Football Training Tips To Succeed At The College Level: Running Back Position Tip #2:

by CSA Prepstar Canada

THE EXCHANGE WITH THE QUARTERBACK

To properly receive the ball from the quarterback you will basically make a pocket with your arms. Now, for the top half of the pocket your elbow will be even with your shoulders and your forearm parallel to the ground. Your inside hand will be palm down in a position ready to accept the point end of the ball.

In the bottom portion, your elbow will be in line with your shoulder and your forearm parallel with the ground across your midsection. The outside hand will be slightly bent with your palm up and ready to accept the other end of the ball. Your fingers will be pointed in the direction of the quarterback.

Now when you receive the ball with both hands secure at firmly upon contact. Keep your eyes focused on the hole where the play is going and how the defensive players are reacting. During a running play your offensive line will be using quick short steps and will keep their shoulders square to the line and will maintain contact with the defensive player until the whistle blows.

Prior to the handoff, the quarterback will take a short cheat step to the handoff side in the direction of the play. His far foot will take a longer step down the line of scrimmage bringing him to the handoff point.

The quarterback will turn his head in the direction of the running with his eyes focused on him during the entire play. The quarterback will keep his arms close to his body only moving them away when giving the ball to the running back. As he hands off the ball his arms will extend to place it in your midsection. The hand closest to the ball will come off with the opposite hand being the one to place it in the running backs stomach.

If the quarterback is going to fake a handoff he'll bring the ball back quickly just before the running back covers it.