Running Backs are constantly taught to keep their pads low to maximize force and prevent injuries. But what kind of drills can you do to stress that?
This drill, courtesy of the Youth Football Coaches Association, is a perfect way to teach ball carriers to lower their shoulders and run through defenders. It reinforces getting low and firing the feet—just what running backs need to do when they're facing a 3rd-and-short situation or perhaps up against the goal line.
For a printable .pdf of this drill and others, visit the YFBCA website.
The Drill
A diagram of the drill.
- Two defenders with hand shields stand shoulder to shoulder
- Ball carrier is 3 yards from goal line
- Ball carrier secures ball with 6 points of pressure and runs through defenders
- Defenders can be on a knee or in standing athletic stance
- Ball carrier replaced defender and defender becomes ball carrier
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