If you want to play fullback on your football team, you need to prepare yourself physically and mentally. The role of the fullback has evolved from being a primary ball carrier to a punishing blocker and short yardage specialist. As a fullback, you must have a special toughness that allows you to deliver and receive punishment on every play. The best fullbacks are unselfish team players.
Step 1
Train with heavy weights to gain muscle mass and upper and lower body strength. Train primarily with free weights, high weights and low repetitions. Focus on such exercises as squats, dead lifts, bench press, shoulder press and thigh extensions.
Step 2
Study and practice blocking techniques to become a proficient, versatile blocker. Study game films and watch the techniques employed by other fullbacks on a variety of plays. You will be required to protect the quarterback, so practice one-on-one blocking against the best pass rushers on your team.
Step 3
Run with a punishing style by driving through potential tacklers rather than trying to avoid contact.
Avoid running with your torso straight. Instead, lean your shoulders and upper body forward.
Step 4
Practice with a partner to improve your pass catching skills. Fullbacks are frequently called upon to catch passes out of the backfield or in front of linebackers. Simulate passing situations when you practice. To improve your hands, have your practice partner throw the ball at different speeds and different heights.
Step 5
Improve your footwork by performing such footwork drills as stepping between tires and jumping rope. Fullbacks need good footwork, particularly when pass blocking.
Tips and Warnings
- Perform a drill that will help prevent fumbles. While carrying the ball, have plays in which the entire defense is focusing on causing a fumble. On short yardage plays, the defense may be expecting you to carry the ball. Consequently, you will need good lower body strength to gain those tough yards. When blocking for your tailback, you need good leg strength to drive back the defensive players, which provides room for your teammate to run. Through the course of a game, your punishing blows will intimidate defenders and they will become less anxious to tackle you. This intimidation factor will create opportunities for missed tackles.
Things You'll Need
- Olympic bar
- Olympic bench
- Squat rack
- Thigh extension machine
- Olympic plates
- jump rope
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