Running Backs
Drills and
Fundamentals
M.O.B. SQUAD
Coach Jeff Nixon
About the Author
Jeff Nixon is currently the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at
the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a 1AA university. Jeff has also
been fortunate to serve as the running backs coach at Princeton University
and Shippensburg University during his coaching career.
A former West Virginia and Penn State running back, Jeff lettered at both
schools and had the privilege to play for legendary coach Joe Paterno at
Penn State University, and Don Nehlen at West Virginia University. He
received his B.A. degree at Penn State University in Elementary Education
before entering the coaching profession.
Before entering college, Jeff was an All-State running back out of State
College, PA and played in the renowned Big 33 football game. Jeff is an
active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a
huddle coach at Tennessee-Chattanooga.
Jeff and his wife Laura Juvanne Nixon have three children, William Apollos
Nixon, and twin girls Faith and Hope Nixon. Jeff and his family live in
Ooletwah, Tennessee.
Foreward
I’ve known Jeff Nixon since he first joined the staff at Shippensburg University in 1999. Jeff
quickly made a positive impact in numerous ways, not the least of which was evidenced by the
significant improvement in the overall play we were getting from the three running back
positions.
In the Wing – T, at least in the variation used at Shippensburg, ALL running backs must block,
catch and run in order for the offense to fire on all cylinders. The base sweep and belly plays
work only with a block from the halfback. The base Waggle and Keep Pass work best when
backs are receiving threats. Finally, the Dropback and Sprintout packages that most coaches
have added to the Wing-T play action package require blocking from one or both backs – usually
the fullback.
Those years during which Jeff Nixon coached the Shippensburg running backs featured very
productive offenses. Much credit goes to Head Coach Rocky Rees, without question one of the
deans of the Wing T coaching community and to his entire Offensive Staff, including Offensive
Line coach and Offensive Coordinator Pete Lee. However, it became quickly evident that the
play of our running backs, such a critical part of any offense, but in particular the Wing T, was
improving steadily each year during Jeff Nixon’s tenure. During both the 2001 and 2002
seasons, record after record was smashed by Halfback Dave Brown and Fullback John Kuhn, and
I am sure that both would attribute much of their success to Coach Nixon.
During Spring practice, 2002, I noticed Jeff was video-taping his drills before practice one day. I
told Jeff about my vision for CompuSports Media Services and we agreed to collaborate to bring
Running Back Skills and Drills and the Running Backs Manual to the coaching community in an
“all-electronic” format. This eBook, and the Video that accompanies it, deliver the “beef”, so
to speak. Both are long on substance and X’s and O’s and light on fluff, “clinic-speak” and
hype. I’m confident this product will make a difference in your coaching.
Jeff Nixon has now moved on to become the Running Backs coach and Recruiting Coordinator
for 1AA University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. As one of the truly brilliant young coaches
and quality people in the coaching profession, Jeff has much to offer to his players, his
colleagues and to the game of football. I think when you look at this video and book, you will
agree.
I hope you enjoy Jeff Nixon’s Running Back Drills and Fundamentals
Nick Interdonato
Editor and Publisher
Running Back Drills and Fundamentals by Jeff Nixon
Introduction
During my football career I have had the opportunity to play for and coach
with many tremendous individuals who have shaped my knowledge of the
game of football. These individuals have impacted me in my pursuit in
putting together this running back manual and video.
Many of the drills and techniques that are featured in this video and manual
were taught to be by offensive coordinator Fran Ganter of Penn State, and
running backs coach Larry Holton, formerly of West Virginia University. I
appreciate all the support and guidance many people have given me during
my playing career and a coach.
I developed this video and manual to help coaches at every level to develop
better more complete running backs. Running Backs Drills and
Fundamentals is a complete guide that will no doubt help coaches develop
running backs that are adequate in all three phases of being a good running
back (ball carrying, blocking, pass receiving). Through specific drills and
proper teaching of techniques, Running Backs Drills and Fundamentals
offers step by step instruction on fundamentals and techniques of offensive
running back play.
The components of both the manual and video are arranged so that it is easy
to understand and follow each drill and the teaching/coaching points.
I sincerely believe that this is one of the best running back videos and
manuals out their on the market and again will no doubt benefit your football
program when it comes to offensive backs play.
If you are looking for a complete guide to coaching running backs, Running
Back Drills and Fundamentals will help you reach your goal.
Coach Jeff Nixon
Running Back Drills and Fundamentals
Coach Jeff Nixon
Table of Contents
Running Back Philosophy
A. Running Back Motto
B. General Information
C. Mental Preparation
D. The Big Play
E. Who plays on Saturdays?
F. Fundamentals of a good Running Back
G. Running Back Goals
H. Law of the Jungle
I. Coaches Expectations
J. Role of the Coach
K. Running Backs Policy and Information Sheet
L. Characteristics of Winners and Losers
M. Player Evaluation Sheet
Individual Practice Period Format
A. Practice Checklist
Ball Carrying
A. Ball Security
B. Taking a Handoff
C. Stance
D. Ball Carrying Techniques
E. Running with the Football
Running Back Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
A. High Knees
B. Backwards Run
C. Squirm
D. Grabbing Grass
E. Ball Wrestle
F. Hold the Runner
G. Four Corners
H. Shoulder Rolls
I. Gauntlet or Strip Drill
J. Zig-Zag Drill
K. Lateral Slide
L. Bag Drills
M. Sideline Run
N. One on One Open Field Running
O. Ping Pong
P. Goal Line Running
Q. Blast and Lift
Pass Receiving
A. Keys to Good Pass Receiving
Receiving Drills
A. One Hand Catch
B. Bad Ball
C. Look Drill
D. Blur Drill
E. Sideline Catch
F. Dive Catch
G. One on One Receiving
Blocking
A. Four Primary Blocks
1. Shoulder Block
2. Cut Block
3. Drive Block
4. Pass Block
B. Sled Progression
C. Blocking Drills
1. Shadow
2. Shadow Dodge
3. Cut Bag
4. Shock and Resurface
5. Fit
6. Fit and Drive
7. Drive Block (Chutes)
8. One on One Pass Protection
Running Back Motto
M aking
O thers
B etter
Philosophy
and
General
Information
General Information
The running back position provides an outstanding opportunity for a player to make a
tremendous impact on the team. Within an offense, the running back position can be the
most honored position on the field. An effective balanced offense requires the running
backs to be involved in each and every play. A tremendous effort must take place on
every play, regardless of responsibility. A running back has to be a complete football
player by being a great blocker, pass receiver, and runner. No other position on the field
will touch the ball more than the running backs, and it is up to the running backs to make
the plays that will enable us to be successful on offense. Are you up for the challenge?
Mental Preparation
Confident, aggressive, physical, athletic, intelligent, poised, explosive.....
You have the point. You are very important to how effective our offense will perform on
any given game day. You must be in excellent physical condition and willing to be a
physical player! You must be mentally prepared to unleash your energy on game day in a
way that is productive to the team. You must be a totally positive force for your
teammates. Confident players believe in themselves! Aggressive players take it to the
defense at all times. Physical players are willing give 100% on each and every snap.
Athletic players make things happen! Intelligent players know the situation and their
assignments. Poised players can play with the required emotion, without being
swallowed by the same emotions. Explosive players know how to turn up the heat at the
right time. You must be focused!
The Big Play
Running backs must make big plays to win the game. If we expect to have a
championship team, we must make the big plays that will give our team a lift during
crucial situations. A big play provides the entire team excitement and energy that can last
throughout the game. The pressure is on the running backs to make things happen!
Who Plays On Saturdays?
The performance of the individual players will decide the outcome of who gets on the
field. Each running back will be evaluated during off-season workouts, spring practice,
summer camp and their overall commitment to the team. The coach's responsibility is to
put the best players on the field to give the team the best chance to win. It is up to the
player to compete and beat out your challengers for the position. Everyone will have an
opportunity to make an impact on the team. The Coach will get the player physically and
mentally ready for action. It is up to you the player to work hard and compete for a job
during the year. A player must not et the team or himself down by not giving 100%
Fundamentals of a Running Back
1. Being unselfish and doing what is right for the team!
2. Working hard and giving himself the best opportunity to be
successful on and off the field.
3. Having pride and confidence in his ability
4. Everything starts with a good mental attitude.
5. Always know proper alignment and assignment (no mental mistakes).
6. Never fumble the football (two arms around the ball when breaking
the L.O.S and being tackled).
7. No dropped passes
8. Running Skills:
A. Attack the tackler
B. Know the blocking at the point of attack
C. Always fight for extra yardage
9. Be a great faker!
10. Take pride in blocking
11. Always run North-South
12. Make big plays and finish off runs (think touchdown).
13. Be leaders on the field.
14. Never be afraid to ask questions.
15. Make every play and practice the best of your career.
Running Back Qualities
Hardest Worker on the team: Always strive to be the best!
1. Accept nothing but being the best at all times!
2. Have the best work habits and attitude of anyone on the team.
3. Be first or near the top in all activities.
4. Study the game. By watching film, studying your playbook, and by
asking questions and paying attention in meetings, you will become a
more complete football player.
5. Show excitement and enthusiasm on the field.
Running Back Goals
1. To win the National Championship
2. To win the Conference Championship
3. To limit our number of fumbles (none)
4. To limit our number of penalties (none)
5. Average at least 5.0 yards per carry for the
year
6. Average at least 10.0 yards per catch for the
year
7. Have at least four big plays a game (20+
yards)
8. To average 175 yards rushing per game.
Law of the Jungle
1. Protect the football at all cost.
2. Protect the quarterback.
3. Be Physical.
4. Run the football with second and
third effort.
5. Run defined routes – catch the
football.
6. Score touchdowns - win the game.
Coaches’ Expectations and Requirements
1. Avoid trouble with the law and fellow students at all cost. Some people love to
see athletes get into trouble. Don’t be stupid! You know right from wrong! You
owe it to your teammates and yourself to stay out of trouble.
2. Alcohol consumption is a major problem on most college campuses. During the
academic year there should be no drinking during the week. Alcohol breaks your
body down over a period of time. You can’t be at your best in the classroom or
on the field if you are constantly drinking. You can have fun without it! If you
are under 21 you should not be drinking at all. Don’t be a follower!!
3. You are required to go to all of your classes. You are here to get an education
first and then play football. Do your best in the classroom!
4. Be a disciplined person. You have a very hectic schedule with your academic
work and football. Don’t get caught up with everything else that might distract
you from your goals. Be responsible for your actions.
My Role as Your Coach
1. To help you graduate.
2. To help you develop as a football player and enjoy your experience as
an athlete.
3. To give you guidance and counseling whenever needed.
4. To be there in your time of need.
5. To help you win a Championship.
Running Backs Policy and Information Sheet
Running Backs have to be on time for meetings!!
During the course of the year I know that certain circumstances will come up during the times
that we are scheduled for meetings. Therefore each running back will be allowed to come
late or make up a position meeting three times during the football season as long as you
call before the scheduled meeting. That means if we are having a running back meeting and
you walk in the door one minute late without calling, there will be consequences to pay (extra
running, demotion, etc.). There is no excuse for not being responsible or for being late. Be
at the meetings ten minutes in advance.
Running backs should and better be ready to practice when coming out of the locker
room!
That means as soon as you step on the practice field you better have all of your equipment
on, helmet buckled and be ready to go. This rule will be strictly enforced.
Runningbacks should be out on the field at least five minutes before pre-practice warming
up (the seniors are in charge until the coach gets out to the field). Failure to abide by
these rules will result in punishment.
There are three rules that we live by!!
1. Do what is right
2. Do your best
3. Treat others like you want to be treated
Characteristics of Winners and Losers
Winner
• Works hard all of the time
• Self-motivator
• Doesn't make excuses
• Wants to be a winner
• Plays and practices to best of his ability
• Team Player
• Lead by example
Loser
• Practice hard just some of the time
• Need to be motivated on a daily basis
• Never reach their full potential
• Inconsistent
• Blames others for their own mishaps or
mistakes Want to do everything their
own way.
Player Evaluation Sheet
NAME: _______________________________
WORK ETHIC (WINTER LIFTING)
WORK ETHIC (SPRING RUNNING)
STRENGTH
SPEED
OVERALL BODY CONDITIONING
KNOWLEDGE OF ASSIGNMENTS (Alignment & Execution)
BIG PLA Y POTENTIAL
BALL SECURITY
BLOCKING
PASS RECEIVING
TOUGHNESS
ATTITUDE
COACHABLE
TOTAL POINTS: _____
COMMENTS:
Notes from the Coach
• Come talk to me first if you have a problem or get into any type of trouble. I
would rather hear the story from you before I hear it from someone else. It will
really bother me if you don’t come to me.
• Give 100% effort in the classroom and on the field. Effort impresses coaches.
• Give the Offensive Linemen credit as much as possible. This gives them
confidence.
• Don’t be a me guy! Give your teammates all of the credit for your success. We
are all in this together. There is no I in team. Let other people brag on you!
• Tardiness is completely unacceptable. There is no excuse for being late to any
team function! Set your clocks and watches ahead.
• You will be disciplined for tardiness, missing class, or breaking team rules.
Consequences follow your actions!
• Believe in yourself and your dreams. My dream is to win a National
Championship. With hard work our dreams can come true!
• On the field, don’t worry about your mistakes. Look forward to the next play.
There is nothing you can do about the past except learn from your mistakes.
• Leave everything on the field. I may yell and scream on the field at times, but I
am just trying to make you a better player. Don’t take it personal! I have high
expectations for everyone. I am not going to let you do anything poorly.
• Let’s have some fun this year!
Individual Practice Format
1. Agility Drills/Ball Carrying
2. Pass Receiving
3. Blocking
Before and after practice we will do extra things such as walk through our plays or catch
extra passes. The individual drill practice format will change from day to day.
All of the drills that we will do are important to helping the players become better
running backs. Most of the drills will be fast paced and will enable everyone to get their
needed amount of reps. The running backs will not be standing around! In order to get
the most out of the drills we will need to hustle, listen to instructions, and push ourselves
through the fatigue factor. Working on the individual aspects and skills of the game are
important and we stress this every day. A lot of the drills that we perform are basic and
are adopted from other football programs around the country.
Ball Carrying Agility Drills Power Running Drills
High Knees Four Corners (cones) Sideline Run
Backward Run Lateral Shuffle (cones) Blast and Lift
Squirm Zig – Zag Cuts One on One
Grabbing Grass Bag Drills Goal Line Running
Roll on Shoulder Break Through
Hold the Runner Ping Pong
Ball Wrestle
Recover Fumble
Gauntlet
Ball Iso
PRACTICE CHECKLIST
Warm-Up & Agility
a. Four Corners
b. Zig-Zag Cuts (cones)
c. Quick Feet (cones)
d. Circle Cones
e. Bags
f. Run Lines
Ball Carrying
a. Gauntlet
b. Ball Wrestle
c. Hold The Runner
Power Running Drills
a. Sideline Run
b. Blast and Lift
c. One and One
d. Goaline Run
e. Ping Pong
Pass Receiving
a. Individual Cuts
b. Look Drill
c. One Handed Catch
Blocking Drills
a. Fit and Drive
b. Shock and Resurface
c. Mirror Dodge
d. Cut Block
e. One On One Blocking
f. Run By
g. Individual Blocking
