Running Back Skills and Drills

Garrett century shares drills that develop running, passing, and blocking for running backs, helping players become the best on the field.

Master the disadvantaged reach to switch from inside to outside leverage while blocking, using a bent-knee stance, controlled hands, and a holstered posture to finish the block.

Master the shimmy strike drill by keeping thumbs up, elbows down, and the head up while backpedaling, regathering, and finishing with a controlled, block-focused strike in a solid football stance.

Strike from a staggered, offset stance, alternating left and right feet up to punch while backpedaling, and maintain control of your body and angles.

Master the gap exchange drill to improve on-the-move blocking, read defenders, and meet them in the hole with proper hand placement.

Learn the push press drill to drive back and push a man off balance, extending in space, pressing, and shimmying while maintaining a football stance and control.

Practice hand placement on an opponent's torso to control blocks by moving hands to various positions. Refine the pattycake drill to balance one hand higher than the other for control.

Master the push by drill and its counter to protect the quarterback: the running back uses a hip hand to push the defender by, then counters to stay in front.

Develop the bull rush counter in pass protection by popping the head up, driving the hips, and returning to a strong blocking position against a defender who yanks you down.

Learn to counter a swim or rip by controlling the shoulder, using hip movement to cut off the outside pass rush, and execute the swim rip counter technique.

Master the burner block drill: run back in a square as your legs burn, then block with elbows down, thumbs up, and hands inside to move defender off his mark.

Execute a three on one pass protection drill where the running back recognizes incoming blockers in any order, delivers blocks, and returns to home position before the next read.

Read the hat drill trains the ball carrier to cut off the defender’s helmet direction using headroom, while defenders delay until the last moment, teaching late reads and pressing.

Develop transition drill skills for running backs by refining change of direction and securing the ball with the outside hand in the direction of movement to prevent fumbles.

Perform the star drill to build balance and keep the run alive, even with a hand down. This drill keeps backs on their feet and gains yards.

Practice the jump cut drill in ball security, where a running back cuts left or right over bodies to find and explode through a hole.

Master the shuffle cut and stretch cut to create a seam and explode through the hole by turning your shoulders to the sideline and bursting outward.

Mix jump, shuffle, and stretch cuts in a single drill to build a versatile running back arsenal for positive ball carries and game-ready moves.

Master the overrun drill to teach linebackers to fit up at the line of scrimmage and avoid overrunning to the corner, returning inside to protect the ball and simulate stripping.

Perform 50 pumps to reinforce ball security, keeping the ball snug against the chest and facing north-south during a walking drill with 25 reps per arm.

Execute a strip drill to improve ball security under defender pressure, keeping the ball close at an easy pace so players focus on securing possession, suitable for post-practice sessions.

Use the towel drill to train running backs to resist flinching, wait for the ball to hit the torso, and secure it, reducing fumbles and promoting safe ball carrying.

Develop ball security, footwork, and the ability to break tackles with the stiff arm spin drill, moving north and south while keeping the ball tight to the body.

These drills and techniques will help you become a better player and a better coach this season.