Skills & Drills | Julian Griffin, Cal | Ball Security
February 18, 2025
Julian Griffin is starting his first season at the University of California at Berkley. Before joining Cal, Griffin coached at UTSA, Arkansas, SMU, Central Methodist, ULM, and Texas A&M-Kingsville. He also played Wide Receiver at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and was a member of the AFCA 35 Under 35.
Recently, Coach Griffin shared some of his top ball security drills for running backs at the 2025 AFCA Convention. Here’s a breakdown of how he approaches ball security:
Ball Security
In this drill, Coach Griffin highlights the importance of simplicity when it comes to ball security. He walks through specific drills, demonstrating both effective and ineffective techniques for holding the football. His key point?
“Ball security is job security.”
Key Points
- High and Tight: Always keep the ball high and close to your body—it’s your best defense against losing it.
- No Raking or Punching: Hold the ball in a way that makes it tough for defenders to knock it out.
Drills
- Stumble Bum
This drill pairs a ball carrier with a defender. The ball carrier pumps their arms three times while the defender tries to punch the ball loose. The goal? Teach players to hold onto the ball under pressure and stay balanced while on the move.
- Seven Cones
This one’s all about dodging defenders and keeping control of the ball. Players weave through seven cones, working on different moves like:
- Jump cut
- Speed cut
- Pressure cut
- Spin move
- In Trouble Double: Switching the ball to your other hand when needed
- Strike: Quick reaction moves
- Finish: Powering through to complete the play
To mix things up, the drill adds variations like changing angles and directions or even switching the ball during the run. It’s all about staying in control no matter what’s happening around you.
Why These Drills Work
These drills aren’t just about holding the ball—they’re about building habits that stick. They help players:
- Protect the ball like it’s their job (because it is).
- Move better and make smarter decisions on the field.
- Stay calm and in control, even in high-pressure situations.
Coach Griffin’s approach is about giving his players the tools to protect the ball and shine during the game.
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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Julian Griffin is starting his first season at the University of California at Berkley. Before joining Cal, Griffin coached at UTSA, Arkansas, SMU, Central Methodist, ULM, and Texas A&M-Kingsville. He also played Wide Receiver at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and was a member of the AFCA 35 Under 35.
Recently, Coach Griffin shared some of his top ball security drills for running backs at the 2025 AFCA Convention. Here’s a breakdown of how he approaches ball security:
Ball Security
In this drill, Coach Griffin highlights the importance of simplicity when it comes to ball security. He walks through specific drills, demonstrating both effective and ineffective techniques for holding the football. His key point?
“Ball security is job security.”
Key Points
- High and Tight: Always keep the ball high and close to your body—it’s your best defense against losing it.
- No Raking or Punching: Hold the ball in a way that makes it tough for defenders to knock it out.
Drills
- Stumble Bum
This drill pairs a ball carrier with a defender. The ball carrier pumps their arms three times while the defender tries to punch the ball loose. The goal? Teach players to hold onto the ball under pressure and stay balanced while on the move.
- Seven Cones
This one’s all about dodging defenders and keeping control of the ball. Players weave through seven cones, working on different moves like:
- Jump cut
- Speed cut
- Pressure cut
- Spin move
- In Trouble Double: Switching the ball to your other hand when needed
- Strike: Quick reaction moves
- Finish: Powering through to complete the play
To mix things up, the drill adds variations like changing angles and directions or even switching the ball during the run. It’s all about staying in control no matter what’s happening around you.
Why These Drills Work
These drills aren’t just about holding the ball—they’re about building habits that stick. They help players:
- Protect the ball like it’s their job (because it is).
- Move better and make smarter decisions on the field.
- Stay calm and in control, even in high-pressure situations.
Coach Griffin’s approach is about giving his players the tools to protect the ball and shine during the game.
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.
