag-grabbing into this drill for added agility and game situation settings.

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