Derrick Henry: The King of the Stiff Arm

Introduction

Derrick Henry is widely regarded as one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL today. His combination of size, speed, and power has made him a force to be reckoned with, and his signature move, the stiff arm, has become a thing of legend.

What is a Stiff Arm?

A stiff arm is a technique used by running backs to ward off defenders and gain extra yards. It involves extending the arm straight out and pushing against the defender's chest or shoulder. The goal is to create separation and prevent the defender from tackling.

How Derrick Henry Uses the Stiff Arm

Henry's stiff arm is particularly effective due to his unique combination of attributes. His massive frame (6'3", 247 lbs) provides him with the leverage to power through defenders, while his lightning-fast acceleration allows him to create separation before they can react.

The Importance of the Stiff Arm

The stiff arm is a crucial tool for running backs, and Henry is a master at using it. It helps him break tackles, gain extra yards, and extend drives. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Henry has forced a missed tackle on 25% of his carries with a stiff arm, the highest rate in the NFL.

Why the Stiff Arm Matters

The stiff arm provides numerous benefits for running backs:

• Increased yardage: By breaking tackles and gaining extra yards, the stiff arm can significantly boost a running back's productivity.
• Extended drives: By keeping drives alive, the stiff arm can give an offense more opportunities to score.
• Enhanced morale: A well-executed stiff arm can demoralize defenders and boost the confidence of the offense.

How to Perform a Stiff Arm

1. Extend your arm: Reach out your dominant arm and extend it straight out in front of you.
2. Plant your feet: Keep your feet wide apart and planted firmly on the ground.
3. Create leverage: Bend at the waist and use your body weight to drive your arm into the defender.
4. Push hard: Once you connect with the defender, push hard and keep your arm extended.
5. Step through: As you push, step through with your opposite leg to gain separation and create space.

Tips and Tricks

• Use your momentum: The momentum of your run can help you power through defenders.
• Target the right spot: Aim for the defender's chest or shoulder, where they are most vulnerable.
• Extend your reach: Keeping your arm fully extended will provide you with maximum leverage.
• Practice regularly: The stiff arm is a skill that can be improved with practice.

Pros and Cons of the Stiff Arm

Pros:

• Can break tackles and gain extra yards
• Extends drives and boosts offense
• Demoralizes defenders and builds team morale
• Relatively low risk of injury

Cons:

• Requires strength and leverage
• Can be difficult to execute against certain defenders
• Can lead to penalties if used illegally

Table 1: Derrick Henry's Stiff Arm Statistics

Table 2: Running Backs with the Highest Stiff Arm Rates (2020)

Table 3: Historical Stiff Arm Stats

Conclusion

Derrick Henry is the undisputed king of the stiff arm, using it to dominate defenders and lead his team to victory. The stiff arm is a powerful weapon in the arsenal of any running back, and Henry's mastery of the technique has set him apart as one of the greatest in the NFL. Whether you're an aspiring runner or simply an admirer of the game, the stiff arm is a skill that is both captivating and effective, and it is one that will continue to define Derrick Henry's legacy as a legendary running back.