Jeff Nixon RB Manual
Jeff Nixon RB Manual
Drills and
Fundamentals
M.O.B. SQUAD
Jeff Nixon is currently the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at
the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a 1AA university. Jeff has also
been fortunate to serve as the running backs coach at Princeton University
and Shippensburg University during his coaching career.
A former West Virginia and Penn State running back, Jeff lettered at both
schools and had the privilege to play for legendary coach Joe Paterno at
Penn State University, and Don Nehlen at West Virginia University. He
received his B.A. degree at Penn State University in Elementary Education
before entering the coaching profession.
Before entering college, Jeff was an All-State running back out of State
College, PA and played in the renowned Big 33 football game. Jeff is an
active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a
huddle coach at Tennessee-Chattanooga.
Jeff and his wife Laura Juvanne Nixon have three children, William Apollos
Nixon, and twin girls Faith and Hope Nixon. Jeff and his family live in
Ooletwah, Tennessee.
Foreward
I’ve known Jeff Nixon since he first joined the staff at Shippensburg University in 1999. Jeff
quickly made a positive impact in numerous ways, not the least of which was evidenced by the
significant improvement in the overall play we were getting from the three running back
positions.
In the Wing – T, at least in the variation used at Shippensburg, ALL running backs must block,
catch and run in order for the offense to fire on all cylinders. The base sweep and belly plays
work only with a block from the halfback. The base Waggle and Keep Pass work best when
backs are receiving threats. Finally, the Dropback and Sprintout packages that most coaches
have added to the Wing-T play action package require blocking from one or both backs – usually
the fullback.
Those years during which Jeff Nixon coached the Shippensburg running backs featured very
productive offenses. Much credit goes to Head Coach Rocky Rees, without question one of the
deans of the Wing T coaching community and to his entire Offensive Staff, including Offensive
Line coach and Offensive Coordinator Pete Lee. However, it became quickly evident that the
play of our running backs, such a critical part of any offense, but in particular the Wing T, was
improving steadily each year during Jeff Nixon’s tenure. During both the 2001 and 2002
seasons, record after record was smashed by Halfback Dave Brown and Fullback John Kuhn, and
I am sure that both would attribute much of their success to Coach Nixon.
During Spring practice, 2002, I noticed Jeff was video-taping his drills before practice one day. I
told Jeff about my vision for CompuSports Media Services and we agreed to collaborate to bring
Running Back Skills and Drills and the Running Backs Manual to the coaching community in an
“all-electronic” format. This eBook, and the Video that accompanies it, deliver the “beef”, so
to speak. Both are long on substance and X’s and O’s and light on fluff, “clinic-speak” and
hype. I’m confident this product will make a difference in your coaching.
Jeff Nixon has now moved on to become the Running Backs coach and Recruiting Coordinator
for 1AA University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. As one of the truly brilliant young coaches
and quality people in the coaching profession, Jeff has much to offer to his players, his
colleagues and to the game of football. I think when you look at this video and book, you will
agree.
I hope you enjoy Jeff Nixon’s Running Back Drills and Fundamentals
Nick Interdonato
Editor and Publisher
Running Back Drills and Fundamentals by Jeff Nixon
Introduction
During my football career I have had the opportunity to play for and coach
with many tremendous individuals who have shaped my knowledge of the
game of football. These individuals have impacted me in my pursuit in
putting together this running back manual and video.
Many of the drills and techniques that are featured in this video and manual
were taught to be by offensive coordinator Fran Ganter of Penn State, and
running backs coach Larry Holton, formerly of West Virginia University. I
appreciate all the support and guidance many people have given me during
my playing career and a coach.
I developed this video and manual to help coaches at every level to develop
better more complete running backs. Running Backs Drills and
Fundamentals is a complete guide that will no doubt help coaches develop
running backs that are adequate in all three phases of being a good running
back (ball carrying, blocking, pass receiving). Through specific drills and
proper teaching of techniques, Running Backs Drills and Fundamentals
offers step by step instruction on fundamentals and techniques of offensive
running back play.
The components of both the manual and video are arranged so that it is easy
to understand and follow each drill and the teaching/coaching points.
I sincerely believe that this is one of the best running back videos and
manuals out their on the market and again will no doubt benefit your football
program when it comes to offensive backs play.
If you are looking for a complete guide to coaching running backs, Running
Back Drills and Fundamentals will help you reach your goal.
Coach Jeff Nixon
Running Back Drills and Fundamentals
Coach Jeff Nixon
Table of Contents
Ball Carrying
A. Ball Security
B. Taking a Handoff
C. Stance
D. Ball Carrying Techniques
E. Running with the Football
Receiving Drills
A. One Hand Catch
B. Bad Ball
C. Look Drill
D. Blur Drill
E. Sideline Catch
F. Dive Catch
G. One on One Receiving
Blocking
M aking
O thers
B etter
Philosophy
and
General
Information
General Information
The running back position provides an outstanding opportunity for a player to make a
tremendous impact on the team. Within an offense, the running back position can be the
most honored position on the field. An effective balanced offense requires the running
backs to be involved in each and every play. A tremendous effort must take place on
every play, regardless of responsibility. A running back has to be a complete football
player by being a great blocker, pass receiver, and runner. No other position on the field
will touch the ball more than the running backs, and it is up to the running backs to make
the plays that will enable us to be successful on offense. Are you up for the challenge?
Mental Preparation
You have the point. You are very important to how effective our offense will perform on
any given game day. You must be in excellent physical condition and willing to be a
physical player! You must be mentally prepared to unleash your energy on game day in a
way that is productive to the team. You must be a totally positive force for your
teammates. Confident players believe in themselves! Aggressive players take it to the
defense at all times. Physical players are willing give 100% on each and every snap.
Athletic players make things happen! Intelligent players know the situation and their
assignments. Poised players can play with the required emotion, without being
swallowed by the same emotions. Explosive players know how to turn up the heat at the
right time. You must be focused!
Running backs must make big plays to win the game. If we expect to have a
championship team, we must make the big plays that will give our team a lift during
crucial situations. A big play provides the entire team excitement and energy that can last
throughout the game. The pressure is on the running backs to make things happen!
The performance of the individual players will decide the outcome of who gets on the
field. Each running back will be evaluated during off-season workouts, spring practice,
summer camp and their overall commitment to the team. The coach's responsibility is to
put the best players on the field to give the team the best chance to win. It is up to the
player to compete and beat out your challengers for the position. Everyone will have an
opportunity to make an impact on the team. The Coach will get the player physically and
mentally ready for action. It is up to you the player to work hard and compete for a job
during the year. A player must not et the team or himself down by not giving 100%
Fundamentals of a Running Back
3. Be Physical.
1. Avoid trouble with the law and fellow students at all cost. Some people love to
see athletes get into trouble. Don’t be stupid! You know right from wrong! You
owe it to your teammates and yourself to stay out of trouble.
3. You are required to go to all of your classes. You are here to get an education
first and then play football. Do your best in the classroom!
4. Be a disciplined person. You have a very hectic schedule with your academic
work and football. Don’t get caught up with everything else that might distract
you from your goals. Be responsible for your actions.
During the course of the year I know that certain circumstances will come up during the times
that we are scheduled for meetings. Therefore each running back will be allowed to come
late or make up a position meeting three times during the football season as long as you
call before the scheduled meeting. That means if we are having a running back meeting and
you walk in the door one minute late without calling, there will be consequences to pay (extra
running, demotion, etc.). There is no excuse for not being responsible or for being late. Be
at the meetings ten minutes in advance.
Running backs should and better be ready to practice when coming out of the locker
room!
That means as soon as you step on the practice field you better have all of your equipment
on, helmet buckled and be ready to go. This rule will be strictly enforced.
Runningbacks should be out on the field at least five minutes before pre-practice warming
up (the seniors are in charge until the coach gets out to the field). Failure to abide by
these rules will result in punishment.
1. Do what is right
2. Do your best
3. Treat others like you want to be treated
Loser
• Practice hard just some of the time
• Need to be motivated on a daily basis
• Never reach their full potential
• Inconsistent
• Blames others for their own mishaps or
mistakes Want to do everything their
own way.
Player Evaluation Sheet
NAME: _______________________________
STRENGTH
SPEED
BALL SECURITY
BLOCKING
PASS RECEIVING
TOUGHNESS
ATTITUDE
COACHABLE
COMMENTS:
Notes from the Coach
• Come talk to me first if you have a problem or get into any type of trouble. I
would rather hear the story from you before I hear it from someone else. It will
really bother me if you don’t come to me.
• Give 100% effort in the classroom and on the field. Effort impresses coaches.
• Give the Offensive Linemen credit as much as possible. This gives them
confidence.
• Don’t be a me guy! Give your teammates all of the credit for your success. We
are all in this together. There is no I in team. Let other people brag on you!
• You will be disciplined for tardiness, missing class, or breaking team rules.
Consequences follow your actions!
• On the field, don’t worry about your mistakes. Look forward to the next play.
There is nothing you can do about the past except learn from your mistakes.
• Leave everything on the field. I may yell and scream on the field at times, but I
am just trying to make you a better player. Don’t take it personal! I have high
expectations for everyone. I am not going to let you do anything poorly.
Before and after practice we will do extra things such as walk through our plays or catch
extra passes. The individual drill practice format will change from day to day.
All of the drills that we will do are important to helping the players become better
running backs. Most of the drills will be fast paced and will enable everyone to get their
needed amount of reps. The running backs will not be standing around! In order to get
the most out of the drills we will need to hustle, listen to instructions, and push ourselves
through the fatigue factor. Working on the individual aspects and skills of the game are
important and we stress this every day. A lot of the drills that we perform are basic and
are adopted from other football programs around the country.
Ball Carrying
a. Gauntlet
b. Ball Wrestle
c. Hold The Runner
Pass Receiving
a. Individual Cuts
b. Look Drill
c. One Handed Catch
Blocking Drills
a. Fit and Drive
b. Shock and Resurface
c. Mirror Dodge
d. Cut Block
e. One On One Blocking
f. Run By
g. Individual Blocking
Ball
Carrying
Ball Security
There is nothing that should be emphasized more than the importance of good
ball security. We teach our running backs that there is no excuse for putting the ball on
the ground. Our motto is "if you can't hold on to the football, you can't play." We stress that
by fumbling the football, we limit our chance to score, give up field position to our
opponents, and put the game on the line. Good ball security is a must and is constantly
preached to our running backs on the practice field and in meetings. We do not put up
with our backs carrying the ball like a "loaf of bread" or risking a turnover by being careless
during a hard collision.
We teach our backs to carry the ball in their forearm, armpits, pressed against the
rib cage, and with the fingers and hand covering the point of the football. The ball
carrier should always keep both points of the ball covered. There should be no air
between the armpit and the top of the ball. The surface of the ball should be covered as
much as possible. The more the ball is exposed the more the back is putting the ball in
jeopardy to be stripped. The ball carrier should practice squeezing the ball tightly at all
times until it becomes natural. There should be pressure on the ball at all times.
In traffic we teach our backs to carry the football in one armpit while bring the second
hand and arm over the football to provide extra protection. The back should never carry the
ball with two arms. By doing this the ball is exposed and cannot properly be secured.
We also teach our backs to never switch the ball unless they are a couple of yards
from the sideline. Many fumbles are caused whenever a ball is switched from one arm
to another so we emphasize the importance of squeezing the ball and keeping it secure
in one arm. Therefore, we limit our chances for a turnover. The only time we permit
our running backs to switch the ball is when they are along the sideline. We allow this
because it is helpful to have the free arm open on the sideline to deliver a blow to the
defender. Plus if the ball is fumbled there is a better chance that it will go out of bounds
and not be recovered by the defense. We do not waste time in practice rehearsing ball
exchange techniques.
Since any action that exposes the football is not recommended we teach our backs not to
reach out with the football unless we our in certain situations like 4th down and inches
or a critical time in the game. We also teach our backs to turn their shoulders when
diving over the top of a pile up. If the back doesn't turn his shoulders, the ball is in
vulnerable position to be popped out by a helmet or shoulder pad. The ball carrier should
also concentrate on squeezing the ball when fighting for extra yardage or falling to the
ground. Good ball security always is a must.
Ball Security Drills: Gauntlet, Ball Iso, Ball Wrestle, and Roll on Shoulder
Four Point Ball Security - is the way to carry the ball in the open field in one arm pit.
The ball should be engulfed by the entire hand with the fingers covering the point of the
ball tightly. The other point of the ball should rest within the cup of the elbow. The
outside of the ball should be held by the forearm while resting tightly against the rib area
of the body. There should be pressure on the ball at all times. Both points of the ball
should always be covered. Never let the ball leave your body. Carry the ball in the
outside arm. Only switch the ball if close to the sideline.
Five Point Security - is four point security with the opposite arm placed over the
exposed part of the ball. Five Point Security should be used when extra protection on the
football is needed. Such as on inside running plays, goal line running plays, when running
in traffic, or any other time a ball carrier feel threatened by defenders.
Taking a Handoff
All backs in our offense will receive the ball in the same manner. The backs
should receive the ball by raising the inside elbow up above the chest with the
palm of the hand facing out while the thumb is pointed straight down. The
opposite hand should be placed at the belt line with the palm up and fingers
extended and spread apart. The back should allow the quarterback to place the
ball in his belly (never grab for the ball). After the ball is placed in the belly, the
back should clasp down on the ball with his hands and arms until it is secured.
The back should immediately put the ball in one arm pit.
Stance
Two Point Stance - the back should align with his feet a little wider than
shoulder width apart with his weight on the balls of his feet. The feet should be
slightly pointed outward. The knees should be slightly bent. Waist should be
bent in the upper body and the hands resting comfortably on the thighs.
Head and chin should be up with the eyes looking straight ahead. Wingback
stance is exactly the same except the inside foot should be placed in a toe to heel
relationship with the opposite foot.
Ball Carrying Techniques
There are a number of different techniques that a ball carrier can use when
carrying the football. We try to stress to our running backs the importance
of working on these individual techniques when running with the football in
practice. Running backs should be at least good in a few of these
techniques.
Stiff Arm – technique used when the ball carrier delivers a blow by
straightening and extending his arm, locks the elbow, and lifts his feet in
order to play off of a would be tackler.
Spin – technique used when the ball carrier does a complete 360 degrees
turn in order to avoid or break a tackle.
Improper Proper
Way to Spin Way to Spin
Change of Pace – technique used when the ball carrier is running full speed
and suddenly stands straight up to giving the illusion that he is slowing
down. Once the defender stops his feet, the running back explodes by him
in his normal running fashion.
Dive (over the top) – technique that should be used in short yardage or goal
line situations. The ball carrier should try to leap over the line of scrimmage
while firmly securing the ball with Five Point Security, and also turning the
shoulders while in the air.
Arm Shoulder Strike – technique that is used when the running back is near
the sideline and delivers a blow with his forearm, elbow and shoulder in
order to overpower a would be tackler.
Running with the Football
Given the natural talent and a lot of desire, you can develop yourself as a
runner. Running hard or merely trying to run over a defender does not
qualify you as a good back. You must have a full repertoire of moves and
the ability to make the quick decisions when confronted by tacklers.
A. Running: Keep your body low with a controllable lean in the upper
body. The head should be erect and able to see the “Big Picture” of
what is happening around and in front of you. Bring your knees up
high so as to be able to step over arms tackles. Always go for plus
yardage, trying not to lose yards by running laterally.
B. Faking: this is an imperative part of a good offensive play. The
most important part of any fake is the speed at which it is made.
Give the quarterback a big pocket to fake into (do not over
exaggerate). Fold over the ball, but do not grab it. As the QB
removes the fake, run like you have the football- don’t come back up
or slow down. If you are not tackled, you should continue downfield
to block someone.
C. Reading Blocks and Setting Them Up: You should always keep
your eyes on the point of attack with your attention on the head and
tail end of the blocker. Try to position yourself in such a manner as
to make the tackler forced to come at you through a blocker. When
following a blocker, get as close to him as possible (2-3 yds). This
enables you to set up the block and break off before the defensive
man can recover. In setting up a block, force the defense to one side
of the blocker and on the contact of the block, break to the open or
sealed-off side. The following diagram illustrates this idea:
Break to the side where the blocker Ball carrier can set up these blocks
places his and /or hips for blockers by going on an intended
direction and quickly cutting off the
blocker’s butt.
D. Following a Lead Blocker: If the ball carrier is following a lead
blocker, we would usually like the ball carrier on the blocker’s
outside hip about arms distance away. The ball carrier can easily
read from this position, if defender gets head up to blocker, the ball
carrier can continue on the prescribed course. If the defender moves
to ball carrier, the blocker has an easy block and the ball carrier can
cut to the inside hip. Once again, read the hips and head.
E. Following Trappers: The ball carrier should attempt to get close to
the double team. Always avoid being close to the trap blocker, since
a trap block is not a stable block.
If possible, read trapper until double team block is found – get close to
double team. Example with odd defense:
F. Getting the Defender Head-Up: The ball carrier should never allow
the defender to maintain a good tackling angle, especially in the open
field. The ball carrier should attempt to get the would be tackler in a
head-up situation. This allows the ball carrier two ways to break or
make a cut.
Approach may be at an angle, but once on the line, the ball carrier is
perpendicular.
The hole will be hit stronger by the ball carrier, and chances of being pushed
back are slight.
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
Drill: Squirm
Description:
On command backs sprint out of two-point stance, at five yards the right
hand goes down and the back rotates 360 degrees and comes up running.
Back goes another five yards and this time rotates on left hand.
Purpose:
To develop body control and the ability to come off the ground quickly
Coaching Points:
*Emphasis keeping full body weight on the hand
*Proper ball security.
*Keeping head and eyes up and looking down the field at all times.
Equipment:
Footballs
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Hit”
Grab Grass
“Hit”
Grab Grass
RB RB RB
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
Partner
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
Rip Ball
RB
Partner
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
90 90
Forward Run
90 90
RB
RB
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
Shoulder Roll
RB RB RB
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
Handoff
QB
RB
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
Spin
RB
RB
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
Spin
Slide
Slide
Slide
RB
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
Spin
High Knees
RB
RB
RB
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
SH
Sideline
SH
SH
RB
RB
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
15 yds
Def
15 yds
RB
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
SH
SH
SH
SH SH – Shield Holder
RB
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
Def
Cones
RB
Ball Carrying and Agility Drills
SH
SH SH
Blast
RB
Pass
Receiving
Pass Receiving
It is essential that our running backs are able to catch the ball and get up
field. They have to be dependable pass receivers out of the backfield. In
our offense the halfbacks are usually the slot receivers and will have
plenty of chances to catch the ball.
Straight Ahead
Post Flag
Pass
QB
RB RB RB RB
QB
Receiving Drills
Beitrag
RB
Bad Ball
Bad Ball
QB
Receiving Drills
RB
Turn
RB
“Look”
QB
Receiving Drills
RB
Def Def
Pass
QB
Receiving Drills
RB RB RB
Receiving Drills
Equipment: Footballs
Kneeling Position
RB RB
Dive
QB
Receiving Drills
LB
RB
QB
Blocking
Blocking
A good running back blocks for his fellow running backs. It’s clear and simple: you
don’t block, you don’t play! We can’t be successful on offense if we have backs that are
not willing to give 100% effort when called on to block. Blocking is 70% effort and
determination and 30% technique.
We believe in blocking to the echo of the whistle! We want to punish our opponents as
much as possible play after play.
To become aggressive and effective blockers we will spend a good portion of our
individual time working on our blocking techniques.
There are four primary blocks that the running backs will use in the Wing T Offensive
system:
1. Shoulder Block: Block used that requires the running back to strike with the
shoulder, arm, body and to use head to shield the defender from the point of attack.
Used primarily when down blocking on the wing. Backs will be taught to go in low
delivering a blow with the shoulder and forearm about waist high while keeping their
head and eyes up, back slightly arched, while bringing their feet and hips lifting up
through the defender.
2. Cut Block: This type of block is used when the blocker is either attackside or
backside. It is a power technique that lowers the blocker’s aiming point and takes the
defender off his feet. If done correctly, it is a very effective block. Can be used as a
change of pace block or versus perimeter support.
3. Drive Block: This block can be used at the point of attack. Power block by
which the running back will knock the defender back off the line of scrimmage.
Primarily used for running plays such as Iso, Belly, or kickout blocks.
4. Pass Block: Blocking technique used to cut down the momentum or pass rush of a
blitzing defensive defender.
• Back must recognize his responsibility. It is essential that on the snap of the ball
the back must take at least three to four steps towards the line of scrimmage (start
off by taking a 45 degrees step).
• Body should be positioned to meet the defender head on or square. Body also
should have a low center of gravity to create the right power angles (knees and
arms bent slightly, hands at chest level).
• Feet should be chopping at shoulder width apart.
• On fourth step back should initiate contact with heels of hands and arms striking
through the defenders breastplate. Backs must then extend arms to keep defender
arm-length apart (blocker should never over extend).
• Feet have to continue chopping on contact and back should try to drive the
defender back or whichever way he wants to go. The back should mirror the
defender while never crossing legs or feet.
• A good pass block will make a defender re-start his charge towards the QB.
Drill: Shadow
Description:
Two running backs should partner up facing each other standing about 3
yards apart with a line in between. One running back will be the pass
blocker, or shadow and the other will be the rabbit. On command the rabbit
will run back and forth side to side, staying within a seven yard area (area
can be marked by cones). The Pass Blocker will try to shadow the rabbit
while staying in good pass blocking position. The drill should last 10-20
seconds.
Purpose:
To work on staying in front of a defender when pass protecting
Coaching:
Stay square and under control, stay low, keeping head and eyes up, feet
should never stop moving, hands should stay up at all times in a good hitting
position, knees should be bent, butt pointed towards the ground. DO NOT
crossover the feet.
Equipment:
Cones (optional)
Rabbit
RB
Shadow Shadow
Blocking Drills
Coach
RB
Shadow Shadow
Blocking Drills
Drill: Cut Bag
Description:
Hold up a tall agility bag in a normal defensive end or linebacker position.
The running backs will line up in their normal alignment in the backfield and
on command will execute and simulate a cut block on the agility bag.
Purpose:
To teach running backs the proper way to execute a cut block
Coaching:
Explode low and hard out of stance, run up on defenders toes, aim for the
playside thigh of the defender, throw backside arm into the outside or inside
leg of the defender depending on the point of attack, explode shoulder
through the thigh guard, roll eyes and head up, end up going north and south.
Never dive at the defender, run through him!
Equipment:
Agility Bags
“Go” Coach
Cut Block
RB
RB
RB
Blocking Drills
Sled
Deliver
Blow
Shuffle
RB
RB
RB
Blocking Drills
Drill: Fit
Description:
The running backs should partner up and face each other, standing about 1-2
yards apart on a line. One running back will be the blocker, the other will be
the defender holding a shield. The blocker will start off in a good football
position and on command will deliver one good blow to the defender to get a
good fit (execute the proper drive blocking technique)
Purpose:
To work on the proper way to deliver a blow to a defender when drive
blocking
Coaching:
Stay square and under control, stay low, deliver a good blow with the hands
first and then bring the head and shoulders, keeping head and eyes up, try to
lift defender off of his feet
Equipment:
Shields
Defender
Shield
Deliver
Blow
RB “GO”
Coach
Blocking Drills
Defender
Shield
Deliver
Blow
RB “GO”
Coach
Blocking Drills
SH - Shield Holder
SH SH SH SH SH SH
Drive
Block
“GO”
Coach
RB RB RB RB RB RB
Blocking Drills
LB
Blitz
“GO”
RB Pass
Block Coach
Bag