Duke came up with some great suggestions and [tag]tips for football running backs[/tag]. Try this[tag]drill[/tag] with your team at your next [tag]practice[/tag].
From Duke”¦
I’m not sure how original my idea is, but here it is. My experience has shown that most [tag]running backs[/tag] don’t completely comprehend the idea of “running to daylight.” I learned a [tag]football[/tag] drill some time ago that is easy to implement.
The purpose is to get running backs to look straight ahead while looking for daylight. A critical [tag]coaching[/tag] point is to tell the running backs it’s the QBs responsibility to make sure the ball is placed in the pocket and not theirs. We don’t want the running backs looking for the ball.
Here are the steps:
1. Place markers (jerseys) on the field showing where the [tag]guard[/tag] and tackle are lined up.
2. The QB lines up in his normal position behind the center. (Center is optional)
3. The running backs form one line 3.5 to 4 yards off the ball on the outside shade of the guard. (This alignment can be adjusted according to the particular [tag]offense[/tag] run by the coach.)
4. The [tag]coach[/tag] stands on the defensive side of the ball directly in front of the running backs.
5. The QB gives a count and then yells the cadence. The running backs run straight ahead while looking at the coach who will hold up 1 to 4 fingers at the same time as the back is receiving the ball. The back must yell the number as soon as he sees it.
It’s surprising how many backs look for the ball instead of looking straight ahead. This drill makes them more aware and also teaches them to keep their heads up and eyes open so they can run to daylight.
An addition to this drill is for the coach to hold a blocking dummy and move it right or left to get the athlete to make a quick cut in the opposite direction (daylight) after they receive the ball.
