• Begin backpedal at bottom of hill
• Cover 30 yards at game speed
• Walk back; repeat
• Perform 5 reps

Payoff: Moving your body weight up the incline provides resistance, which builds strength and improves technique.

Coaching Points

• Use short quick steps. Don’t pick your feet up too high. Keeping your feet close to the ground will help you change direction quickly.
• It’s not a backward run. Keep your chest over your thighs and your arms bent 90 degrees, while you move them in quick, short motions.
• You want a lot of knee bend. Most of the kick comes from the knee down.
• Don’t stand tall when backpedaling. When you’re tired, a lot of discipline is required to stay low and take short strides.
• Perform at game speed with proper technique. This conditions and strengthens your body to stay in the correct form when you’re playing tired in the fourth quarter on game day.