How to Break Stance as a Running Back in Football

Breaking stance is one of the key movements a running back can make. Break stance effectively, and you will gain great momentum through the offensive backfield, putting you in an excellent position for making powerful rushing plays, catching tosses and blocking oncoming defense. Developing a strong break of stance depends upon your routine, balance and ability to read the play before exploding into action.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set up behind the quarterback with your feet a shoulder's width apart, feet parallel and toes poking slightly toward each other at about five degrees inward. Bend your knees slightly and rest the palms of your hands on the front of your legs, just above the kneecaps. Lean your weight slightly forward, but do not press in any lateral direction, as this tips off your opponents to the direction that you intend to travel.

    • 2

      Decide whether on the first step you will use: a lead step, where you run directly at a hole in the line of scrimmage. Lead with your right foot if the scrimmage hole is on your right and start with your left foot if the hole is to your left. Push hard with your back foot so you reach a high rate of acceleration as you approach the scrimmage hole. Take a crossover step, where you lead with the foot opposite the play and cross that foot over the other one before exploding toward the action. Use a crossover step when the play is lateral to the line, such as when you are receiving a toss. Cross your left foot beyond your right if the play is occurring to your right, for example, before powering off your right foot and into play.

    • 3

      Maintain a low, crouched position as you explode from your stable, standing position and into play. Power into play using your acceleration, speed and strength, while entering play in a slightly crouched position lowers your center of gravity and makes you harder to tackle and gives you a base to block with effectively.