Running Back

Photo by Jonathan Daniel Getty Images

The running back, like the quarterback, often will be given credit for a victory. But unlike the quarterback, a poor performance by a running back often is blamed on lack of blocking and not the backs running skills unless he consistently fumbles the ball away to the defensive team.

Teams that want a balanced offensive attack, teams that run the ball as much as they pass it, or teams that want to emphasize the run more than the pass, need and depend upon a good, solid ground game. In some offenses, two or more players may have to share the load. But because there are few truly great ball carriers, most National Football League teams feature only one player at running back.

The role of the running back has changed dramatically in recent years. Being able to carry the ball, make people miss tackles, and run over smaller defensive players no longer is enough. Todays running back must be a multifaceted athlete. He must be able to carry the ball 20-30 times a game, pick up blitzing linebackers and defensive backs, plus, on occasion, block the bigger defensive linemen. At the same time, he must have the ability to catch passes like a tight end or wide receiver.

To be a successful running back, young players especially need to understand the importance of working hard in all areas of the game, instead of strictly concentrating only on carrying the ball. Very few teams have the luxury of keeping a running back on the roster who cannot or will not take responsibility for blocking and pass receiving.

Because of the constant pounding that all running backs endure during the course of a game, one of the most important traits for a player at this position is mental and physical toughness.

Great running backs seldom give defensive players the satisfaction of knowing that they have been hurt by an aggressive tackle. Instead, the running back jumps up off the ground the minute the whistle blows. Often the running back will be nearing the offensive huddle before the defender has managed to get up off the ground. The ball carrier may be aching all over, but he never will give the tackler the satisfaction of seeing his pain.

Some NFL running backs have carried this toughness one step further by actually challenging the defensive man to tackle them, heading directly at a potential tackler rather than trying to make him miss.

The opposite type of running back is the ball carrier who, because of limited size, relies on making potential tacklers miss, rather than running over them. These players lack the size to repeatedly challenge defensive players head on, so the effectiveness of their running comes from their ability to change direction quickly and never to give the defender a straight shot at their body.

Then there is the third group, the runners who combine both traits. These are the ball carriers who have the quickness and agility to make a tackler miss and at the same time have the size and leg strength to attack a defensive man whenever a collision cannot be avoided.

Another important skill, which has become a premium for all running backs is the ability to catch the ball. This has put added pressure on the players who line up in the offensive backfield.

Defenses are at an extreme disadvantage on passing downs when the running back can come out of the backfield quickly, catch a pass while running at full speed, and instantly be in the defensive secondary. More and more, running backs with pass receiving ability are set in motion prior to the snap, causing the defenders to cover even more of the field with pass coverage personnel.

Almost every running back is tough when he is carrying the ball. Many show this same toughness when they go into a crowd to make a difficult reception, knowing that they are going to be hit by one or more defensive players. But only the complete back will demonstrate the same toughness and desire when it comes to blocking. Top backs play with a competitive and unselfish attitude, blocking to protect the quarterback or when someone else is running with the ball.

The final characteristics common to all great running backs is the desire to compete for the duration of the game. Such backs seem to get stronger as a game goes on. While other players on the team tire and lose intensity as the game progresses, great running backs get more powerful and run harder with each successive offensive play. They are so well conditioned that it seems as if they could run forever. Defensive players who made tackles in the first half of the game often find that in the third and fourth quarters they are bouncing off a great running back. It is only at the conclusion of a game, when you view the running back sitting at his locker, that you can tell how exhausted he really is.

"Play Football The NFL Way" is the first Instructional Manual for Football Players and Coaches ever published by the NFL. It is the ultimate position-by-position guide of techniques and drills for Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Author Tom Bass is a former NFL coach with more than 20 years of experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

For a personalized autographed copy of "Play Football the NFL Way," plus information on Coach Bass Sport Maps--the new Official NFL Licensed Football Guides to watching, enjoying and understanding all the action on the field, for all fans--please visit www.CoachBass.com.

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Copyright © Thomas L. Bass 2006. All rights reserved.