How to Become a Great Running Back
- 1). Begin by preparing yourself mentally for what it means to be a great running. Any extremely talented running back is an integral part of his team's offense and many are the focal point. The truth is that a great running back will at times have to carry his team to victory (literally and figuratively). Spend some time on off-days and during pre-game preparation visualizing yourself making long runs down the field and breaking tackles en route to scoring.
- 2). It's important that you prepare yourself for the beating you're going to take every game. A great running back will most likely touch the football at least 30 times a game. That's 30 opportunities for the defense to hit you. Pushing yourself in the gym and during drills will give you toughness but nothing can adequately get you ready for being a running back like game experience. Never let the defense know that you're hurting. Every time you get hit, get right back up and let them know you're ready for more. Intimidation can help you be a great running back just as much as hitting the gym.
- 3). Hit the gym and build up both your upper and lower body. Obviously, a running back wants to be quick out on the football field. You'll also need your legs to be strong so that you can keep them churning when defensive lineman are trying to bring you down. You should build up your upper body, especially your shoulders, to take on and defeat oncoming tacklers. Broad shoulders will come in handy when hitting the hole on a 3rd-and-1 situation.
- 4). Know your strengths and practice them constantly. If you're a bigger running back known for running people over, work on hitting the holes up the middle and take part in “strip drills.” A more elusive running back should practice running around the tackles, pivoting and following wide receivers and outside blockers.
- 5). Work on blocking defensive players. A great running back is one who excels at all aspects of the game. There will undoubtedly come a time during a game when you will need to set a block for another running back or your quarterback. Being able to block will come in handy when play action is called.
- 6). Know the blocking schemes of your offensive lineman and follow them during running plays. Any great running back knows that he is only as good as the blockers in front of him. Read over play books and make yourself familiar with where your blockers will be during specific plays. If you can plant yourself behind the big guys up front, you have a much better chance of gaining good yardage every time you carry the ball.
- 7). Work on your agility. A running back must be able to quickly change directions to avoid oncoming defenders. Being agile is also imperative when trying to fake out would-be tacklers. Purchase an agility ladder and use it during drills on offdays. These exercises will greatly improve your performance on the football field.
- 8). Improve your ability to both catch and hold onto the football. The worst thing a running back can do is to drop the football. However, holding onto the pigskin can be difficult while being hit by other defenders, especially when those defenders are trying to strip the ball away. Taking part in a “strip drill” will toughen up your arms and hands as well as give you the knowledge on how to properly hold a football. A great running back should also have the ability to run routes and make catches out in the open. This expands your offense by giving your quarterback another target to throw at.
- 9). Use the day after a game to rest and recuperate. There's no denying that a running back is going to be in pain the day after carrying the ball 25-30 times a game. Hitting the gym the day after a game is just not a wise thing to do. Use whirlpools and massages as a way to heal the muscles that will undoubtedly be sore after a strenuous football game. It's also a good idea to complete a full body stretching routine the day after a game. Staying healthy for longer than a couple of weeks is obviously something you'll need to do in order to become a great running back.
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