About the importance of running back agility
Running backs have to be strong and quick, but most of all they also have to be agile. Running backs need their agility to be able to cut to the opening quick enough so that the defense doesn’t have a chance to close that gap before the running back gets through. They also need their agility to cut out would be tacklers in the open field and to run precise passroutes.
Running back agility drills
- High knee running over bags
- The “High knee running over bags” Running Back Drill works on the ability of the Running Back to run in high traffic over players lying on the ground
- Zig Zag Run Drill
- The “Zig Zag Run Drill” Running Back Drill works on the ability of the running back to change direction with good body control
- Rope Drills
- The “Rope Drills” Running Back Agility Drills work on quick feet and picking up the feet when running
- Freeze Drill
- The Freeze Drill for Running Backs works on the first step for the various starting directions: foot placement and arm action.
- Stance and Start Drill
- The Running Back Stance and Start Drills work on the correct stance and the first steps: foot placement, arm action and body control
- Square Drill
- The Running Back Square Drill works on making sharp (90 degree) cuts at highest possible speed but under good body control.
- Jump Cut Drill
- The Running Back Jump Cut Drill improves the ability to attack the LOS at full speed and adjust to the opening in the last split of a second