How to Be a Better Running Back

Last Updated: October 25, 2021

Want to be a running back? Do you want to be a hard runner like Brandon Jacobs or do you want to be a speed back like Chris Johnson and Darren Sproles? Whatever your inspiration, put in the practice and gain confidence.

Steps

1
Develop your running first. Straight line speed, acceleration, and lateral agility all are crucial to dodge defenders and get to the end zone, or even just make it to the sidelines and stop the clock. It doesn't matter how big or small you are, if you can't get away from defenders, you'll never reach where your goal.^{[1]
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2
Improve your ball handling. Practice accepting the ball cleanly, gripping it securely and tucking the ball away as surely and quickly as possible. Hold the ball as close to your body as possible and protect it as much as possible. This will give defenders as little chance to knock the ball away as possible. And if you have to catch the ball on a screen pass or if you have to return a punt, learn to catch the ball with both hands.^{[2]
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3
Bulk up. It doesn't matter how little you are, even if you are the fastest man on turf, you will still get tackled. You will get gang-tackled by two or three people trying to bring you down. Protecting the ball is more important, but being able to take the hits, lay a strong stiff-arm and shed tackles is just as important. You can also block people better. Bulk up to show a little intimidation.^{[3]
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4
Work on your balance. It doesn't matter if you are trying to keep your knees from hitting the ground from the first tackle, or if you are trying to stay in bounds, you can avoid some injuries, too.
5
Work with your offensive line and quarterback. You have to read the defense as well as your quarterback. Sometimes, you may even have to break up a supposed outside run and you must run inside (or vice versa).^{[4]
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6
Never switch off when your team is on defense. The opposing running backs may have better solutions to your mistakes. Imagine what you would do if you were that other back. Situations can't be taught thoroughly. You have to prepare yourself for every eventuality.
7
Have good vision. In order to be a good running back you must have good vision, which means you must be able to read your blocks and know which gap you must attack when running the ball, the gap your supposed to run to is not always open so you must be able to redirect and cut back in order to make a play.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I play football when I'm small and not fast?

Community Answer

Become more of a technical player. If you can play smart, you can compensate sometimes for your size and speed.
Question

How do I improve my speed?

Community Answer

Push yourself and run like you are being chased! Set small goals until you accomplish your big goal.
Question

What if I'm fast but not the best at being agile?

Community Answer

There are multiple kinds of running backs, including twigs and tanks. The twigs (typically running outside routes) can leave someone on the ground by juking them or dusting them. A tank can hit a stack of 5 people and knock them back 10 yards. Find your style and what suits you as a running back.

Warnings

When injury happens, don't make the fear of losing your position scare you. Your main focus is to recover and be back at your best. If the other players are better than you, then think as a team that there is depth at the position.

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You could potentially be switched to other positions. Don't be offended if there are too many running backs in the team. Take it as a compliment because you have all-round skills and the physique to play other positions. If you have to end up being a corner or safety to get playing time. Anything can happen. If you have playing time, use it well. It could help you understand where the defense is coming from.

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