Running Back Fundamentals
The running back fundamentals you must master include running with both power and finesse, catching passes out of the backfield and blocking. Players - You must dedicate yourself to developing your running back skills. Put the time in on the practice field and watch the difference it makes during games as you begin to dominate. Coaches - Understand the football fundamentals of running the ball. Then put your players into the best position for success where they can utilize their talent to the fullest. Put the following running back fundamentals to good use.
Running Back Fundamentals
1) Stance The stance a running back uses will be dictated by the type of formation and individual ability. If lateral movement is needed, as well as the ability to "see" the defense well, a two-point stance is good. You can stand almost upright or be in a semi-crouch when utilizing a two-point stance. In the semi-crouch, you'll be able to move forward more quickly as well as make good lateral movements. The three-point stance is more common than the two-point. Keep your feet closer together than a lineman does and you want to be close to full speed on the first step. The amount of pressure put on the down hand will depend on how fast you need to hit the hole. The inside foot will be back if you need speed to the inside and the outside foot is back if you need more speed to the outside. The four-point stance is usually used by the fullback in such offenses as the wishbone. It allows for hitting the hole very quickly as the weight is pushed forward. No matter the stance, an important running back fundamental is not allowing the backs to tip off where they're going with their eyes. Keep the eyes straight ahead before the snap. 2) First Step You can take a lead step or a crossover step. A lead step is when the foot closest to the hole is moved first. The foot farthest from the hole moves first in the crossover. Whichever step is used is based on the type of play and coach's preference.
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3) Taking the Handoff The arm closest to the quarterback is lifted up to shoulder level with the palm turned forward. Keep the arm and elbow in front of the shoulder so as to not knock into the quarterback. The outside arm should be at waist level and facing upward. As the QB places the football between the arms, clamp both hands down onto the ball and hit the hole. Keep both hands on the ball as you go into the line to prevent fumbles. 4) Hitting the HoleA key part to this running back fundamental is hitting the proper hole without hesitation. Carry the ball in the hand away from the nearest defender. Place the ball securely in the fingers with the index and middle fingers gripped around the nose. Squeeze the football into the body with the elbow and arm. On contact, the ball should be covered with both hands to ward off the defense's attempts to pry it away. 5) Power Running Keep yourself very low to the ground when you need extra power, such as in short-yardage situations. Widen your legs to stay more balanced when being hit. Explode into the defender trying to make the tackle. A running back skill needed with power running is balance as opposed to a lot of speed.
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