Canadian Speed

As with everything football, fundamentals are the key difference between being a good player, or being a great player. So keeping that in mind, I've compiled a list of fundamentals that I feel are needed in order to be a total back, able to contribute to all stages of the game.

To start, as with everything football (that's my key phrase for this post, in case you haven't guessed yet) winning depends on fundamentals and a sound philosophy. That philosophy can be applied to the team or to a player, situation, or what have you. In this case, we'll focus on those required for the running back.

In order to have success at the running back position, you need to have a balanced game in your bag. The fundamental areas that you need to develop are as follows (in no particular order):

1. Power Running
2. Zone Running
3. Perimeter Running
4. Play Action
5. Drop Back Passing
6. Everything Else(Screens, Draws, Counters, etc)


On most teams, the running back will be one of the cornerstones of the offense. How much of a part often depneds on the coach's style of play, but more so then that, it depends on the backs abilities to learn the position and how well they execute assignments.

In order to be greatly effective, the running back must be a total player at his position. He must learn, know and perform all of the necessary skills in order for him to reach his full potential.

To further break down the six point I previously mentioned, I'm listing a bunch of specific skills which should be familiar to any feature back. You'll seldome find a back who has mastered all of these skills, but if you can tick off more then half of these, you're doing pretty good.

Running Back Core Skills:

1. Running: Sounds obvious, but in order to get the most out of your ability, you must learn to run with proper form with proper motion. Relaxed stride (shoulders loose, hands relaxed, good bounce).

2. Blocking: Since most teams at most lower levels use the passing game to spell their running backs, it's important for the back to know his blocking assigments, how to block.

3. Catching: The most under rated skill right now, in all of football. I know this sounds odd, but kids today simply don't know how to catch a ball. It's that simple. But with practice and reps anyone can get better at catching a football. Proper hand placement, proper extention to the ball, watching the ball all the way in, and securing the ball one the catch is made.

4. Everything Else: Playing without the ball is a huge part of being a good back. As with other sports, it's often what you do when you're not directly involved, like running fakes fully and hard, running proper routes every time. Properly doing this in effect blocks people without having to block them Because if you can get people to follow you instead of the real play maker for the play, you've taken them out of the play as well... Acceleration works wonders!

THE BIG 5 FOR A RUNNING BACK!!!

1. Ball Security (PROTECT THAT BALL, FIGHT FOR THAT BALL!)
2. Stay Focused (Know the play, know your roll, shut your hole!!!)
3. Run With Your Eyes (See the play, find the running lanes, look around)
4. Run North and South (Why run 20 yards for 3 yards, when you can run 5 yards for 5 yards!?)
5. BYOB (Be Your Own Blocker, be physical, move people towards blockers)

***REMEBMER*** And this goes for all players of the game:

"Be the hammer, not the nail! Deliver the hit, don't take it."

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