Running back is one of the most difficult positions to play in all of sports. A running back must have speed, agility, resilience, endurance and the ability to catch and hold onto the football regardless of contact with other players or the weather. There are several things you can do as a running back to improve upon your play on the field. Here is become a better running back.
Instructions
1. Determine what type of running back you should be on the field. If you're a lean and speedy athlete, you're better suited to be fast back that runs around the tackles. A bigger, stronger person would make a better power running back, one who takes the ball up the middle and tries to break through tacklers rather than evade them. Knowing this information is the first step to take when attempting to become a better running back.
2. Watch tapes of yourself and critique your play on the field. Regardless of how talented any athlete may be, there is always room for improvement. Be honest with yourself while watching tapes of your play. Take notes of times that you didn't follow your blockers properly or missed the hole and be sure to also include any ways that you believe you could improve on the field.
3. Read over your playbooks carefully and know the blocking schemes for running plays. One of the easiest ways to improve as a running back is to simply follow your blockers after the ball is handed to you. Many running backs try to create their own spectacular plays out on the field. While that may lead to a big play at times, the best way to gain yards as a running back is to know where your offensive lineman will be after the play begins and then following those men.
4. Be sure to participate in full body workouts. Many running backs make the mistake of focusing their workout on either their legs or upper body, depending on what type of running back they are. It's important to strengthen both your lower and upper body in the gym. A strong upper and lower body can give you more speed as well as the ability to break tackles.
5. Take part in running back drills during the week before a game. It's unwise to participate in full contact football except on game days. Instead, use drills such as a the “Stop and Start,” “Tire Drill” and “Strip Drill” to better prepare you for games. These drills can improve your agility, ball control skills and overall offensive awareness on the field.
6. Practice catching the football. Many running backs are one-dimensional in that they simply take hand-offs. To be a better running back and better overall football player, it's important that you can run routes and catch passes in game situations. This gives your quarterback more options when he's in the pocket and increases your touches during a game.
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