Do you want to be a running back? Do you want to be a powerful runner like Brandon Jacobs or a fast one like Chris Johnson and Darren Sproles? Whatever your inspiration, train hard and improve your confidence.
Steps
Step 1. Develop your run first
Speed, acceleration and agility in lateral movements are fundamental aspects to reach the goal zone, or the sideline to stop the clock. It doesn't matter if you're big or small, if you can't get past the defenders, you'll never get where you want to go.
Step 2. Ball control is the second most important aspect
Bring the ball as close to your body as possible. Don't give defenders a chance to snatch the ball from you. If you need to receive the ball on a pass screen, or return a punt, learn to receive with two hands before committing to one-handed grapples for photographers.
Step 3. Strengthen your structure
No matter how small you are, even if you are the fastest player on the pitch, you will still be tackled. You will be tackled by 2 or 3 players who will try to take you to the ground. Protecting the ball is the most important thing, but being able to absorb blows, learning how to use your arm to keep defenders out, and breaking tackles are equally essential skills. You can also block better for your teammates.
Step 4. Work on balance
It will help you keep your knee off the ground after the first tackle and stay on the pitch, as well as avoid injuries.
Step 5. Work with the offensive line and the quarterback
You will need to read the defense and your quarterback. In some cases, you may have to break the outside running line of the pattern to exploit a central defense hole.
Step 6. Never get distracted when your defense is on the pitch
By observing the opponent's running back you may notice solutions to your mistakes. Imagine what you would do in his shoes. It is not possible to study all game situations, so you will have to prepare for everything.
Step 7. Maintain your game vision
To be a good running back you will need to have a good vision of the game, that is to be able to read the blocks and know which spaces to attack, regardless of the scheme called.
Advice
- Learn to read defense linemen. Try to avoid outside linebackers.
- Train strength to strengthen the muscles of the legs and thighs. Work out in the gym when you can and stay fit, for example do squats.
- Practice agility drills, such as running quickly between tires without falling. also try using cones.
- Be versatile. A one-dimensional running back is too predictable. Learn to run vertically and horizontally. Learn to carry the ball with both hands, even if you are not ambidextrous. If necessary, learn to receive like a wide receiver, kick like a kicker, pass like a quarterback, and tackle like a linebacker. You never know when you'll have to improvise to save a game or make up yards.
- Running back is an essential element of the team, and requires dynamism and energy. It is very important to be fit to give your best.
- Watch lots of gameplay footage. Study the defenses.
- Stay healthy and fit or you will show it in the game. Your role is very important in the team, so you will need to show heart and dedication.
- Wear weighted anklets to train on 40m sprints.
- Set goals, like running one kilometer a day, for example.
- Start from the bottom. Learn to absorb tackles and fall right before allowing a huge linebacker to crush you.
- Train with friends.
Warnings
- It is possible that the coach decides to change your role. Don't be offended if there are too many running backs on the team. Take it as a compliment to your versatile physical abilities, which allow you to fill multiple roles. You may have to be moved to safety or a corner back in order to play. Accept the manager's decision and use your time well on the pitch. You will learn to understand how a defender thinks.
- When an injury comes, don't be afraid to lose your job. Focus on recovery as much as possible. If the other players are better than you, it will mean that your team has great quality in your role.
