Running Back Practice Drills – The Gauntlet

One of my favorite running back practice drills is the gauntlet. This drill emphasizes   proper technique for transitioning the ball as well as protecting it.

The Gauntlet

I have everyone except backs line up in a straight line 2 yards apart. Their job is to constantly swipe at the football as the backs come through.

Each back is to properly transition the ball to outside arm as they weave through the players. This helps the backs keep the ball close to their body and use both hands and proper technique to transition the ball from side to side.

As the backs get to the end of the line then we have the other players line up shoulder to shoulder in two straight lines facing each other about 1 yard apart.

Again they are to swipe at the ball as the backs come through. This time the backs are to use proper technique keeping the ball covered close to the body with both hands to simulate coming through the line at the point of contact.