Playing running back at any level of organized football means that you are going to take a lot of punishment. When you run with the football, you will be the subject of hard and forceful tackles that border on violence. When you are blocking to protect your quarterback, you will be asked to take on linebackers and defensive linemen that may outweigh you by anything from 20 to 70 pounds or more. At times, you will have to inititate contact, and at other times, you will have to run away from it.
Step 1
Give your quarterback a solid opportunity to hand the ball to you. When a running back gets the ball on a handoff from the quarterback, he must give him a solid place to put the football. This is done by framing an area of your midsection with your two arms. When the quarterback places the ball in this area, you must secure the ball and take control of it. You cannot bobble, juggle or drop it. Grasp the ball firmly and do not let it go.
Step 2
Run toward the hole that was outlined in the play call in the huddle prior to the snap of the ball. For instance, the quarterback will call a play in the huddle, and he says you will get the ball and run through a hole made by the right guard and right tackle. That means you have to run to that spot. You cannot freelance and run to the left or up the middle. The play is designed for the running back to run through the alley between the right guard and right tackle. When you get to that spot, you must run hard and low. Make your body a small target so you don't absorb any hard hits. Accelerate your speed as you get through the hole and run to the open space. If there is no open space, keep going and initiate contact with the tacklers by leading with your shoulder toward their chest.
Step 3
Run toward the sideline if the quarterback calls for the sweep. This play takes great blocking on the part of the offensive lineman and speed and determination on the part of the running back. You will run toward the outside portion of the field, and then turn upfield shortly before you reach the sideline. If your offensive linemen have blocked the play well and you have run with speed, you should be able to find open territory to cut up field and make a sizable gain.
Step 4
Block a blitzing linebacker or defensive back if you are asked to stay in and protect the quarterback. A running back must be able to block effectively in the passing game. You must pick out the pass rusher who will be charging from the defensive backfield or linebacker position. Hit this pass rusher with your shoulder in the midsection. Create a shoulder-width base and drive your shoulder as forcefully as you can toward the belt area in order to stop him in his place.
Step 5
Catch the ball when the quarterback throws you the ball. In modern football, many running backs catch as many passes as they get rushing attempts. Look the ball into your arms and then start running upfield. Do not take your eye off the ball in an effort to search for tacklers. You must catch the ball first and then you run with the football.
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