Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Scouting Glossary illustrates how Texas running back Bijan Robinson of the 2023 NFL Draft class uses curvilinear movement to efficiently defeat two angles of pursuit at the same time. 

What Is Curvilinear Movement?

Imagine a motorcyclist or speedskater taking a curve at a high speed. Their bodies (and in the biker's case, the machine) bend into the curve.

This movement helps the individual change direction without losing as much speed as they would with a turn requiring a sharp angle.

There are two facets of curvilinear behavior we observe:

How dramatic the bend in the curve is (movement).

How fast the individual's movement is when working that bend (speed).

When a football player can execute curvilinear movement with speed, these skills add a dangerous weapon to his athletic arsenal as a ballcarrier, pass rusher, route runner, or pursuing defender.

Why Is Curvilinear Movement Valuable?

Changes of direction along a curve are subtler to track than changing direction at a hard angle. As mentioned earlier, curvilinear movement is often more efficient for the individual executing it to maintain his speed.

Hard-angle changes of direction require the individual to slow down, gather his base of gravity in a more dramatic fashion, and then turn. As a ballcarrier, this act of slowing down to gather steps allows pursuit more time to make up ground.

There are changes of direction at hard angles that are more sudden, but the stress on the body makes it more difficult to execute when approaching the turn at a high rate of speed.

What It Looks like with Texas RB Bijan Robinson

https://youtu.be/zB2VYR0sJPg

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If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2022 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.  

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