Michigan Football Series: Running Back Technique & Drills

with Jay Harbaugh,
University of Michigan Tight Ends/Co-Special Teams Coordinator;
2021 FootballScoop.com Special Teams Coordinator of the Year:
2018 & 2021 Big Ten East Division Co-Champs;
from 2017 - 2020 was Michigan Running Backs/Co-Special Teams Coordinator;
coached Jake Butt to the 2016 John Mackey Award;
coached at Oregon State and with the Baltimore Ravens

Teams that possess quality running backs have quite the luxury - they can grind out yards on the ground, provide added pass protection for the quarterback, and catch balls out of the backfield as a pressure release. This video featuring Coach Jay Harbaugh, provides coaching tips and drills designed to help you mold your running backs into versatile, all-around threats on every play.

Ball Security Drills

Harbaugh begins his presentation by giving an explanation of his coaching and recruiting philosophy for running backs. Then, he gives an explanation of how he categorizes drills so that they closely mimic game situations while focusing on specific skills that running backs will need.

The first, and possibly most important category, is ball security. Harbaugh goes over several drills that teach ball security, including how he teaches correct ball positioning, mesh mechanics, and techniques to counter the defender's attempts to strip the ball such as the "lawnmower spin" drill, and many more.

In all, you'll learn:

• How to construct drills that ensure carryover to game situations.
• How to teach running backs to secure the ball to avoid fumbles.
• Unique drills that teach the running back to maintain correct pressure, as well as how to secure the ball when being tackled and when in traffic.

Making Complete Running Backs

Coach Harbaugh continues with a demonstration of drills that teach running game skills, including how his University of Michigan backs are taught to cut and avoid both first-level and second-level defenders. Additionally, multiple drills are demonstrated that teach route running, catching, and the transition from receiver to runner that are so important for running backs in modern offenses.

Finally, you'll see drills that teach the finer points of pass protection against second- and third-level rushers, as well as down lineman. Harbaugh includes several coaching points and techniques for defeating the most common types of rushes running backs will encounter.

This video will give you several great drills that teach and reinforce the fundamentals of running back play in a manner that closely mimics the actual game. Coach Harbaugh does a fantastic job providing specific coaching points that help fully explain each drill and the individual techniques that are being practiced.

91 minutes. 2019.