RBs need to plant their foot and cut without losing the ball or balance. This drill teaches the footwork and coordination to make sharp cuts while holding the ball tight.
What you need: Four or five cones. Mark a path with a 90-degree cut.
Setup: Place cones in a straight line about 5 yards apart. The RB starts at the first cone.
How to run it:
- The RB runs forward toward the first cut point, holding the ball in a secure grip.
- At the cut point, they plant their outside foot and cut 90 degrees upfield.
- Keep the ball cradled. Don’t fumble on the cut.
- Run through the next cut, then the next.
- Do 5 full reps, walking speed first to get the footwork down.
What to watch: When they plant and cut, do they lose the ball or is it secure? Do the feet get tangled or do they plant cleanly?
If they’re struggling: Use just two cones and one cut. Master the footwork with one cut before adding more.
If they’ve got it: Add a speed component. They’re running at full speed and making the cuts. Or add a light defender trying to knock the ball out.