University of Charleston Running Back Skill Drills by Tony DeMeo (edited by Paul Keaney) Within the structure of a typical

practice, our running backs will work through both individual and competition periods that prepare them for success in our triple gun offense. They will spend time on each aspect of our offense while focusing on specific game situations. Our practices are structured so that we can effectively practice our entire offense daily. This allows our athletes the opportunity to master the techniques and details we demand through repetition. In addition to this practice structure, the running backs work skill drills daily in pre-practice that address fundamental skills and traits that we would like to see them possess. I begin each day where each play begins, stance and start, while working on their steps. After the tailbacks and slots have completed their steps, we will transition to that days skill drill. We will use each day of the week to improve footwork, body control and balance, cuts and vision, inside and outside zone running, or ball drills. At the conclusion of practice, the running backs will work ball security drills. Just as I want my running backs to end each play with the ball secured, we will end practice with drill work with that in mind. I would like to expand upon the drills we utilize at the start of pre-practice, our step drills for the tailbacks and slots. Triple Steps The TBs will line up in a single line coming out from the sideline working from the top of the numbers to the hash, down a yard line on the field as a visual cue and landmark. They will line up, leaving several yards in between the next back in line in order to move as a unit. As a coach, I can stand behind at an angle and have full view of the groups stance and steps. We begin with triple steps, running the play to the right and then to the left. We are always in the shotgun and typically our TB is in the I formation behind the QB (QB at 4 yards, TB at 5 yards). In the shotgun-I formation, the footwork must consistently put the TB in position to mesh with the QB on the dive phase of the option. When running the play to the right, the TB will align with the outside of their right foot on the left side of the yard line they are working down. They will begin in their stance, feet hip width with slight flexion in the hips, knees, and ankles with hands resting on the legs just above the knee with eyes focused straight ahead. The width of the feet in the stance is a very important coaching point, to allow the TB to be in the proper position to attack the play side A gap with shoulders square, able to slide and glide from B gap to B gap. If the stance is too wide, the shoulders will turn as the feet gather from becoming too wide and the vision to the backdoor cut and the ability to slide in that direction will be compromised. On cadence, the TBs will work for width with their right foot on their first step (from hip to just outside of shoulder width). At this point, they will be straddling the yard line. They will then execute the skip step, dropping and driving off of the left foot which is now in line with the hip again with the right foot leading to the

line of scrimmage. The left foot should be working vertically down the right side of the yard line. The height of the shoulders should not rise and fall drastically with the steps, leading to a slow start. Simultaneously while beginning the skip step, they will form a pocket for the mesh of the football and burst towards the line of scrimmage, tight to the play side A-gap. After two reps of the steps to the right, they will then move to the right side of the yard line and work triple steps to the left. Again, we begin every practice with this drill, stance and steps. Through repetition the steps will become precise and the path consistent. This is vital for ball security in the mesh of the triple and the TB to have the ability to slide and glide. Give, Wrap, Double Working with a partner now, they will each work again down a yard line. Standing from the sideline, I have a clear view of their stance, steps, burst, and body position. We will work the triple steps to the right and left but get into the next phase of the play. Give The first rep will be run as a give read. The TB will burst into the line of scrimmage and be given a directional flash by his partner, who is the defender at linebacker depth. The TB will cut opposite the movement, staying tight, and getting vertical gaining ground. Wrap The second rep of the drill will simulate a pull read, where the TB will take his steps, mesh and burst to the line of scrimmage and now wrap play side as a blocker, staying square and in the framework of the defender. We work the details of blocking in practice periods but this reinforces the TBs path and reaction to wrap play side on a pull read. Double The final rep of the drill will simulate a check from triple to double option. We can make a pre-snap check, or convert on the run based on the look of the defense. The TB will flash fake while taking the skip steps, and instead of attacking play side A-gap, will begin working for width and now is responsible for chasing the hip of the tackle on his path to the linebacker play side. This drill builds upon the triple steps drill, incorporating stance, steps, and game like reactions for the TB. These two drills begin every day for the TBs and are completed in pre-practice at the same time that the slots are working their step drills.