The Gauntlet: Forging Ball Security Under Pressure
The Gauntlet Strip Drill is a cornerstone drill for developing ironclad ball security in running backs. It simulates the intense contact and pressure running backs face in live game situations, forcing them to prioritize ball protection while maintaining explosiveness.
Purpose
Sharpen Ball Security Awareness: This drill trains running backs to be acutely aware of ball security, especially when navigating heavy contact zones. By constantly being challenged to hold onto the ball, they develop a heightened sense of where it’s positioned and how to protect it during evasive maneuvers.
Refine Secure Handoff Technique: The drill emphasizes proper handoff mechanics from the quarterback to the running back. This ensures a smooth transfer of the ball, minimizing the risk of fumbles at the exchange point.
Enhance Ball Carrying in Traffic: By running through a gauntlet of defenders attempting to strip the ball, running backs learn to maintain proper ball carrying technique amidst contact. This includes keeping the ball high and tight to the body, ensuring it’s well-protected throughout the run.
Description
Drill Setup
Form two lines of players facing each other, spaced approximately 1 yard apart. These players will simulate defenders attempting to strip the ball.
The quarterback positions himself behind one line, ready to handoff the ball to the running back.
The running back aligns at a designated depth and area, mimicking their typical pre-snap positioning based on the play call.
Drill Execution
The quarterback executes a handoff to the running back, either on a short snap-count or on coaches command.
The running back explodes through the gauntlet of defenders, utilizing proper ball carrying technique to protect the ball from potential strips.
The 12th player should only attempt a quick strip – either hitting the ball or pulling it out – but should not “tackle” the football or hold the ball for any length of time.
The running back maintains a low center of gravity, keeps his legs pumping, and runs behind his pads to maximize power and stability.
Once the running back successfully navigates the gauntlet, they sprint an additional 10 yards past the last defender, simulating a full-speed run after the handoff.
Progressions
Gradual Increase in Intensity: Start with players in the gauntlet simply reaching for the ball. Gradually progress to allowing them to use swim moves or two-handed strip attempts as running backs demonstrate good ball security technique.
Introduce Variations: Utilize different running back alignments and handoff locations to simulate various play designs and keep the drill challenging.
Team Scrimmage Integration: Once players are proficient, incorporate the Gauntlet Strip Drill into full-team scrimmages. This allows running backs to experience ball security challenges in a more game-like setting.
Coaching Points
Handoff Mechanics: Emphasize a crisp and secure handoff exchange between the quarterback and running back. The quarterback should deliver the ball firmly into the running back’s pocket, while the running back should use strong hands with proper grip placement to receive and secure the ball.
Ball Carrying Technique: Focus on proper ball carrying form. The ball should be tucked high and tight against the running back’s chest, with the elbow bent to create a secure pocket. The off-hand should be used to support the ball and deter strip attempts.
Body Control: Stress the importance of maintaining good body balance and a low center of gravity throughout the drill. This allows the running back to absorb contact more effectively and keep the ball protected even when jolted by defenders.
Fight for the Ball: Encourage running backs to fight through attempted strips. This might involve stiff-arming defenders or using their body to shield the ball while maintaining forward momentum.
Eyes Up: While emphasizing ball security, remind running backs to maintain some level of peripheral vision. They should be aware of defenders and potential threats even while focusing on protecting the ball.
Equipment
Footballs (ideally one per running back)
Players (enough to form two lines with 4-8 players per line)
