Football Training Tips To Succeed At The College Level: Running Back Position Tip #3:

by CSA Prepstar Canada

AVOIDING TACKLES BY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

Approximately 5 yards in front of the defensive player coming towards you is when you should make the set up to the cut. You do this by stepping slightly to the side opposite of the cut. Your head, and shoulders should also jerk to the opposite side of the cut. Always hold the ball on the side furthest away from the tackler.

Now, when you are 2 yards in front of the defensive player you will pretend to make a cut to the opposite side with your other foot. As your foot opposite to the cut touches the ground push off in the opposite direction. This will force your body into a 45° angle to the cut side.

Now, for doing crossover steps, 3 yards from the defender you should take a small step to the opposite side of the cut. When you're in front of the defender step to the center of the defender's body. Quickly bring your cut side leg across the opposite leg to make the final cut.

Your upper body will lean to the cut side as you step to the middle of the defender's body. About 3 yards in front of the defender your head and shoulders should lean to the opposite side of the cut.

For a change of direction while you're making a lateral run, your leg furthest away from the line will roll over the leg closest to the line. Make sure you hold the ball tightly against your stomach.

To try spin moves during a running play your head should be directed towards the defender's hands, and as soon as your head touches the defender lean your body forward. Your body will spin away from the defensive player as your spin foot is placed towards the defenders center-line. After you make a turn the spin foot will come around the defensive player continuing up the field.

Here's what the defensive player will be trying to do to stop you: during an open field tackle, the defensive player will tackle with the shoulder pads. As he approaches you, his stride will shorten. The defensive player will place his head in front of your chest with his arms making hard contact with your chest and his hands grabbing the back of your jersey.

Sideline tackling is a little bit different, because the defender will generally just knock you out of bounds. If he doesn't have any teammates to help you he will probably give up some yardage just to make sure you don't get past him. The defensive player will usually take an angled path to meet you about one or 2 yards from the sideline. He will also try to keep you on his outside shoulder and will step with his outside foot towards you to try and knock you out of bounds.

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