Running back is a crucial position in the game of football. It requires speed, agility, and strength – all vital skills for any aspiring athlete. As a coach or mentor, it is essential to provide your students with the right tools and knowledge to excel in this position. This article aims to guide you through the process of teaching students about running back effectively.
Role of a Running Back
The primary role of a running back in football is to carry the ball and advance it down the field. They are also responsible for receiving passes, blocking for the quarterback, and picking up defensive blitzes. It is a versatile position with numerous responsibilities on the field, so teaching your students about these duties will help them develop as an all-around player.
Fundamental Skills
1. Ball Handling: Running backs must have excellent control over the ball while avoiding defenders trying to strip it from their grasp. Teach your students various techniques such as keeping their elbow locked and cradling the ball securely against their body.
2. Speed and Agility: Running backs need to be fast and agile in order to outrun and outmaneuver their opponents. Implement drills that improve students’ acceleration, footwork, change of direction, and lateral movement skills.
3. Strength Training: A strong lower body plays a significant role in advancing through tackles and maintaining balance during each play. Incorporate exercises such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts into your students’ workout routines.
4. Vision and Awareness: A good running back must be able to anticipate defenders’ moves and find gaps in the defensive line where they can break through. Teach your students how to read defenses effectively and make quick decisions on the go.
5. Blocking: In addition to carrying the ball, running backs must also block defensive players for teammates, protecting both the quarterback and aiding other ball carriers on sweeps or receptions. Teach your students proper blocking techniques and footwork.
Drills and Exercises
1. Cone Drills: Set up cones in various patterns on the field, and have your students run through them, maintaining tight cuts and quick changes of direction. This will improve their agility and footwork.
2. Ball Security Drills: Activities such as carrying the ball through a gauntlet of defenders or holding onto it with one arm while taking hits will help your students develop better ball security in game situations.
3. Tackle Breaking Drills: Have your students practice breaking arm tackles and driving through contact using different techniques like spin moves, stiff arms, or lowering their shoulders.
4. Pass-Receiving Drills: Running backs must be adept at catching passes from the quarterback. Teach your students how to track and catch passes using repetitions with a variety of routes and pass types.
5. Field Vision Drills: Design a series of plays that force students to quickly assess on-field situations and make decisions based on gaps in the defense, increasing their vision, awareness, and decision-making capabilities.
Conclusion
By following this comprehensive guide, you will be able to teach your students about running back effectively. Remember to focus on fundamental skills, implement various drills to develop necessary abilities, and provide consistent feedback throughout the learning process to ensure success. Tackling each aspect of this dynamic position will help your students become well-rounded players who can contribute greatly to their team’s performance on the field.
