Running backs in U.S. football were the original quarterbacks before the forward pass was invented. Honing your skills to become a better running back today means more than being able to run fast; it also means sharpening your skills through experience and hard work. Knowing ways to be the best running back you can be will allow you to take shortcuts to success that will only make your game better on the field.
Instructions
1. Judge your style of play. Every running back is not built the same way. Take the time out with your coach to assess your running style. For instance, some running backs power through defenders using strength or size, while others have more of a finesse juke style that avoids defenders with speed and agility. While mixes of all of these are needed to be a better running back, take time to perfect your strengths first.
2. Work on stance and ball control. Poor ball handling and fumbling can be any running back's worst nightmare. Practice ball control by performing correctly with the quarterback handoffs that involve the elbow up on the side that is closest to them. Using the proper stance will also help you to avoid tripping by giving you a better center of gravity.
3. Lift weights to improve strength. Weightlifting is an essential part of becoming better on the football field as a running back. No matter what your style of running is, weight train heavily on the lower body. Squats, dead lifts, calf raises, quadriceps and hamstring curls are all an essential parts of a running back's weight- room program. Upper-body workouts should include core training such as leg lifts, crunches, lat pull-downs and bench presses.
4. Perform running drills. Running drills will increase speed and awareness when performed frequently and correctly. Wind sprints of 20 to 40 yards will help improve your conditioning. Adding some resistance such as bungee cords tied around the waist, parachutes or even a weight vest can prepare you for in-game situations.
5. Focus on agility and coordination. Agility drills, such as looping in between 1-yard spaced cones that are in a straight line by planting your pivot foot and making sharp cuts, can help you to avoid pursuers. This will also help you to learn the importance of quick acceleration with a low profile through open holes. You will also want to practice your hand-eye coordination by catching balls from time to time, as running backs can also be used as receivers.
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