How to Run Aggressively Like Adrian Peterson

As one of the most spectacular players to come through the state system, expectations were huge for Adrian L. Peterson's rookie season after being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. He didn't disappoint, being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and garnering the Pro Bowl MVP. Learn how to pick up that yardage and run aggressively like Peterson with these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Want the contact. Far from shying away from a solid hit from a defensive player, Peterson throws himself into it, hoping to break the tackle or at least inflict as much pain as he receives. The result is that defensive players may hesitate a fraction of a second next time around, or at least come into the hit more carefully, giving you the extra inch you need to juke out or break the tackle.
2. Stay upright. Similar to OJ Simpson and Jim Brown, Peterson is an upright runner who stays nimble with long strides and an ability to get sideways quick. Keep your back relatively straight and your head up, especially when you get into an open field position.
3. Trust your offensive linemen. Peterson has said that big part of his mental game is having the patience to stay in his routes and wait for the holes to open. Know your places and follow your route, stay behind your holes, keep your steps up and feet moving, and watch for your chance to break out.
4. Keep that ball tight in your hands. Peterson is revered by his teammates for his low fumble stats. When he makes contact he brings the ball firmly into his gut and curls over it to protect it from getting stripped.
5. Make the home runs happen. Peterson knows how to make the big plays happen, and has ran for some spectacular yardage during his career. Stay aware of the play, stay on your feet, think two steps ahead of the defense, and when you see your chance, put explosive speed and lightning quick lateral moves to use. Parlay your sideways yardage into downfield yardage like Peterson does and you'll make the big plays like him.