Any Running Back needs to be able to easily and fluently switch the ball from one arm to the next with ease. They also need to be able to stay low on change of directions, and change directions on a dime.
This drill first and foremost focuses on ball control. Note how our NFL RB clients Malcolm Agnew, Nick Hill, and Aaron Ripkowski moves throughout the drill. The ability to change hands is a trainable effect, and note how this drill forces the player to change arms efficiently.
The next focal point is staying low on changes of direction. Note with the cones as a target just focuses on bending at the knees with an upright torso position. This is a pure endurance drill that will train the muscles of the hips and legs in deep bending positions.
Finally, the changes of direction are sharp and crisp. Note the “positive” angles of the hips, where the emphasis is placed on the inside edge of the outside foot. This is essential to performance on the most difficult cuts a RB can make – specifically the “jump cut” that success is dictated by an athletes ability to get low and dip the inside shoulder – in almost the exact same angle as seen on each cone cut. The deceleration step off the outside edge of the inside leg sets up this hard change of direction off the outside leg. Perfect drill for utilizing both edges of the feet at extreme angles.