The Off-Balance Advantage: Mastering the “Tripod Drill” for Elusive Running Backs
The “Tripod Drill,” also known as “Stumble Drill,” is a unique and valuable tool for developing essential skills in your running backs. This drill goes beyond simply teaching them how to fall – it equips them with the balance, body control, and ball security needed to maintain forward momentum and potentially gain those crucial extra yards even when caught off guard.
Purpose
- Enhance Balance and Recovery: The drill trains running backs to regain their balance quickly and efficiently after a stumble or off-balance situation. This is crucial in live game situations where a defender might disrupt their stride, and the ability to recover and keep moving forward can mean the difference between a first down and a tackle for loss.
- Refine Ball Security: The drill emphasizes the importance of maintaining tight ball security even while off balance. Running backs practice switching the ball between hands while simultaneously extending a hand to the ground for support. This strengthens their ball-carrying technique and reduces the risk of fumbles in precarious situations.
- Develop Awareness and Instincts: The “Tripod Drill” helps running backs develop the awareness and instincts to react quickly to unexpected loss of balance. They learn to anticipate potential stumbles and proactively utilize the tripod technique to minimize the impact on their forward progress.
- Cultivate Mental Toughness: The drill can also contribute to building mental toughness. By practicing recovering from simulated stumbles, running backs build confidence in their ability to overcome adversity on the field and keep pushing forward for that extra yard.
Description
Drill Setup
- Gather your running backs at the designated starting line.
Drill Execution
- On your signal (coach), each running back starts with the football securely tucked in one hand.
- The running back then simulates a stumble by taking a large, exaggerated forward lunge and extending their free arm down towards the ground as if to catch themselves.
- It’s important for the running back to place significant weight (around 70%) on the extended “tripod” hand for proper balance recovery.
- While maintaining a forward lean, the running back should quickly switch the football to the other hand as they bring the previously extended hand back up.
- They should then repeat steps 2-4, alternating the hand they extend to the ground and the hand carrying the football with each step.
- Continue in this manner for 15 yards, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good posture, ball security, and a forward momentum throughout the drill.
- After completing the 15-yard “tripod” section, the running back should transition into a full sprint for the final 10 yards, simulating the burst of speed needed to potentially convert the recovered balance into extra yardage.
Progression
- Introduce Variations: Once running backs become comfortable with the basic movement, introduce variations to the drill. This could involve incorporating different stumble directions (forward, backward, sideways), or adding obstacles to navigate around while performing the tripod technique.
- Incorporate Game Situations: As the running backs become proficient, integrate the “Tripod Drill” into team drills or scrimmages. Simulate game situations where a running back might encounter potential stumbles (defender contact, uneven terrain), allowing them to practice their newfound skills in a more realistic setting.
Coaching Points
- Start Slow and Progress Gradually: Reinforce the importance of starting slow and focusing on proper technique before gradually increasing speed. Mastering the tripod technique at a slower pace will translate to better performance at higher speeds.
- Weight on the Tripod Hand: Emphasize the need for the running back to put sufficient weight (around 70%) on the extended “tripod” hand. This ensures a solid base for regaining balance and effectively minimizing the disruption caused by the stumble.
- Ball Security Above All: Throughout the drill, maintain a strong focus on ball security. Remind running backs to keep the ball tucked tightly against their body, even during the hand switch and when extending the tripod hand.
- Maintain Forward Focus: Encourage running backs to maintain a forward focus throughout the drill, even when stumbling. This reinforces the importance of keeping their eyes downfield and prioritizing forward momentum even when regaining balance.
Equipment
- Football(s) (1 per running back)
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