Norval McKenzie, Running Backs Coach/Run Game Coordinator at Georgia Tech, must be creative with his drills. Position coaches get a minimal amount of practice time each day. He creates multiple drills in one to maximize that time.
In this video, he shows practice film of several of the drills he uses along with game clips of their application. When he delivered this clinic, he was the running backs coach at Louisville.
The entire Running Back Fundamentals & Drills in a Zone Offense is available on Glazier Drive.
6 Points of Pressure
- Eagle Claw--The tip of the ball should be between your index and middle finger. Squeeze your hand to the ball as though you are trying to make a fist.
- Palm--Grip the ball with your palm. There should be no air in between.
- Forearm--Support the bottom of the ball with the inside of your forearm. Squeeze the football to your chest.
- Bicep--Tuck the bottom of the ball against the inside of your bicep and apply pressure as you compress it to your chest.
- Ribcage--The ball should naturally be pressed against your ribcage after you have followed the first 4 points of pressure.
- Off hand--Is used while in traffic to also compress the ball to your body. Before contact, you should grab your forearm to squeeze the ball even tighter.
Pad Level
Is also a form of ball security. Must have low pads/forward lean so there isn't a direct blow on the ball. This also enhances your opportunity to knock the defender back... the old "Lowest man wins" mentality--The tip of the ball should be between your index and middle finger. Squeeze your hand to the ball as though you are trying to make a fist.