As a running back takes the handoff and scans the field, only to see his hole quickly closing in front of him, there is a decision to be made. Should the ball-carrier stick to the original script by putting their head down and trying to grind out a couple of yards? Alternatively, is there enough time to stick their foot in the ground, change direction and cut back to find an open hole?

It is often easy to see how quickly these decisions are made while watching elite running backs play. Making the correct decision within a split-second window may be the difference between sending out the punt team or picking up a big first down inside enemy territory.

Coach Quintin Hunter, who spent this summer as a coach at the Towson National Development Games, is the running backs coach at Emory and Henry College.

Hunter is constantly preaching to his players the importance of running decisively. He breaks down his philosophy on decisive running into four categories.

Explosiveness

Fast decision making often leads to more explosive running. Players who change direction quickly, and do so in a confident and efficient manner, can force defenders to play catch up.

Decisive decision making is often what sets apart good running backs from the elite ones. Natural instincts like decisiveness often cannot be taught, but can improve with live reps. Most importantly, decisive decision making is a necessary skill for any starting running back.

“Decisiveness can improve the player's explosiveness to get in and out of his cut faster,” said Hunter. “It also shows that the back has the ability to see or feel where the running lane will be during the run.”

Sets you apart from your competition

There are a lot of athletes who can running quickly. However, having the vision to determine where the open field is and making the quick decision to head toward this area of the field are extremely important.

“The ultimate skill that can separate a great back from a good one is a skill that a coach can't coach: vision,” said Hunter. “The ability to see a running lane can separate you (from other running backs). Also, the ability to change direction is also a skill that can separate you from (other running backs).”

Keeping the defense off-balance

As a running back, getting a leg up on the defense starts before the ball is even snapped. Reading the defense and its formation can be a tell-tale sign of where a running back will have space to run. Further, it will help a running back determine if they have to consider the possibility of cutting back into the open field.

“(Running backs) should look at the pre-snap leverage of the defenders. Ask yourself, ‘How am I going to gain my leverage back post-snap?’” said Hunter. “On each play after the snap, you should be reading how the linebackers or safeties are trying to fit for the run.”

Once the ball is snapped, it’s important to keep all options available. Decisively determine which option is the best and choose quickly.

“With a decisive running back, you will never know where the ball will end up,” said Hunter. “It may be an inside zone run to the right but who's to say the runner can't cutback to the left off the center’s block?”

Having the ability to keep the defense off-balance will make a defender think twice before trying to make the tackle.

Puts an emphasis on film

Watching film will assist running backs with their in-game decisiveness. This should encourage athletes across the country to spend more time in the film room. Getting into a habit of studying film is a great way to take a step toward the next level.

“Watching film is the overall key of knowing how the opponents will play week-in and week-out,” said Hunter. “The runner should have an idea of what the opponents' strengths and weaknesses are. With that being said, the runner’s decision-making will speed up on the field and will help him beat his opponent to the running lane.”

Decision making is key in the game of football. The quicker a running back can make a decision, the more often they will find themselves sprinting to the end zone with the defense trailing in their dust.