Football is a complex sport with various positions, each playing a crucial role in the team’s success. One such position is the running back, often referred to as the “RB.”
The running back is responsible for carrying the ball and gaining yards on the ground, making them an essential part of any offensive strategy.
Below we look at the role of the running back in football, their responsibilities, and the skills required to excel in this position.
The Role of the Running Back
The running back is primarily responsible for running with the football, advancing it towards the opponent’s end zone.
They are an integral part of the offensive strategy and play a vital role in both rushing and receiving plays.
Let’s look deeper into the specific responsibilities of a running back:
1. Carrying the Ball
The primary responsibility of a running back is to carry the ball and gain yards on the ground.
They receive handoffs from the quarterback and use their speed, agility, and vision to navigate through the defense and find open lanes.
Running backs must possess excellent ball-carrying skills, including proper grip, body control, and the ability to break tackles.
2. Rushing Plays
Running backs are heavily involved in rushing plays, where they receive handoffs from the quarterback and attempt to gain yards by running through the defense or they might block for other runners.
When running themselves, they must quickly analyze the defensive formation, identify potential gaps or weaknesses, and make split-second decisions on which path to take.
Running backs with exceptional speed and agility can exploit small openings and break away for long gains.
3. Receiving Plays
In addition to rushing plays, running backs are often utilized as receivers in passing plays.
They can line up in the backfield or split out wide as a receiver.
Running backs with good hands and route-running abilities can be effective targets for the quarterback, providing an additional option in the passing game.
They must be able to catch the ball cleanly and make quick decisions to gain yards after the catch.
4. Pass Protection
Another vital responsibility of a running back is pass protection.
When the quarterback drops back to pass, the running back must be prepared to block incoming defenders to give the quarterback enough time to throw.
This requires strong blocking techniques, including proper footwork, hand placement, and the ability to read and react to defensive blitzes.
A running back who excels in pass protection can significantly contribute to the team’s success by keeping the quarterback safe.
5. Special Teams
Running backs often play a role in special teams, particularly in kick return and punt return units.
Their speed and agility make them valuable assets in returning kicks and punts, where they aim to gain as many yards as possible and potentially score touchdowns.
Running backs must possess good decision-making skills to determine when to field a kick or punt and when to let it bounce.
The Skills Required for a Running Back
To excel as a running back, certain skills are essential.
Let’s take a look at the key skills required for this position:
1. Speed and Agility
Running backs need to be fast and agile to navigate through the defense and find open lanes.
Their ability to change direction quickly and accelerate past defenders is crucial for gaining yards on the ground.
2. Vision and Awareness
Having good vision and awareness allows running backs to anticipate openings in the defense and make quick decisions on where to run.
They must be able to read the field, identify potential blockers, and adjust their path accordingly.
3. Ball-Carrying Skills
Running backs must have excellent ball-carrying skills, including a secure grip on the football and the ability to protect it from defenders.
Fumbles can be detrimental to the team’s success, so running backs must prioritize ball security.
4. Blocking Techniques
Pass protection is a crucial aspect of a running back’s role.
They must possess strong blocking techniques to effectively protect the quarterback from incoming defenders.
This requires proper footwork, hand placement, and the ability to read defensive formations.
5. Receiving Abilities
Running backs who can catch the ball effectively provide an additional dimension to the team’s offense.
Good hands and route-running abilities allow them to be reliable targets for the quarterback in passing plays.
3 Football Drills to Become a Better Running Back
FAQs
1. What is the main role of a running back in football?
The main role of a running back is to carry the ball and gain yards on the ground.
They are responsible for rushing plays and can also be utilized as receivers in passing plays.
2. What skills are important for a running back?
Important skills for a running back include speed, agility, vision, ball-carrying abilities, blocking techniques, and receiving abilities.
3. Can a running back also catch passes?
Yes, running backs can catch passes and are often utilized as receivers in passing plays.
They must have good hands and route-running abilities to be effective in this role.
4. What is pass protection, and why is it important for a running back?
Pass protection refers to the running back’s responsibility to block incoming defenders to protect the quarterback during passing plays.
It is important for a running back to excel in pass protection to keep the quarterback safe and provide them with enough time to throw.
5. Do running backs play a role in special teams?
Yes, running backs often play a role in special teams, particularly in kick return and punt return units.
Their speed and agility make them valuable assets in returning kicks and punts.
6. What is the difference between a running back and a fullback?
A running back is primarily responsible for carrying the ball and gaining yards on the ground, while a fullback is typically used as a blocker for the running back or as a short-yardage runner.
7. How do running backs contribute to the team’s success?
Running backs contribute to the team’s success by gaining yards on the ground, providing an additional option in the passing game, excelling in pass protection, and making an impact on special teams.
8. Who are some of the greatest running backs in football history?
Some of the greatest running backs in football history include Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Jim Brown, and Adrian Peterson.
9. Can a running back also throw the ball?
While it is rare, running backs can occasionally throw the ball on trick plays or when the situation calls for it.
However, their primary role is to carry the ball and gain yards on the ground.
10. What is the average career length of a running back in the NFL?
The average career length of a running back in the NFL is around 2.57 years, which is relatively short compared to other positions.
The physical demands and high risk of injury contribute to the shorter career span.
11. How do running backs train to improve their skills?
Running backs train extensively to improve their skills, focusing on speed and agility drills, strength training, ball-carrying drills, route-running practice, and studying game film to enhance their vision and decision-making abilities.
12. Can a running back play other positions on the field?
While running backs primarily play in the offensive backfield, they can occasionally be utilized in other positions, such as wide receiver or kick returner, depending on their skill set and the team’s strategy.
13. What is the average number of carries for a running back in a game?
The average number of carries for a running back in a game can vary depending on the team’s offensive strategy, game situation, and the running back’s performance.
However, a typical range can be anywhere from 15 to 25 carries per game.
14. How do running backs avoid fumbling the ball?
Running backs avoid fumbling the ball by maintaining a secure grip, using proper ball-carrying techniques, and being aware of defenders trying to strip the ball.
They also practice drills specifically designed to improve ball security.
15. Can a running back be a team’s leading receiver?
Yes, running backs can be a team’s leading receiver if they have exceptional receiving abilities and are heavily involved in the passing game.
They can accumulate a significant number of receptions and receiving yards throughout the season.
Summary
The running back is a vital position in football, responsible for carrying the ball, gaining yards on the ground, and contributing to the team’s success in various ways.
They play an important role in rushing and receiving plays, excel in pass protection, and can make an impact on special teams.
To be successful as a running back, players must possess a combination of speed, agility, vision, ball-carrying skills, blocking techniques, and receiving abilities.
Understanding the role and responsibilities of a running back is essential for appreciating their contribution to the game and the team’s overall performance.
