Running Back Strip Drill

Drill Objective:

This drill will focus on teaching the correct way to secure the ball to prevent having the ball stripped from your running back's hands.

Drill Setup:

Position 2 lines of 6 or so tackle dummies with a tight path between them. The running back should start 3-4 yards before the tackle dummies.

Drill Instructions:

Have the running back take a hand-off from the quarterback (or coach) and sprint into the path between the tackle dummies. The tackle dummy holders should attempt to strip the ball from the running back as he moves by in attempt to make him fumble.

As a variation to this drill, make the running back hold 2 balls as they run through the tackle dummies. They will have to concentrate extra hard on the protection of football.

Drill Coaching Points:

• Make sure the running back lifts his inside arm (arm facing the quarterback) and elbow in tight so that it is out of the way.
• Be sure the running back keeps a low center of gravity with their shoulders down and their knees up.
• Make sure they practice good ball protection and that they squeeze the ball into their body.