How to Keep a Running Back From Fumbling

It happens every time a running back moves up a level in football. Whether it's from Pop Warner to high school, high school to college or college to professional, running backs often struggle to hold on to the football. Opponents are bigger, stronger, faster and smarter and know how to force you to fumble. But as the competition gets tougher, the running back can make adjustments and learn how to hold on to the football.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Have your running back practice taking handoffs. He may have great speed and outstanding instincts, but those factors won't matter a bit if he can't get a good grip on the ball. While running backs fumble when they take big hits, more fumbles occur on poor exchanges with the quarterback. The exchange is not always going to be perfect because of a myriad of factors, including weather conditions, pressure from the defense or a misstep from the quarterback. The quarterback and the running back must work on the exchange at least three times a week. It seems like it should be easy but it's not.

2. Secure the football right after the exchange. The quarterback will stick the football in the running back's midsection. The running back will have both arms on the ball with the left usually on top and the right on the bottom. However, if the back is running to the right, he needs to secure the ball in his right (outside) arm. If he is going to the left, he needs to put the ball in his left arm. The running back must use his speed and quickness to his advantage and he can't do that if he can't swing his arms. That's why he is transferring the ball from a two-arm carry to one. The only exception to this is when he is attacking the defense up the middle. He should keep two arms on the ball until he has made it through the middle of the line and gotten into space. At that point, he should transfer the ball to his outside arm (closest to the sideline).

3. Carry the ball high and tight when you are running with it. Take the tip of your index finger and extend it over the point of the ball. Bring the football up to the level of your shoulder pad and carry the ball with strength and security. This will seem a little awkward at first, but this is the strongest grip a back can have on the ball. Former New York Giant running back Tiki Barber had a fumbling problem during his career, but he finally turned it around when he started to carry the ball this way in his final four seasons.

4. Carry a football everywhere you go. This may seem ludicrous because this advice has been given to running backs since the 1930s, but it works. Carry the football with you to class, to dinner and any place you go. Carrying the ball will seem second-nature. You don't want anyone to take that ball away from you. Most people won't but your teammates may see you on the street or on your way to practice and try to knock it out of your grip. Don't let him do it. Carrying a football will become part of your existence and help you hold on to it under a stressful situation.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch as much videotape of your opponents to see how they attack running backs. Some may go after the legs or upper body, while others will try to put their helmets on the ball. No matter what, it's the running back's responsibility to hold on to the football.
• Develop strength in your hands and biceps. As a running back, your team's strength coach will help you come up with a weightlifting routine to suit your needs, but make sure you emphasize that you want hand and upper-arm strength so you can hold on to the ball.

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