What is Running Back Practice Drills – The Gauntlet?
Running Back Practice Drills – The Gauntlet 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 Practice Drills – The Gauntlet is part of FantasyHQ’s free football drills library.
- Focus: Running Back.
How to run this drill
Running Back Practice Drills – The Gauntlet 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.
- 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.
- Close with one coaching cue players can repeat in the huddle next period.
Full drill
One of my favorite running back practice drills is the gauntlet. This drill emphasizes proper technique for transitioning the ball as well as protecting it.
The Gauntlet
I have everyone except backs line up in a straight line 2 yards apart. Their job is to constantly swipe at the football as the backs come through.
Each back is to properly transition the ball to outside arm as they weave through the players. This helps the backs keep the ball close to their body and use both hands and proper technique to transition the ball from side to side.
As the backs get to the end of the line then we have the other players line up shoulder to shoulder in two straight lines facing each other about 1 yard apart.
Again they are to swipe at the ball as the backs come through. This time the backs are to use proper technique keeping the ball covered close to the body with both hands to simulate coming through the line at the point of contact.
Running Back Practice Drills – The Gauntlet FAQ
- What is the Running Back Practice Drills – The Gauntlet drill?
- Running Back Practice Drills – The Gauntlet 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 Practice Drills – The Gauntlet 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 Practice Drills – The Gauntlet 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.
