A Running Back's Start

Photo by Doug Benc Getty Images

For any running back, the ability to have a quick start in any direction is vital. Many beginning running backs will take a stance where they are forced to take a false step or to shift their weight before they can attack the defense. This is a bad habit that should be cured immediately by stressing stance fundamentals.

When a back is called upon to move laterally to the line of scrimmage as he runs with the ball, it is best for him to use a crossover step when leaving his stance. In a crossover start, the back merely leans his body into the direction he wants to go. As he is leaning, the opposite foot should automatically come off the ground and become the first step.

For a back who is moving to his right out of a two-point stance, this first step will be with his left foot. By leaning with his shoulders and upper torso to the right, the running back is able to swing his left leg across his right leg, which has remained stationary. Once the left foot makes contact with the ground, the right leg and foot will follow naturally, allowing the player to move to his right easily in a smooth running motion.

Drill: Crossover Starts

The running backs form a line, single file. One at a time, each back steps forward. After the back has gotten into his two-point stance, the coach gives the player the snap count and points either to the player's right or left. Prior to calling the cadence, the coach checks each back to make certain that he is not leaning in the direction of his start. This is the most difficult tendency to overcome.

The coach then calls the cadence, and on the snap count, the running back executes a crossover start in the direction indicated by the coach. Because this drill is designed only to develop a proper start for the young player, no ball is used and each back need only run 4 or 5 yards before returning to the end of the line.

Using a crossover start when coming out of a three-point stance is sometimes more difficult for beginning running backs because when coming out of a three-point stance, the back cannot easily use his shoulders and upper torso to initiate the movement. Instead, the back must think in terms of leaning with his hips and midsection in the direction he wants to go. As he leans, the player also can swing the hand and arm on the side of his movement back and around. By doing this motion with his hand and arm, the running back quickly turns his shoulders and head in the direction of his run.

When running the three-point start drill, it is important for the coach not only to have the players start to their left and right, but also to have them vary their initial alignments. They should start to the coachs left and right as well as directly in front of him. As with the two-point stance, the player must be reminded not to lean in the direction of his movement prior to the snap count.

On some running plays, the back will be asked to move directly toward the line of scrimmage. When executing this start, it is best for the player to take a lead step with the foot on the same side of his movement, rather than rolling over with the opposite foot as he has done in the previous drills.

The big difference for the running back in this start is that instead of leaning to initiate the start, he can now step with the near foot while pushing off with the opposite foot. The first step, with the foot on the side of his desired movement, should be a short, quick, directional step. The purpose of this step is to get the back's body headed immediately for the proper area on the line.

When coming out of a two-point stance and lead stepping to his right, the running back also can use his left hand to push into his left thigh and thus generate additional thrust to the first movement with his right foot. The following drill can be set up the same way as the roll over start drill with the players first working out of a two-point stance and then executing from a three-point stance.

Drill: Lead-Step Starts

The first player in line leaves a two-point stance with a lead step in the direction indicated by the coach. After the player has started in the proper direction, he should continue running to the line of scrimmage past the coach for only a yard or two. This drill is designed to teach the back a proper start, not to tire him.

When starting from a three-point stance, the player usually can use the hand on the ground for a little added push if he is moving in the opposite direction. Most of the initial thrust for the start will have to come from the push of the foot opposite the direction in which the back is moving.

As with the crossover drill, the coach must check for any lean by the running back prior to the snap count. In lead step starts, it also is important for the coach to make certain that the running back is not taking too long of a first step. The first lead step starts movement and continues the runner's body in a desired direction. It is not taken to cover a great deal of ground. If he is taking a long first step, it will be very difficult for the back to have good body control as his hips will be centered between his feet and not over them. Good balance, body control, and the ability to change direction quickly are only possible when the running back has his hips directly over his feet.

The drill can be expanded to include clearly defined running lanes once the coach determines that the players can execute proper crossover and lead-step starts going to the right and left. Strips of cloth or towels can be placed on the ground to define the running lanes for the backs. The coach then can call out by number the running lane or hole that he wants the back to cut into after the player has started properly.

The running backs should line up in all three running back positions (shown in the hole numbering diagram) and be asked to run to both their right and left. The tailback would use a crossover step on all plays to the 9, 7, 6, and 8 holes, and a lead step start when running in the 5 and 4 holes.

Running backs using a three-point stance and starting in the split back positions would use a crossover step start for all plays which are to be run on the opposite side of the coach and for a wide play to the same side as the coach. The running back should use a lead step start when attacking the two inside holes on the side of his initial alignment.

Hole Numbering

Each hole, or space, between or beside the interior linemen is designated by a number; odd numbers to the left of the center, even numbers to the right. These numbers are included in play calls.

Winning Points

"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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