The Route Guru: Mastering the Passing Game with Diverse Running Back Pass Routes Drills
Equipping your running backs with a diverse route-running skillset is a critical step in creating a truly dynamic and unpredictable offense. The “Route Guru” drill series provides a comprehensive approach to training your running backs in proper route execution, coverage adjustments, and overall receiving proficiency.
Purpose
- Master Route Technique: This drill series focuses on teaching and refining the correct execution of various running back pass routes. Running backs practice precise footwork, proper timing, and maintaining a consistent route depth to create separation from defenders.
- Develop Coverage Recognition: A key element of the drill is to train running backs in identifying defensive coverages (man or zone) and adjusting their routes accordingly. This equips them with the knowledge and skills to exploit weaknesses in the defense and find open throwing lanes.
- Enhance Ball Skills: Throughout the drill, running backs work on refining their catching technique, ensuring they can consistently secure passes thrown their way.
- Cultivate Awareness and Instincts: The drill helps develop a sense of awareness and instincts in running backs, allowing them to react to changing defensive alignments and adjust their routes on the fly.
Description
Vs. Air (No Defense)
- Set up a simulated offensive line using stand-up dummies, a linestrip marker, or cones. This provides a visual reference for the running back’s pre-snap alignment.
- The running back lines up in their designated pre-snap position according to the called pass play.
- The passer (quarterback or coach) lines up “behind the center” as they would in a live game situation.
- On the coach’s signal, the running back starts from his position and executes the designated pass route.
- The passer throws the ball according to the route timing and depth, allowing the running back to focus on proper catching technique and securing the football.
- After catching the ball, the running back should “burst upfield” by taking at least 3-5 steps at full speed before slowing down and returning to the drill. This reinforces the importance of maximizing yardage gained after the catch.
Vs. Defense (Live Defenders)
- Follow steps 1-3 from the “Vs. Air” variation.
- Introduce 2-4 defenders equipped with tackling shields. These defenders will simulate linebackers and defensive backs in the passing game.
- The coach signals the defenders how to react to the play (zone coverage, blitzing, man coverage assignments). This creates a more realistic game-like scenario for the running back.
- The running back executes the designated route, but with the added challenge of reading the defensive coverage and potentially adjusting their route mid-stride based on defender movements.
- The passer throws the ball based on the route development and coverage adjustments.
- The running back continues to focus on catching the ball securely and “burst upfield” after the catch, avoiding would be tacklers.
Coaching Points
- Route Technique: Continuously emphasize proper route technique throughout the drills. This includes precise footwork, sharp breaks, maintaining proper route depth, and keeping a good head and shoulder alignment.
- Timing and Separation: Focus on the importance of timing and separation. Running backs should arrive at their designated route landmarks at the precise moment to create the biggest window for the quarterback to throw the ball.
- Ball Tracking and Catching: Reinforce the importance of tracking the ball with their eyes and utilizing proper catching technique to secure the football consistently.
- Coverage Recognition: When working against live defenders, emphasize the importance of coverage recognition. Running backs should be able to identify the defensive scheme and adjust their routes accordingly to find open areas.
- Communication (Optional): For more advanced running backs, consider incorporating communication into the drill. The running back can verbally communicate the recognized coverage to the coach (and/or quarterback) to train them on not to forget the coverage recognition – and possible adjustments.
Progression
- Increase Drill Difficulty: As running backs become comfortable with basic routes, gradually introduce more complex routes and coverage variations. This keeps them challenged and expands their route-running skillset.
- Transition into 7 on 7 offense vs defense passing drills: The main principles for the running backs remain the same as in this isolated, running backs only, drill.
Equipment
- Footballs
- Stand-up dummies or Linemen-split marker/cones (to simulate the offensive line)
- Shields (for defenders)
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