Explosive Power for RBs: The 'Horseback' Drill
As the Burlington Sea Horses prepare for the upcoming season, running backs coach, Mike Thompson, emphasizes the importance of explosive power in the backfield. To build this critical skill, Thompson introduces the 'Horseback' drill. This intense workout targets the RBs' ability to accelerate and decelerate quickly, mimicking the demands of a game. The drill consists of 3 sets of 10 reps: 1) Start in a 3-point stance, explosively jump onto a box (18-20 inches high), and immediately jump off, landing softly on both feet. 2) From the box, quickly transition into a sprint, covering 10 yards before decelerating and changing direction. 3) Repeat, focusing on rapid acceleration and deceleration. Coaching cues: 'Quick feet, explosive power, and land softly.' This drill translates to game performance by allowing RBs to rapidly change direction, break tackles, and accelerate past defenders, making them more elusive and effective on the field.