• Drill Type
  • Running Back Focus

What is Running Back Drill?

Running Back Drill is a free football drill on FantasyHQ’s Football Coaching hub for running back work. Use the setup notes and coaching cues below to add it to this week’s practice plan.

  • Running Back Drill is part of FantasyHQ’s free football drills library.
  • Focus: Running Back.

How to run this drill

Running Back Drill is built for youth, high-school, and volunteer coaches who need clear drill language — not a random cone circuit. Beginners can install the first progression; experienced staffs can layer competition.

  1. Read the purpose once, then walk the setup on air before live tempo.
  2. Demonstrate one clean rep so players see landmarks, pad level, and finish.
  3. Run short competitive periods — quality reps beat long lines.
  4. Close with one coaching cue players can repeat in the huddle next period.

Full drill

I have my running backs do this drill as often as possible.   It works on several issues at the same time.

Running Back Drill
The running back gets into his stance (3 point or 2 point).   Two other players stand about 7 yards away with hitting bags or just in full gear.

The running back comes out of his stance, runs past a quarterback who hands him the ball. Then he needs to run in between the two players who are about 2 yards apart.

The players need to bring their shoulders inwards so that it is hard for the RB to run through. He of course needs to get low and pump his feet once there is contact. He needs to get through with the ball.

Then the coach points out the imaginary end zone is about 12 yards behind the two players. This means that the RB needs not only get through them but stay on his feet so that he can continue to run to the end zone.

Next, you have the imaginary end zone 3 yards behind the 2 blockers. Now, the RB just needs to get through, even if he just falls into the end zone. It requires different skills than the previous setup.

Once they go through both versions, you once again have the end zone 12 yards away.
The coach stands behind the RB when he is in his stance. When the RB is running towards the blockers the coach signals the blockers to move away from each other, leaving a free pass for the runner.

At this point, the RB should still stay on his feet and not fall, as the end zone is still far away.

Each RB goes 4-8 times without knowing when you signal to the blockers to open the gap. A good RB will stay on his feet even if the blockers suddenly move apart. At the same time, if they stay put he should hit them hard and low, pumping his feet, and getting though.
Good luck and enjoy.

Coaching tips

  • Keep one cue per rep so kids hear the same language every time.
  • Film the first live set; pause on footwork and finish, not just the ball.
  • Pair this drill with a matching play install so practice transfers to game day.
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Running Back Drill FAQ

What is the Running Back Drill drill?
Running Back Drill is a free football drill on FantasyHQ’s Football Coaching hub for running back work. Use the setup notes and coaching cues below to add it to this week’s practice plan.
Who should use this football drill?
Running Back Drill is built for youth, high-school, and volunteer coaches who need clear drill language — not a random cone circuit. Beginners can install the first progression; experienced staffs can layer competition.
How do I run Running Back Drill in practice?
Read the purpose once, then walk the setup on air before live tempo. Demonstrate one clean rep so players see landmarks, pad level, and finish. Run short competitive periods — quality reps beat long lines.
Is this drill free?
Yes. Browse FantasyHQ football drills, youth plays, and coaching guides free on Football Coaching.

Guide · Football Coaching

Running Back Drill

Running Back Drill is a free football drill on FantasyHQ’s Football Coaching hub for running back work. Use the setup notes and coaching cues below to add it to this week’s practice plan.

I have my running backs do this drill as often as possible. It works on several issues at the same time.

What you get

Practice drills with setup notes, youth play diagrams ranked easy to hard, FLAG and tackle coaching guides, and a path into live NFL coaching staffs.

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