The Sideline Savior: Mastering Elusive Runs Along the Boundary with the Sideline Running Drill
Running the ball along the sideline presents a unique challenge for running backs. They need to balance the need to stay in bounds for crucial first downs or touchdowns with protecting themselves from potential sideline tackles. The Sideline Running Drill, also known as the “Shield Shuffle,” is a fundamental tool for developing the instincts and techniques needed to navigate the sideline effectively and pick up those extra game-changing yards.
Purpose
Develop Sideline Awareness: This drill trains running backs to be acutely aware of their positioning relative to the sideline while maintaining focus on gaining yards. They learn to operate confidently in the limited space along the boundary.
Refine Technique Against Low Tackles: The drill incorporates scenarios where defenders attempt low tackles, a common tactic near the sideline. Running backs practice proper footwork and body positioning to absorb the impact and maintain possession while staying in bounds.
Sharpen Technique Against High Tackles: The drill also simulates situations with high tackles, another threat near the sideline. Running backs develop proper leverage and utilize shoulder-arm strength to fend off defenders and maintain their forward momentum.
Cultivate Ball Security: Throughout the drill, ball security remains a top priority. Running backs practice keeping the ball high and tight to their body, even while executing evasive maneuvers close to the sideline.
Description
Drill Setup
Designate a running lane along the sideline. Utilize cones or markers if necessary to define the running area.
Position 2-3 players with shields spaced 5 yards apart, approximately 3 yards from the sideline. These players will simulate defenders attempting tackles or knocking the runningback out of bounds.
The running back lines up at the designated starting point, ready to initiate the drill.
Drill Execution
On your signal (coach), the running back explodes forward, simulating a run play along the sideline. They should maintain good posture and ball security while focusing on staying in bounds.
Each defender with a tackling shield will randomly deliver either a high blow (targeting the upper body) or a low blow (targeting the hips).
Against a Low Blow:
The running back should keep their toes pointed upfield, allowing them to absorb the impact and maintain balance.
They should “give” with their hips, lowering their center of gravity slightly to avoid the low blow.
The foot closest to the sideline (sideline foot) should be planted firmly upfield, followed by a powerful explosion to maintain forward momentum.
It’s crucial to ensure the field foot (foot furthest from the sideline) does not cross over the sideline foot, preventing them from running out of bounds.
Against a High Blow:
The running back should utilize their shoulder-arm strength to “shrug off” the high tackle attempt from the defender.
They should shift their weight onto their sideline foot to create a strong base against the defender’s push.
The running back should execute a “rip” technique, pushing the defender inwards to nullify the force of the high tackle.
Following the rip, they should plant their field foot upfield, potentially with a slight crossover step, to regain their forward momentum and stay in bounds.
Progressions
Increase Difficulty: Gradually increase the difficulty of the drill by having defenders incorporate different tackling techniques (arm tackles, spin moves, etc.) as the running backs demonstrate proficiency in basic sideline running techniques.
Introduce Live Tackling (Optional): For a more advanced challenge, consider incorporating “live” tackling (with proper safety precautions) later in the progression. This allows running backs to experience the intensity of a real game situation while practicing their sideline running skills against a resisting defender.
Vary Defender Positioning: Throughout the drill, experiment with different defender alignments. Position defenders at various depths and angles to challenge the running back’s ability to read and react to potential tackles.
Combine with a defense pursuit drill: Position the defenders, i.e. playside corner, safety and outside linebacker – add more defenders as you see fit -, according to a coverage you are playing, where they would be at the moment the running back would catch a flare pass. Position the running back at the spot where he would catch the pass. Then throw him the ball an the defenders react to him running towards and down the sideline using correct pursuit angles.
Coaching Points
Ball Security Above All: Reinforce the importance of maintaining ball security throughout the drill. The running back should keep the ball high and tight to their body, even when reacting to tackles or making evasive maneuvers.
Violent Running Style: Emphasize the importance of a violent running style. The running back should attack the running lane with purpose, maintaining good leg drive and explosiveness to maximize yardage.
Fight for Every Yard: Inculcate a “fight for every yard” mentality. Running backs should be relentless in their pursuit of gaining yards and avoid running out of bounds unless absolutely necessary.
Footwork and Leverage: Focus on proper footwork and leverage techniques. The running back should utilize proper footwork to maintain balance and positioning, and leverage their body weight effectively against defenders.
Head Up and Eyes Open: While maintaining focus on the tackle attempt, remind running backs to keep their head up with some level of peripheral vision. This allows them to stay aware of their surroundings and potential secondary defenders.
Equipment
Shields (one per defender)
Sideline (actually any line will do, can run it alone any yardline as well)
Cones (to mark the starting points of defenders and the runningback – and eventually to mark the sideline, when practising on a field without lines)
