OUR RUNNING BACKS are taught to use a variety of “tools” to avoid tackles and to increase their yardage gained after taking the first hit. The following drill helps improve your RB’s overall skill level and combines agility, using the RB tools and explosiveness.
DIAGRAM 1:
RB “Tools” Drill. Have a line of RBs standing behind five bags that are placed on the ground. At the end of the fifth bag position is a defender who’s holding a shield pad. Five yards behind that defender are two pairs of defenders, all holding shield pads. Each pair is positioned behind the right and left leg of the first defender.
The RB starts the drill by running over the row of bags that are placed on the ground, then explodes through and hits the defender who’s holding a shield pad at the end of the row. The defender steps toward the RB and initiates contact.
The defender’s attack dictates what tools the RB will use to get by him. If the defender attacks straight on, the RB will use a spin move. If attacked at 45 degrees, the RB uses a forearm shiver. If attacked at 90 degrees, your player should use a stiff arm.
After getting past the first defender, depending upon which tool the RB has used, he’ll explode through the two defenders who are each holding a shield pad and who will hit him as he comes past the first defender.