Description

AJ Steward, RB Coach, UCLA

Full video on Glazier Drive: RB Toolbox: Same Foot Same Shoulder

SAME FOOT, SAME SHOULDER DRILL FOR RUNNING BACKS

This coaching session focuses on teaching running backs the critical technique of getting their near foot and near shoulder down simultaneously when making contact with defenders. The drill structure is designed to create genuine muscle memory rather than using static, predictable drills where players know exactly when contact will occur.

KEY TECHNICAL POINTS

The fundamental principle is to "reduce surface accordingly" - meaning players should get lower than the defender based on where the tackle is coming from (hip level, feet level, or high). The foot and shoulder must hit the ground at the same time to properly transfer power through the heels and into the defender, creating a "fight pressure with pressure" situation.

DRILL DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

The drill forces players to approach from different angles, simulating game-like chaos rather than predictable patterns. This accelerates skill development because players must react to defenders showing up at various times, rather than knowing "on my third step, I'll put my shoulder down." The exaggerated drill structure includes jump cuts and foot resets to build authentic in-game reactions.

EYES UP PRINCIPLE

A critical element is keeping eyes up while reducing pad level. When eyes go down, feet stop and the player becomes defenseless. Film study from the defensive perspective helps quality control whether players are maintaining proper vision. Players who keep their eyes up can navigate to secondary defenders after initial contact.

FILM BREAKDOWN OBSERVATIONS

The coach emphasizes avoiding running down the middle of defenders - instead, players should attack shoulder-to-opposite-shoulder. Several clips show the technique working in chaotic, off-schedule situations, demonstrating how the muscle memory translates to games. One example shows a player who executed well but could have been more effective by using his left shoulder against the defender's left shoulder to potentially break the tackle completely, though he still gained two yards after contact by maintaining proper technique.

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