Running Back Drills

Many coaches will say that running backs are instinctive. This may be true, but instincts can be developed. In the clip below, USC assistant and former Washington University running backs coach, Johnny Nansen shows you a series of running back drills that he utilizes to help build the skills and instincts that are necessary at that position.

In the video coach Nansen uses actual practice footage to illustrate each of the running back drills. He also integrates game footage to show how the drills carry over to game situations. You will see both ball security and agility drills.

The clip is from the Coaching Football YouTube Channel. Click on the link provided to find a wide variety of coaching videos like the Running Back Drills video below.

The first three running back drills are ball security drills. The first two drills are designed to help build the muscle memory need to create a pocket for receiving the ball from the quarterback. The emphasis is on making sure that the arm closest to the quarterback is the overhand.

The third ball security drill is a simple Rip N Grip drill. Here the back is required to keep the ball high and tight while a teammate simply tries to rip the ball loose. These running back drills are done daily to help build the proper habits.

The remaining drills are Bag Drills. You will see 8 different running back drills that help train the proper footwork and agility needed to be an effective running back. These drills are designed to help the running back manuver through all gaps quickly while avoiding defenders and traffic at their feet.

The YouTube video has sound so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site (some schools block access to YouTube )