The running back's job on the football field is to carry the ball as far as possible toward the end zone without fumbling or being tackled. Running backs are prized for their speed, strength and ability to cut and change direction quickly to avoid defenders. Football drills for running backs help develop the necessary skills for technique, agility and positioning.
Strip Drill
A fumble can be a costly mistake for a football team's offense, possibly costing possession of the ball or leading to points for the other team. To help running backs learn to carry the ball properly without having it stripped away, try the strip drill. Have defensive players form two lines facing each other, with six to seven players per line. The quarterback stands at the head of the line, with the running back in the set position about 5 yards in front of the quarterback. On the whistle, the running back sprints toward the quarterback, receives the ball on a handoff and runs between the two lines of defensive players. Have the players try to strip the ball from the running back as he runs through. You can make it a competitive game by assigning points for each successful strip or for each time the running back makes it through with the ball.
Pitch Drill
Teaching running backs to catch a pitch correctly is essential to running certain plays. To run a pitch drill, have the quarterback line up at the line of scrimmage, with the running back in the set position behind him. Assign a defensive player to shadow the running back. Call out a direction, then blow the whistle and have the quarterback run in that direction, with the running back following to his side. The defensive player should close out on the running back as fast as possible. Just before the defensive player reaches the running back, have the quarterback pitch the ball to the running back. The pitch should be timed so it reaches the running back just before the defensive player does. The running back must catch the ball and either avoid the tackle or take the tackle without dropping the pitch.
Pass-Blocking Drill
The running back sometimes must block for the quarterback on a passing play. To help simulate this, have the quarterback set up at the line of scrimmage, with a linebacker facing him about 10 yards away. Have the running back set up in his normal position. On the whistle, the quarterback drops back and simulates finding a receiver while the linebacker rushes past the line of scrimmage. The running back must get in front of and protect the quarterback from the linebacker. Award points to the linebacker for successfully reaching the quarterback or to the running back for getting in position to protect the quarterback.
