Youth Football RB Drills: Dominate The Field

Oct 25, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 45 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to turn your youth football running backs into absolute game-changers? Then you have come to the right place. Running back drills are the secret sauce to unlocking explosive speed, agility, and power. In this article, we're diving deep into the essential drills every youth football coach needs to know. From fundamental footwork to advanced ball-handling techniques, we'll equip you with the tools to mold your RBs into unstoppable forces on the gridiron.

Why Running Back Drills are Crucial

Before we jump into the drills, let's understand why they're so vital.

Skill Development: Drills hone specific skills like agility, speed, power, and ball security.
Muscle Memory: Repetition ingrains these skills, making them second nature during games.
Injury Prevention: Proper technique reduces the risk of injuries.
Confidence Boost: Mastering drills builds confidence in young players.

Think of drills as the building blocks of a great running back. Each drill focuses on a specific aspect of the position, and when combined, they create a well-rounded, high-performing player. Remember, consistent practice and proper technique are key to success. So, let's get started and transform those young athletes into dominant running backs!

Essential Youth Football RB Drills

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty! These drills are designed to be fun, engaging, and effective for young players. Remember to always emphasize proper technique and safety.

1. Ladder Drills for Footwork and Agility

Ladder drills are fantastic for improving foot speed, agility, and coordination. These drills help running backs develop quick feet, change direction rapidly, and maintain balance. Here are a few ladder drills to incorporate into your training sessions:

Basic Run-Through: Have the players run through each square of the ladder, focusing on quick, light steps. Emphasize lifting the knees and landing on the balls of their feet.
Lateral Shuffle: Players shuffle sideways through the ladder, placing one foot in each square. This drill improves lateral agility and helps with cutting.
Icky Shuffle: A more advanced drill where players alternate feet in each square, moving forward. This enhances coordination and foot speed.
In-and-Out: Players step in and out of each square with one foot, then repeat with the other foot. This drill improves agility and footwork.

Coaching Tips: Focus on short, choppy steps and maintaining a low center of gravity. Encourage players to keep their eyes up and their arms pumping for balance. Start slow and gradually increase the speed as they become more comfortable with the drills. Ladder drills are a fun and effective way to build the foundation for explosive running.

2. Cone Drills for Agility and Cutting

Cone drills are essential for developing agility, change of direction, and cutting ability. These drills simulate game-like situations and help running backs learn to make quick, decisive moves. Here are some effective cone drills:

3-Cone Drill: Set up three cones in an L-shape. Players start at the first cone, sprint to the second, weave around the third, and then sprint back to the starting point. This drill improves overall agility and speed.
5-Cone Drill: Arrange five cones in a straight line, spaced a few yards apart. Players weave in and out of the cones, practicing their cutting and change of direction. This drill is excellent for enhancing agility and coordination.
L-Drill: Set up three cones in an L-shape. Players sprint to the first cone, plant their foot, and cut sharply to the second cone. They then sprint to the third cone and finish by sprinting back to the starting point. This drill emphasizes sharp cuts and quick acceleration.

Coaching Tips: Emphasize planting the outside foot and driving off it to change direction quickly. Encourage players to keep their eyes up and focus on the next cone. Remind them to maintain a low center of gravity for better balance and control. Cone drills are a great way to simulate game-like scenarios and improve their ability to make quick, decisive moves on the field.

3. Ball Security Drills

Fumbling the ball is a nightmare for any running back. Ball security drills are crucial for developing the habit of protecting the ball in all situations. These drills focus on keeping the ball secure while running, being tackled, and navigating traffic.

Tackle Dummy Drill: Have players run towards a tackle dummy while holding the ball securely. A coach or teammate can simulate a tackle, and the player must focus on maintaining possession. This drill teaches players how to protect the ball while being hit.
Strip Drill: Players run with the ball while a coach or teammate attempts to strip it from them. The player must focus on keeping the ball tight to their body and using their forearm to protect it. This drill helps players develop awareness and learn how to protect the ball from being stripped.
Traffic Drill: Set up cones to simulate traffic. Players run through the cones while maintaining ball security. This drill teaches players how to protect the ball while navigating through tight spaces and avoiding contact.

Coaching Tips: Emphasize keeping the ball high and tight, close to the body. Remind players to use their forearm to protect the ball from defenders. Encourage them to keep their eyes up and be aware of their surroundings. Ball security drills are essential for preventing turnovers and maintaining possession of the ball.

4. Receiving Drills

In modern football, running backs need to be able to catch the ball out of the backfield. Receiving drills help develop soft hands, proper catching technique, and the ability to make plays in the passing game.

Short Toss Drill: Players line up a few yards away from the coach and practice catching short passes. Focus on using soft hands and catching the ball at its highest point. This drill improves hand-eye coordination and catching technique.
Angle Route Drill: Players run an angle route and catch a pass from the coach. This drill teaches players how to run routes and catch the ball in stride. Emphasize running crisp routes and tracking the ball into their hands.
Screen Pass Drill: Players practice catching screen passes from the quarterback. This drill teaches players how to catch the ball behind the line of scrimmage and make a quick move to gain yards. Focus on catching the ball cleanly and making a decisive move to get upfield.

Coaching Tips: Emphasize using soft hands and catching the ball with their fingers. Encourage players to track the ball into their hands and secure it quickly. Remind them to run crisp routes and be prepared to make a play after the catch. Receiving drills are essential for developing the versatility and value as a running back.

5. Power and Speed Drills

To be a truly dominant running back, players need to develop both power and speed. Power drills help build strength and explosiveness, while speed drills improve acceleration and top-end speed.

Sled Push: Players push a weighted sled across the field. This drill builds lower body strength and power. Focus on maintaining a low center of gravity and driving through the sled with their legs.
Hill Sprints: Players sprint up a hill. This drill improves leg strength, power, and cardiovascular endurance. Emphasize driving the knees high and maintaining good running form.
Sprint Drills: Players practice sprinting short distances, focusing on acceleration and top-end speed. Use drills like 40-yard dashes and shuttle runs to improve speed and agility. Focus on proper running form and maximizing stride length and frequency.

Coaching Tips: Ensure players use proper form to avoid injuries. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of the drills as players get stronger and faster. Power and speed drills are essential for developing the physical attributes needed to dominate on the field.

Making Drills Fun and Engaging

Youth football should be fun! Keep drills engaging by:

Gamification: Turn drills into games with points and rewards.
Variety: Mix up the drills to prevent boredom.
Positive Reinforcement: Encourage and praise effort and improvement.
Competition: Introduce friendly competition to motivate players.

Remember, the goal is to develop skills while keeping the players excited about the game. A positive and fun environment will lead to better results and a greater love for football.

The Importance of Proper Coaching

As a coach, your role is crucial. Provide clear instructions, demonstrate proper technique, and offer constructive feedback. Be patient and encouraging, and always prioritize safety. Remember, you're not just teaching football; you're shaping young athletes and building character. With the right drills and the right coaching, you can transform your youth football running backs into unstoppable forces on the field. So, get out there, have fun, and let's develop some amazing running backs!