Basic Running Back Tips in Youth Football

Teaching youth football players to be running backs is a challenge that can sometimes border on the insane. Youth football running backs will often try to simply outrun everybody, regardless of the direction they are supposed to be going. This can lead to some interesting situations. Fortunately, you can teach these kids how to properly run the football and get great results. It takes patience, practice and lots of repetition.

The basics of the running back position are the most important thing for the young running back to learn. Here are five basic youth football running back tips to help them learn the position correctly at such a young age:

Taking the Handoff

In youth football the handoff can be the most difficult thing to learn and perform without dropping the football and fumbling. Explain to your running back that they have to form a pocket for the quarterback with the inside arm on top. They should make a square with their arms and then clamp down on the football when it is handed off. Practice this over and over again with the quarterback until it is second nature.

Running North and South

Running backs must get the concept of taking a straight line when possible in football. When a running back gets the ball, they should be heading straight for the hole and forward. Many young running backs will try to run backwards to escape oncoming tacklers. In this situation, you have to explain the importance of running around or through those tacklers.

Running for Daylight

While running backs need to run north and south, they should still learn to be elusive. This is done by finding the opening and running to it. This is often called running for daylight. Help running backs understand how linemen create holes and how to hit them hard.

Using your Blockers

Another common problem with running backs in youth football is that they will outrun their blocking. When a running back gets in the open and defenders are still in front of them, they need to learn how to use the blockers that are in front of them as well. This can mean cutting back, or even running slower behind their blockers when appropriate.

Blocking for Quarterbacks

When the quarterback is passing the football, it is important for running backs to know the proper way to block for them. Teaching them to adopt a wide base, and what they can and can not do blocking will help them in their future football careers. Spend plenty of time making sure they understand what is not allowed as well to prevent injuries.

These five youth football running back skills are essential to the growth of any young running back and should keep your team moving in the right direction.