How to Play Fullback

Playing fullback in football is a physically demanding position. A fullback blocks to protect the quarterback and to create a path across the line of scrimmage for the running back to carry the ball, taking on all comers from the defense. Learning blocking techniques, how to run with the ball and how to catch the ball all are requirements of a fullback. Learning to play the position correctly will help increase your team's chances of victory.

Things You'll Need

  • Blocking dummy
  • Football helmet
  • PVC pipe (10-feet length)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Develop your speed. Use choppy steps to gain momentum and take short steps to build speed. Lengthen your stride after the first three steps. Keep your shoulder pads low and drive straight down the field as you're running.

    • 2

      Block your opponent on running plays. Fullbacks usually are assigned the second level of defenders---the linebackers beyond the defensive linemen. Run directly at the linebacker. Your approach will make the linebacker pause because he anticipates you will lean a certain direction to pave the way for the running back behind you. You then cut in a different direction and chip the linebacker. "Chipping" means to engage the defender momentarily and cause an aversion for a lineman to block him and drive him away from the ball-carrier. During a sweep or a wide running play outside of the tackles, you will either block the outside linebacker or defensive end, depending on defensive scheme.

    • 3

      Block for passing plays. Your position is normally lined up behind the quarterback and in front of the tailback in a three-point stance (both feet and one hand on the ground). Simultaneously with the football snap, take a couple of steps back from your position. Place your hands in front, keeping them inside your shoulders. Keep your arms up and bent and with hands palm out in a pushing position. Keep your feet apart and balanced and bend your knees for leverage. As the defender rushes the quarterback, extend your hands under his shoulder pads and drive him back. Repeat as necessary.

    • 4

      Stiff-arm your opponent while carrying the football. Have a coach or another person hold a tackling dummy. The dummy represents a would-be tackler. Employ a second coach to the right of the first coach to hold out a helmet---also representing a would-be tackler. Run straight ahead to the dummy representing the first tackler. Make a cut away from the dummy bag, and run up the field to the coach holding the helmet. Use your free arm and, with palm up, extend the arm and push the helmet above the mask at the crown in the direction your running.

    • 5

      Stay on your feet. When carrying the football, staying upright is important in getting a first down or short-yardage touchdown; once your knee touches the ground on contact, the play is over. Hold the ball with two arms to prevent getting it ripped out for a fumble while running. Have a coach hold a tackling dummy that represents a defensive safety. Lower your lead shoulder and run into the dummy while deliberately stumbling---the stumble is meant to challenge your ability to stay upright. After you stumble, put one hand on the ground with your palm flat, push off and get upright by kicking knees high and continuing the run.

    • 6

      Stay low. Have two coaches hold a plastic PVC pipe across the line of scrimmage. The pipe should be held parallel to your neck. Take the hand-off and run under the pipe without hitting your helmet on it. Stay low and keep your head up to watch for oncoming defenders. Using leverage will allow you to move forward and gain an extra yard or two. You will be lower than the defender, putting you in a better position to drive him backward.