2025 Convention Recap | Juwan Lewis, Alabama State | Ball Security
April 7, 2025
Ball security is the most critical skill for a running back at any level: high school, college, or pro. One fumble can change a game. That’s why Coach Juwan Lewis, Running Backs Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Alabama State University, has made it the foundation of how he develops players in his room.
In this breakdown, Coach Lewis shares the exact techniques he teaches inside the Hornets’ RB room, including his “5 Points of Pressure” system and key coaching points that help his players protect the football.
The “335 Stable” Philosophy
Coach Lewis instills a mindset in his players known as the “335 Stable.” It’s more than just a name, it’s a culture built on grit, focus, and accountability:
- “Run Hard When It’s Hard to Run.”
- Every player in the room has value, regardless of depth chart.
- Play with pride; play with purpose.
This culture sets the tone for how ball security is approached, not as a technique but as a non-negotiable standard.
Core Ball Security Teaching: The 5 Points of Pressure
Coach Lewis breaks the technique down into five key contact points to secure the football:
- Fingers (Index & Middle): Claw the front third or “nose” of the ball.
- Palm: Firmly squeeze the nose of the ball.
- Forearm: Covers the outside, or “belly” of the ball.
- Ribs: Apply pressure to the inside edge of the ball.
- Elbow/Bicep: Clamps down on the bottom nose of the football.
“We keep the ball high and tight. It should never swing or bounce; it’s a part of your body.”
Additional Ball Security Cues
- After handoff or catch: “Tuck immediately”
- In traffic: Off-hand grabs the wrist, forming an upside-down “L” clamp
- Body posture: Upright stance, chest proud, head up
- Mental note: “Successful plays are determined pre-snap.”
Coach Lewis teaches that protecting the ball isn’t just physical; it’s mental preparation and discipline from snap to whistle.
Why This Matters
Whether you’re coaching youth players or college athletes, mastering ball security means:
- Fewer turnovers
- More trust from your coaching staff
- More touches and game reps
- A longer football career
Fumbles don’t just kill drives; they kill confidence. That’s why the technique and mentality taught by Coach Lewis are worth adopting in any program.
Watch the Full Video Breakdown
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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Ball security is the most critical skill for a running back at any level: high school, college, or pro. One fumble can change a game. That’s why Coach Juwan Lewis, Running Backs Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Alabama State University, has made it the foundation of how he develops players in his room.
In this breakdown, Coach Lewis shares the exact techniques he teaches inside the Hornets’ RB room, including his “5 Points of Pressure” system and key coaching points that help his players protect the football.
The “335 Stable” Philosophy
Coach Lewis instills a mindset in his players known as the “335 Stable.” It’s more than just a name, it’s a culture built on grit, focus, and accountability:
- “Run Hard When It’s Hard to Run.”
- Every player in the room has value, regardless of depth chart.
- Play with pride; play with purpose.
This culture sets the tone for how ball security is approached, not as a technique but as a non-negotiable standard.
Core Ball Security Teaching: The 5 Points of Pressure
Coach Lewis breaks the technique down into five key contact points to secure the football:
- Fingers (Index & Middle): Claw the front third or “nose” of the ball.
- Palm: Firmly squeeze the nose of the ball.
- Forearm: Covers the outside, or “belly” of the ball.
- Ribs: Apply pressure to the inside edge of the ball.
- Elbow/Bicep: Clamps down on the bottom nose of the football.
“We keep the ball high and tight. It should never swing or bounce; it’s a part of your body.”
Additional Ball Security Cues
- After handoff or catch: “Tuck immediately”
- In traffic: Off-hand grabs the wrist, forming an upside-down “L” clamp
- Body posture: Upright stance, chest proud, head up
- Mental note: “Successful plays are determined pre-snap.”
Coach Lewis teaches that protecting the ball isn’t just physical; it’s mental preparation and discipline from snap to whistle.
Why This Matters
Whether you’re coaching youth players or college athletes, mastering ball security means:
- Fewer turnovers
- More trust from your coaching staff
- More touches and game reps
- A longer football career
Fumbles don’t just kill drives; they kill confidence. That’s why the technique and mentality taught by Coach Lewis are worth adopting in any program.
Watch the Full Video Breakdown
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
