Drills to Improve a Running Back's Vision

A running back relies on speed, power and agility to gain yardage and help his team win football games. However, these skills lose value if a runner can't read defenses. A running back's vision lets him know whether to find a hole in the line or bounce a run outside. It is also critical in receiving and pass blocking, two other key tasks for running backs. Various drills help a running back improve his vision in all facets of the game.

  1. Off-Tackle Reaction

    • In the off-tackle reaction drill, a running back completes a series of obstacles and then picks up his lead blocker to guide him to the open field. Set up a group of cones that the running back must weave and cut through. Follow that up with a horizontal line of bags or cones that the runner must sidestep and hop over. When the runner has completed the obstacle course, he immediately looks up to pick up his blocker, who will be a coach or teammate with a blocking bag. If the blocker moves left to seal that side of the field, the runner must bounce to the right. This drill improves a running back's coordination through the obstacles and also teaches him to read his blockers.

    Finding Daylight

    • In this drill, the running back lines up behind three to five offensive linemen. A center should be flanked on each side by one or two tackles or guards. Two linebackers oppose the offense. The running back receives a pitch to either side, and the offensive linemen move to create multiple lanes for him to explore. The defenders either shoot through the interior or take away the outside. The runner must react quickly, diagnose the defense and sprint through the lane that is not occupied by a defender. Increase the number of defenders to make the drill tougher.

    Swing Pass

    • Hand-eye coordination and vision are critical to receiving passes.

      Receiving is a critical area that separates one-dimensional running backs from complete ones. The swing pass drill helps a running back improve his vision in regard to receiving the ball, locating defenders and reading blockers. The back lines up in the backfield, and on the quarterback's cue, begins to run toward the sideline. He keeps his eye on the quarterback and watches the ball into his hands. After receiving the pass, the running back immediately looks up to locate defenders and blockers. The blockers will shield the defenders to one side of the field, creating a lane that the running back must find and hit hard.

    Blitz Pickup

    • Pass blocking is another facet of the game that can ensure a running back stays on the field for all downs. In the blitz pickup drill, the running back lines up behind the quarterback. A three- or five-man offensive line faces multiple defenders. A coach stands behind the running back and notifies the defenders he wants to blitz. After the snap, the running back steps forward and identifies the incoming blitzer he needs to block, moving to the necessary area to protect the quarterback. As a running back gets more comfortable, send more defenders or have defenders fake a blitz and then drop back in coverage. The running back must use his vision to pickup the correct blitzing player.