Reduce Fumbles & Ball Security
How To Hold a Football
“Ball security is job security.” A phrase often echoed by running back coaches throughout the country.
Running backs have enough to worry about dodging defenders, focusing on their footwork, and following blocks. The last thing they’re thinking about is appropriately holding the football.
As the innovation of the spread offense and complex play-calling and signaling unfold, single setbacks are expected to run outside and inside the tackles.
Inside the tackle typically results in power or inside zone schemes, which require a specific skill set.
Outside, the tackle runners often have the sideline to help them, and they can see any defenders coming from the football on the inside.
These two positions matter for two reasons:
- Contact from outside defenders such as corners, safeties and outside linebackers
- Contact from inside defenders like defensive lineman and inside linebackers
Let’s learn the difference between the two types of threats.
Ball Security From The Inside
When we say “inside,” we’re referring to inside the tackle box.
Linebackers and defensive linemen are coming from all angles in power schemes and inside zone schemes. Running backs typically cover the ball with two hands and lower their shoulder to pick up tough yardage.
These running backs were used to contact within the first 5 yards of scrimmage, making them more conscious of securing the football.
Above is an example of how players are often absorbing contact through the middle of the field. Protecting the ball with two hands can be beneficial inside the box.
One thing that is lost when a player runs with two hands is speed.
Because the player’s hands cover the ball, they cannot reach full stride length. For what the running gains in ball security, they lose in speed.
Ball Security From the Outside
Open field and outside the tackle box are often where fumbles occur.
The ball gets away from the runner’s body as they turn into a sprint. As shown in one of the images below, LeSean McCoy is the greatest example.
A primarily outside/off-tackle runner, the ball is often carried away from his side and neglects the 5 points of pressure.
The 5 points of pressure are the most common teaching technique for running backs to understand how to hold a football properly.
When a running back fumbles, it’s usually caused by one of these pressure points not being secure – whether it’s being ripped out or if the opponent’s helmet knocks the ball loose.
Before we dig into the points of pressure, it is crucial that the ball consistently is toward the nearest sideline. This helps that if the ball is knocked loose, it will potentially go out of bounds.
5 Points Of Pressure
Now let’s learn what the 5 points of pressure are to implement and identify them.
Fingertip Pressure
The fingertips should be placed at the top of the football. Teaching players to “claw” the ball (When the ball is placed between the middle and index finger – shown above) is a known technique to ensure the finger pressure is distributed evenly.
The fingertip positioning on the football is crucial when the running back takes the handoff. Fumbles are often lost due to poor finger (and palm) positioning.
Defensive players are taught to rip the ball out by grabbing the “nose” ( top) of the football and pulling back. Poor positioning of the fingertips allows the ball to slip out of control and ultimately be freed.
Palm Pressure
The palm should close on the football so weight is evenly distributed between the left and right sides of the hand. The running back must get a feel for the football, as a poor palm grip will result in sloppy transitions from quarterback to running back.
The ball must have a snug fit on the palm, as mentioned with the fingertips. Fingertip and palm strength work hand in hand by securing the football on contact.
The palm should always be upright on contact. When a defender puts their helmet on the football, it will shake loose if the running back’s palm faces the sky.
Forearm & Bicep Pressure
Forearm/Bicep pressure is one of the most important pressure points. If the ball isn’t properly fit in the forearm/bicep area, the ball will get punched out.
Younger players tend to have a bad habit of letting the ball get away from bicep pressure, which leaves the football out in the open. A great example of this is watching LeSean McCoy handle the football.
(Watch on youtube)
LeSean can get away with this because of his great ability to make defenders miss. However, if he were an “in-between the tackles” runner, we’d see a high majority of fumbles.
This is also one of the worst habits we see in younger players. They try to emulate LeSean and think it’s wonderful to have the ball swinging around as he does.
If you’re a youth coach or a father of a younger player, fix this habit immediately so it doesn’t grow old with them.
Chest Pressure
Pressure against the chest prevents the ball from leaking out on contact, like the forearm and bicep pressure.
This type of chest pressure is often the most difficult to teach, strictly because players have a natural running habit of swinging their arms by their side.
Pinning the ball up against the chest ensures that the ball will stay nestled in the player’s grip when a player absorbs contact.
Defensive players are often taught to put their “noses” on the football. This is why fumbles occur as the ball gets away from the chest on contact.