| A youth football running back must be a | | | | pass. On plays with two running backs, he is called |
| "jack-of-all-trades" to play the position completely. He | | | | upon to block for his partner. |
| must be able to run, receive, block, and have a high | | | | Mental Approach |
| level of physical and mental toughness. A talented and | | | | - The running back in youth football should learn how |
| hardworking running back can break a game wide | | | | to read defensive positions and understand the |
| open by finding the right hole or securely running the | | | | blocking schemes of his offensive lineman. This will |
| ball to "eat up the clock" and protect the lead. | | | | prepare him to spot the openings quickly during the |
| In order to meet the needs of this challenging position, | | | | heat of the play. |
| future running backs must practice every day through | | | | - To be a quality running back, he must obtain mental |
| a variety of football skills & drills to develop the | | | | toughness. He is hit hard and often throughout the |
| fundamentals in each area of the position, particularly | | | | game and must be able to shake it off. He must |
| those they are weakest in. They should constantly be | | | | develop the ability to "never give up on the play" in |
| looking for ways to improve their football skills and can | | | | order to get those extra inches that may result in a |
| even find free tips from football pros online at sites like | | | | first down. |
| Let's look at some of the attributes an aspiring youth | | | | Receiving |
| football running back should work on to improve their | | | | - He must know how to catch a football. The running |
| skills: | | | | back is often the target of an outlet pass when there |
| Position Training & Conditioning | | | | are no other options. He must learn how to catch, tuck |
| - The physical attributes of a running back can vary | | | | the ball, and run. |
| somewhat. What good running backs do have in | | | | Drills for the Youth Running Back |
| common is overpowering speed, a low center of | | | | - Ball Protection Drill - This drill teaches youth running |
| gravity, total body strength, and exceptional balance. A | | | | backs to run and protect the ball while maintaining |
| strength training program is highly recommended for a | | | | balance. Have your running backs line up to receive a |
| running back in youth football. | | | | handoff. A running back carries the ball through a |
| - A running back needs quick reactions to locate holes | | | | two-sided wall of defenders trying to strip the ball. As |
| in the defense and to exploit them. He must be able to | | | | a running back, get down low, protect the ball and |
| change direction quickly while keeping his balance and | | | | focus on four points of security. Each player then |
| protecting the ball. | | | | takes a turn. |
| - A youth football running back should learn how to | | | | - Running Back Handoff Drill - This running back drill |
| break tackles. He must keep his legs moving, driving | | | | teaches the technical aspects of receiving a handoff. |
| them into the ground with forward momentum. An | | | | The player should create a pocket with the arms, the |
| effective running back will be able to throw off larger | | | | inside one on top and the lower arm cradling the ball. |
| tacklers with his arms and shoulders through sheer | | | | Line up players in two lines about 10 yards apart and |
| strength and balance. | | | | facing each other. The first player takes the football |
| - A youth football running back must have good | | | | and hands off to the player opposite him. That player |
| blocking skills. On passing plays, the running back must | | | | then hands off to the running back coming from the |
| protect the quarterback. He is often the last line of | | | | other direction and so on. Speed is not important; it is |
| protection and, if effective, can provide the | | | | the technical aspects that are essential. As the players |
| quarterback with a couple of seconds to complete the | | | | become more adept you can speed up the tempo. |