Drills to Develop Complete Backs – Maximize the effectiveness of your running backs through ball security, blocks and pass receiving.

Maximize the effectiveness of your running backs through ball security, blocks, and pass receiving.

At Nicholls State University, we run a multiple-pro style offensive system. For our system to be successful, we ask our running backs to be involved in a variety of ways. We place value on our running backs becoming what we call “complete backs.” We define a “complete back” as a running back that runs the football with violent intentions, executes blocks in the run and passing game, catches the ball while running wide receiver-type routes and, most importantly, executes this by placing value on ball security.  

We work very hard at practice to get the most out of our backs. Due to NCAA rules, we have a limited amount of time on the practice field and meeting room. As coaches, we must wisely select the drills and techniques that both prepare our student-athletes physically and mentally. We believe that a player’s confidence is a byproduct of his preparation.  

Here are drills that can prepare your athletes to be “complete backs.”

Ball Security Technique and Strip Drill (High and Tight)

We begin each practice by setting the tone and proper attitude for the day. A coach should start his individual periods with a ball security drill. If you do not value securing the football properly, then none of the other drills or techniques even matter.

High and tight - this is the best way to carry the ball. By keeping the ball high across your chest with the front tip of the ball at the far “pec,” you will reduce the chances of the ball getting punched out.

The following coaching points emphasize proper ball security:

1. Fingers and Hand

1. Open the hand side on the front tip of the ball. The front tip should be higher than the elbow.
2. Cover the front tip with the index finger, or,
3. C. Use an Eagle Claw where the front tip will split the index finger and middle finger.
   

2. Forearm

The “fat” part of the ball all the way to the back tip should lay across the inside portion of the forearm.

3. Bicep

The back tip of the ball should rest near the crook of the elbow and the inside portion of the bottom of the bicep.

4. Upper rib-cage / chest

Force the elbow to squeeze against the ball and chest. Front tip of the ball must be higher than the elbow (back tip).         

5. Squeeze Elbow – Close the backdoor.

Ball Security Strip Drill
(See Diagram 1)

PROCEDURE:

1. Partner up.

2. On coach’s command, RB runs 10 yards with ball held high and tight.

3. Defender runs from behind trying to knock the ball out. 

Blocking and Fit Drill

To be a complete back, a back must block. Each back will be heavily involved in run and pass blocking. One thing that sets apart a good RB from a great RB is his ability and desire to block. Run blocking is not a skill that is hard to master. Instead, it is just a matter of attitude and pride. An excellent coaching point to give players in blocking is to make contact with your hands but block with your feet.
   

One of the daily drills to master this blocking technique is the 6-point fit drill (See Diagram 2).

“6 Point Fit Drill”

PROCEDURE:

1. Blocker is in 6-point stance with hands, knees, and toes on the ground. Defender aligns one yard away in low 2-point stance.

2. Blocker explodes out and makes contact (palms of hand, thumbs up, fingers out) with eyes on the opponent’s sternum.

3. Blocker keeps knees on the ground, snap hips through on contact, lock arms out and finish with hands above the eyes with head back.

Catching the Ball and “Throwing the Clock” Drill

Another phase of being a complete back is to run routes like a wide receiver and catch the football. Catching the football is just like any other football skill in that it needs to be practiced daily. To catch the ball properly, you must catch the ball with your hands, your eyes and your nose.

The running backs must practice catching the ball every day. The drill utilized is called “Throwing the Clock.” In this drill, the running backs play catch with a partner. They throw the ball at different spots (locations) thus the clock. Their partner catches it, tucks it away, and sticks his foot in the ground bursting for 10 yards (See Diagram 3).

THROWING THE CLOCK DRILL
 
PROCEDURE:

1. Partner up.

2. RBs will align 10 yards apart.

3. RB will throw the ball to his partner.

4. RB catches ball, tucks the ball away, and sticks his toe in the ground bursting for 10 yards.

 5. RB will then throw to his partner while throwing to a different spot each time they throw it.

Running the Football and Bag Drills
(See Diagram 4)

There is only one way to run the football and that is with “violent intentions.” The running back should use a forward body lean with a relentless leg drive. A back should be willing to outwork anyone on the field and possess an element of toughness that will never be broken.  

PROCEDURE:

1. Align 6 bags in a row, parallel to one another, with about two feet in between each one.

2. Start at one end and run over the bags at designated drill and tempo.

3. While running through the bags, the back will have to lean forward and rip through a hand shield.                             

4. Sprint through five yards at the end. 

COACHING POINTS:

1. Eyes should be up.

2. Forward body lean by the RB.

3. Ball control / security is critical.

4. RB should have high knees.

The running backs at Nicholls State University are expected to be “complete backs.” These drills are important to our players and together with their ability can help each student-athlete to earn the title of “complete back.”

About the Author: Chuck Hepola enters his second season this fall as Assistant Head Coach and Runnings Back Coach at Nicholls State. He previously coached at Louisianna-Monroe, East Central University, and Tulsa. Hepola has a Bachelor's Degree from Evangel University and a Master's Degree from Drury University.