Is Running Back a Skill? Uncover the Truth Behind the Position

Understanding the Running Back Position: It's More Than Just Speed

Well, this is a question that pops up a lot, right? Is being a running back a skill? At first glance, it might seem like it's just about being fast and strong, but let me tell you, there’s way more to it. Honestly, when I first started watching football, I thought the running back position was just about running in a straight line and dodging a few tackles. But, after years of playing and watching, I’ve come to realize there’s so much more strategy, technique, and raw skill involved.

A running back has to do more than just outrun defenders. The position requires vision, agility, strength, and even intelligence to read defenses and react accordingly. It's a blend of natural athleticism and developed skills.

Key Skills That Define a Running Back

1. Vision and Field Awareness

This is a huge one. You see, when a running back takes the ball, they need to be able to instantly read the defense. It's not just about finding the hole that’s supposed to be there. A great running back can read the blockers in front of them, anticipate where the defenders are, and make split-second decisions that can change the entire play. I remember watching a game where one of my favorite backs, Darren Sproles, used his vision to find tiny gaps and cut through the defense. He was almost like a magician, making something out of nothing.

2. Agility and Quickness

Okay, so this one might seem obvious, but I’ve seen it many times: you can’t just be fast to be a running back. You need to be able to stop, start, and change direction at a moment’s notice. Think about the way Le'Veon Bell used to dance behind the offensive line, waiting for the right moment to burst through. That’s a skill, not just fast feet. It's that ability to stop on a dime, change direction without losing speed, and confuse defenders. Honestly, I don’t think people appreciate how much agility is involved until they see it in action.

3. Balance and Power

When I played in high school, I wasn’t the biggest guy on the field, but I could use my lower body strength to stay upright through tackles. For a running back, staying balanced after a hit is critical. That’s why you see backs like Marshawn Lynch, "Beast Mode," literally plowing through defenders. It’s not just power; it's about staying balanced and using that power effectively to keep moving forward.

4. Blocking and Protection

Now here’s something a lot of people don’t think about. A running back isn’t just there to run the ball; they also need to be able to block for the quarterback. As a kid, I thought blocking was the boring part, but when I learned how critical it was for protecting the QB, I started seeing it differently. A great running back can pick up blitzes and make sure the QB has time to throw the ball. This aspect of the game requires intelligence, quick reactions, and, honestly, a lot of grit.

Mental Toughness: The Unsung Skill of a Running Back

Handling Pressure

Honestly, one thing that people forget about being a running back is the mental pressure involved. You’re the player who has the ball most of the time, and when the game is on the line, all eyes are on you. You can have all the physical talent in the world, but if you can’t handle the pressure, you’ll struggle to succeed. I’ve seen running backs freeze up in big moments, and I’ve seen them step up and win the game. It’s that mental toughness that separates the greats from the good.

Recovery and Adaptability

This might sound odd, but being able to bounce back from a bad play is also a skill. In football, bad plays happen. Fumbles, lost yards, missed opportunities—they’re all part of the game. But a running back needs to have the ability to shake it off, get back on the field, and contribute again. That mental resilience is often underrated. You have to be able to adapt to what’s happening on the field and move forward, no matter how tough things get.

Does Size Matter? The Role of Natural Athleticism

Well, a lot of people argue that being a good running back requires a certain size or athletic build. But, if you ask me, that’s not the whole story. Sure, a guy like Derrick Henry, who’s a monster physically, has an advantage in terms of power. But let’s not forget smaller, quicker backs like Alvin Kamara or Darren Sproles, who rely on agility and speed to make plays. The best running backs find ways to make their size work for them, whether it’s using speed, agility, or power.

What I’ve noticed is that each running back has their own unique set of skills. Some are naturally big and strong, while others are smaller but lightning-fast. It’s not always about one thing—it’s about how you use what you’ve got.

Conclusion: Running Back is Definitely a Skill

At the end of the day, being a running back isn’t just about being fast or having a good physique. It’s about mastering a wide range of skills that blend athleticism, mental toughness, and strategy. From reading defenses and making quick decisions to blocking and handling the pressure of the game, being a running back requires a diverse set of abilities.

So, next time someone asks, "Is running back a skill?" you can confidently say—absolutely! It’s a blend of art and athleticism that demands dedication and hard work.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.