chris felton email: [email protected]

Linebacker fundamentals

and techniques

Chris Felton

Email: [email protected]

Table of Contents

Attitude

Coaching progression

Stance

Alignment

Knowledge and responsibility

Read and Keys

Technique

TC

Shuffle-Cross over Vs. Blocks Tackling

Zone Defense Man to Man

Linebacker Attitude!!!

Intense Maximum Effort

No Quit Unrelenting

Aggressive

Intimidating

You know it when you see it . . .

Intelligence

Leader

TC

Linebacker fundamentals and techniques and coaching progression

1. Stance

2. Alignment

3. Knowledge of Responsibility

Different stances for different positions

The anatomy of a good linebacker stance

Inside Linebackers

Outside Linebackers

Know the defense- responsibility, who can hurt you, where your help is.

Vs run and Vs pass.TC

Linebacker fundamentals and techniques and coaching progression

4. Correct Read and Keys- simple!!!!!

5.Technique/Effort/Pursuit

Inside Linebackers

Outside Linebackers

Back, Lineman, or both?

Shuffle- crossover

Defeating blocks

tackling

Zone defense

Man to Man

Blitzing and Pass rush moves

6.Execution TC

Stance

Everything in football starts with the proper stance.

Effectiveness and comfort are equally important- neither should be sacrificed.

A proper stance should enable a linebacker to move laterally, forward and backward.

A proper stance should enable a linebacker to move without having to rise up or lower themselves. LB’S shouldn’t bend knees too much or have straight legs with bend at waist

Rule of Thumb- athletic, hitting position, feet under the player. The closer to the line- the lower the stance. TC

The Anatomy of a LB Stance

1. Feet- shoulder width apart or slightly tighter, toes pointed forward, feet flat, weight on balls of feet and heel on the ground.

2. Knees- over feet and pointed straight- remember knee bend not waist bend. Flexed and primed for action. Knees can be slightly bent in.

3. Waist and lower back- waist- slight bend, lock in lower back

4. Back- keep back straight not hunched

5. Chest/Shoulders- Spread the Chest- Show your numbers- prevents hunched backs, shoulders over thighs

6. Head- chin up and not buried in chest, eyes on horizon. Be tall

7. Hands/arms- relaxed, hanging down, in front. Slight rest of forearms on thighs is acceptable- avoids hands on knees this leads to hunched backs TC

LB Stance Examples

Eyes

Numbers

TC

LB stance examples

TC

Different stances for different positionsDepending on the position and/or responsibility there can be slight variations of the stance.

At no point should the movement or athletic ability be sacrificed.

Other stances/variations

Blitzing

Outside Linebacker- walked, cocked, foot, bear

Man to man vs. removed receiver

TC

The “up” stance

The “up” stance

TC

The “Up” stance is a stance used by many linebackers who are showing blitz either off the corner or inside.

Feet staggered weight on front foot, toes pointed toward target

Key ball if blitzing, normal keys if bluffing

Higher level for better vision

If blitzing roll off front foot and bring your back foot forward

Front foot even with feet of DL.

If bluffing push backward off of front foot, “punch out”

The “up” stance

TC

Weight on Front foot

Key backfield action or ball

Higher level for better vision

Arms ready to sprint

Feet shoulder with apart and staggered

Blitzing without showing it

TC

Blitz slightly modified Linebacker stance.

All principles stay consistent.

Stance used when your gap is already pre-determined regardless of play, i.e. blitz, or run blitz.

Key ball, slight stagger in feet (heel- toe relationship).

Foot to gap responsibility is up- this is your floater foot. Very little weight on foot.

Foot away from gap responsibility is back- this is your pressure foot. Most of the weight is on this foot.

On ball movement- push off with back foot, step with front foot.

Outside Linebackers

TC

Walked

When you split the difference between Tackle and Split out Receivers. Linebacker stance with slight stagger of feet. Inside foot up, outside foot back (heel to toe relationship). LB’s can open to their zone and also same foot/same shoulder vs kick out.

Cocked

Outside Linebacker with number 1 receiver inside of you. Linebacker stance but cocked in at a 45 degree angle

Outside Linebackers

TC

FootPlaying on the line- 3-4 or 5-2, inside foot on TE’s outside foot, on the heels of DL. D gap player. Hands ready, remember the closer to the Line, the lower the stance.

Bear

Playing on the line- vs. TE . Outside foot on TE’s inside foot. Linebacker owns TE. Very low stance hands ready

Linebacker Stance

TC

Man to man vs. removed receiver

Normal Linebacker stance with modifications: feet closer together, just inside shoulders. Shoulders over knees. Linebacker must keep feet under them. Less need for power base and more need for lateral movement. Feet should be stagger heel/toe- depends on where your help is.

Proper Alignment

TC

Linebacker Alignment varies for each defense. We can meet after the meeting to go over specifics of each defense.

Linebacker must know their proper alignments for each defense and the should understand the concepts of each defense and why they are aligned in that position.

When you coordinate each defense make sure that they are gap sound- that starts with proper alignment.

When practical be as specific as possible, proper alignment is to important to estimate.

Fix improper alignments immediately.

Lateral align- gaps, vertical alignment- levels

Basic Alignment

TC

E N T EM $W

4-3

E N E $M

HW

3-4

E N E$MH

W

4-4

T

Responsibility

TC

Make it clear for you linebackers what their job is for each defense.

Teach your linebackers the defense and how they fit into it.

Don’t put them into a conflict, meaning don’t give them multiple and conflicting responsibilities. Nobody can be in two places at one time. Example: Don’t have your contain guys play man to man.

When possible limit adjustments, avoid “paralysis by analysis.”

Good Linebackers talk to themselves before each play.

Have your linebackers get into the habit of asking themselves three questions before each play.

Three Questions before each play

TC

1. What is my responsibility? Vs Run, Vs Pass

2. Who is my biggest threat? Vs Run- who can block me? Vs Pass- who can threaten my zone or where is my man?

3. Where is my help?

Inside Linebacker Reads and Keys

TC

Debate amongst coaches- Backs, Line, Triangle, Combination?

Reading Near Back

Pros

Cons

M W

Simple, often correct, clear and unsophisticated, aggressive and attacking 2 gap players. Near back to- front side gap, near back away- backside gap, pass- coverage

Backs can lie!!!! i.e. Play action and counter. Reading backs is a terrible idea against wing T or single wing teams.


TC

Reading Lineman (near guard)

Pros

Cons

M W

Never lie, truest key, there is rarely an influence pull, there is almost always a “tipster”

Takes more discipline, more complex with 5 to 8 different schemes. Takes more teaching.


TC

Guard Paths

M W M W M W

M W M W M W

M W M W M W

ReachGO Pull outside

trap Pull away Bootleg

Double team Down Scoop


TC

Triangle key

Pros

Cons

M W

Necessary for middle linebacker, messes fast read of back with true read of lineman, when mastered the truest of true reads.

Takes exceptional coaching and tremendous amount of practice time, can lead to confusion and guessing,

$

Eventually the Linebacker will have decide a primary read. I recommend key near back through lineman and believe lineman. “Trust your key, but believe what you see.”

Linebacker must incorporate a shuffle as he is reading


TC

Triangle key

M W

Linebacker must incorporate a shuffle as he is reading

Widen vision don’t get locked on to one thing- see the entire picture

$

Triangular key Linebackers on the LOS- key EMLOS (TE/T), backs, and line for pullers. Focus on TE- if he tries to reach you- beat him across his face. If he down blocks the Tackle- hands on then key inside for back or pulling lineman.


TC

Combo keys- fast and slow

MW

Combo Reads

1 Linebacker uses the fast read (key near back) while the second inside linebacker uses the triangle read.

Good idea when you have an emergency and you are forced to put an inexperience linebacker in the game or you have a physically gifted linebacker who has a tough time reading his keys.

Linebacker Reads and Keys- my preference

TC

Inside linebackers in defense that employ 2 inside linebackers- 1. Near Guard 2. Triangle 3. Combo reads 4. near back

Defense with a “Mike” one middle backer-

1. Triangle 2. Backs 3. Center 4. Guard

Outside backer

1. EMLOS (TE/T) to near back

2. Vs. Wing T- far back through near guard

Levels of play

NFL- Backs, College- Triangle, High School- Guards or combo Youth Leagues- Backs or guard

Defensive philosophy

Zone- read guards, Man- backs

Outside Linebacker Reads and Keys

TC

EMLOS (TE/T) to near back

OLB should get a Pass or Run read by reading the near tackle.

Pass read- high hat, shoulders back, arms forward- “Pass”

Run read- fire out, shoulders forward, arms back- “Run”

S H

Outside Linebacker Reads and Keys

TC

Vs Wing T teams or teams with high percentage of misdirection

Cross key- far back through near guard- key for counter

S H

When in a foot position (outside shoulder of TE) control the LOS.Read the TE’s screws or near shoulder.

Screws outside- don’t get reached

Screws inside- hands on never allow a jump through and replace look inside for back or pulling lineman- constrict the hole off tackle hole

Arc Release- hands on keep on LOS

Linebacker Techniques

TC

Shuffle - Cross Over Run

TC

The linebackers first movement should be a shuffle. This is meant to prevent over running a play or false steps.Linebackers must avoid clicking their heels, crossing over,rising and dipping their levels.

1. square 2. side feet 3. stay low 4. Maintain vision

Once the direction of the play is determined the linebacker should switch to a cross over run. Keeping their shoulders square to the line and using proper arm action and runningform. Inside out- “Please cut-back” 3 yard cushion then press.

M W M W

Shuffle - Cross Over Run (Drills)

TC

Miami Mirror Drill

1. Ball Carrier and Linebacker line up 5 yards apart.

2. LB starts drill slightly behind BC- align 2-3 yards behind.

3. When BC slows down- LB shuffles ( )When BC speeds up LB cross over runs ( )

4. Linebacker must keep 2 yard relationship with BC

5. When BC and LB reach second set of cones- form tackle drill with possibility for cutback, “please cutback”

BC

LB


TC

Downhill Miami Mirror Drill

BC

LB


TC

Shuffle Direction

BC

LBLB

1. Linebackers must keep BC on inside shoulder

2. BC- jogs back and fourth all the way across formation or ½ way

3. On whistle- BC picks a hole or outside and the Linebackers fill or pursue

4. Progression of drill- shuffle, shuffle cross over- same drill, BC immediately shows a fast of full flow – linebackers must shuffle and pursue

Defeating Blocks

TC

Defeating Lineman Blocks

TC

Vs. Lineman- Eyes, hands/feet, control/separate, eyes

Pre read- who can block me? When the play is run- eyes to our blocking threat.

Vs Base Blocks

Eyes to lineman- focus on who you are fighting.

Stay low- “low man wins”

Hands to breast plate with thumbs up- same foot- sameShoulder. Roll hips by looking at the sky

Control and separate blocker by locking out arms and gettinghead and shoulders away from blocker.

Shoot your eyes to the ball carrier and rip off of blocker

Defeating Lineman Blocks

TC

Vs. Lineman- Eyes, hands/feet, control/separate, eyes

Pre read- who can block me? When the play is run- eyes to our blocking threat.

Vs Reach block

Eyes to lineman- focus on who you are fighting.

Stay low- “low man wins”

Rip past Lineman- scrapping skin, you may turn your shoulders.

Some situations may call for a drop step then a rip.

Work over blocker, don’t run under blocks, if a linebacker runs under the block he must make the play – no excuses.

Defeating Back Blocks

TC

Vs. Back high blocks- i.e. Isolation of kick out blocks

“Low man wins”

Attack and met blocker behind the LOS

Same foot same shoulder- deliver a rising shot, split blocker with front foot

Keep gap arm free, explode into blocker and separate

Vs. Back low blocks- cut block

Eyes on blocker, if his helmet screws go low the LB should have significant knee and ankle bend.

Hands on helmet and shoulder pad while thrusting feet back separate and keep the shoulders square.

Defeating Receiver Blocks

TC

Vs. stalk blocks

Play stalk block after threat of pass is over

Vs. Crack blocks

DB must call it out, eyes to blocker staying square work over the top of blockers up field shoulder.

Attack receiver but be under control, same foot- hands, hands inside.

If you take a side make sure it is to your responsibility.

Lock out and separate- drive block back, once you have control shot eyes to ball carrier.

Don’t take a side- get off of block when receiver is even with you

Defeating Blocks (Drills)

TC

Shed Drill

BC

LB

BLBLBLBL

1. Linebacker starts 2 yards outside and 3 yards deep2. Blockers are placed 5 yards apart.3. Linebacker shuffles than attacks the attacking bag holder4. For last bag- LB executes the rip tech.5. After last blocker linebacker ends with a form tackle on the BC or

stand up dummy

Coaching points- bag holder can be replaced with 7 man sledCoach can change up types of blocks- base, cut, or reach.Coach the bag holder on proper tempo.


TC

Piano DrillBC

LB

BL 2

BL 1

1. Linebacker starts 2 yards outside and 3 yards deep Blocker 12. On snap blocker one either executes a base block or a reach

block- LB must execute proper technique3. Blocker 2 on snap- pulls and attempts to cut LB4. BC pauses until LB defeats BL 1 the runs a sweep, after last

blocker linebacker ends with a form tackle on the BC.

Stay Square, eyes, pad level


TC

3 man hit- basic version

LB

BL BL


BL

C

1. 3 blockers with shields line up 3 yards apart- middle blocker base blocks, outside blockers attack LB’s near shoulder.

2. Coach points to blocker- vs base- hit and shed, vs angles- rip

3. After LB defeats block return back to original position.


TC

3 man hit- advanced version

BC

LB

BL BL


BL

C

1. 3 blockers with shields line up 5 yards apart- middle blocker base blocks, outside blockers attack LB’s near shoulder either high or cut

2. After LB defeats first block he must control and separate and find the ball carrier, he then gets off the block and next defeats the reach block with a rip tech. Ball carrier should run to cone after LB defeats 1st block

3. Finish drill with a form tackle


TC

Machine gun drill- inside and outside variations

Inside

BC

BL

BC

LB

BL

BL

BL

BL

BL

LB

Outside- different variations, can show different block schemes

Blockers maintain relationship- high or cut blocks

Inside backer- maintain inside out relationship

Outside backer- give ground grudgingly, let no blocker or ball carrier get outside of you, get no deeper than 1 yard behind LOS.

Tackling

TC

The 5 essential elements in all tackles

1. Eyes- eyes up = head up. Concentrate on base of numbers. After contact eyes to the sky.

2. Contact point- shoulder or breast plate

3. Shoulders parallel- shoulders parallel to aiming point of ball carrier.

4. Arm wrap- On contact – double upper cut then isometric squeeze or grab cloth. Great tacklers are vicious with the hands.

Players must be in the proper hitting position- low athletic stance

5. Legs and hips- roll hip son contact (eyes to the sky), keep legs moving- power steps and run over your opponents feet.

TC

Tackling

TC

The 5 essential elements in all tackles

1. Eyes- eyes up = head up. Concentrate on base of numbers. After contact eyes to the sky.

2. Contact point- shoulder or breast plate

3. Shoulders parallel- shoulders parallel to aiming point of ball carrier.

4. Arm wrap- On contact – double upper cut then isometric squeeze or grab cloth. Great tacklers are vicious with the hands.

Players must be in the proper hitting position- low athletic stance

5. Legs and hips- roll hip son contact (eyes to the sky), keep legs moving- power steps and run over your opponents feet.

Sell out Tackle

• Sellout tackle- most commonly used tackle. Use this technique when you have immediate help. Hit the ball carrier as hard as you can. Create a violent collision.

Objective- make the tackle- create a violent collision- take a chance

• Run through the ball carrier after finding a target point

•Keep head up

•On contact explode your hips into the ball carrier

•Never stop your feet

•Don’t hesitate

TC

Angle (sideline) Tackle

TC


Swarming to the football and Angle tackling coincide. Angle tackles occur anywhere between 45 degrees and 90 degrees in relation of the tackler and the ball carrier.

Objective- make an inside-out tackle on a path that won’t allow the ball carrier to cut back across your face.

• Bring your speed under control

•Your approach to the ball carrier- aiming point near = shoulder through the near number- get your head across his body.

•On contact with inside shoulder- head across, reach your outside arm around to his outside shoulder. Your inside arm should come across his back.

Note: If the ball carrier is carrying the football in the inside hand- disregard getting your head across his body. Instead put your helmet directly on the football.

• Wrap your arms and drive through him- work your body in front if possible.TC


TC

Sure Tackle (open field)

TC

Sure Tackle (open field)• Sure tackle (open field) – Technique used in the open field when your must bring the ball carrier down by yourself. Balance, body control, and field awareness are essential.

Objective- Bring the ball carrier down- don’t let him get away.

General Patton once said, “those who dig their trenches dig their graves.” We won’t dig in, we will close the gap.

• Close the distance between you and the ball carrier. This does two things; first it prevents the ball carrier from developing a plan in his mind and second it reduces the yardage gained by the offense. •Bring your body under control within arm’s reach or 1 yard.

•Don’t stop your feet- force the ball carrier back your help (know the defense) by taking a step in the direction opposite from where you want him to go.

•Close the gap and make contact only after the ball carrier declares himself.

•Wrap up, don’t leave feetTC

Goal line Tackle

TC

Goal line Tackle •Goal line Tackle- This tackle is mostly used in goal line and short yardage situations but it can also be used in normal situations. This tackle is a high tackle that is used to knock the ball carrier backwards and to prevent the ball carrier from falling forwards.

•Stay in a good position-“Get low, Stay low” SY/GL plays are quick hitter you won’t have time to reset yourself

•Be square- don’t turn shoulders or allow a ball carrier to slide off

•Explode up and thru- be the hammer not the nail

•Move laterally without compromising you position

•Double upper cut- eyes to the sky- roll hips- drive feet

TC

Forcing FumblesThis Technique should be practiced daily

TC

Forcing FumblesThis Technique should be practiced daily

When practice tacklers should always attempt to get a hand or a hat on the ball.

2nd man in should always be thinking “where is the ball.”

Punch (upper cut) the ball out when the underneath is exposed, secure the tackle with the other arm.

When ripping at the ball think, “I’m pulling the chain saw cord.” It always takes at least three hard pulls and you must get your hips into the pull.

TC

Tackling Drills

TC

Tackling DrillsTackling Drills are meant to help teach your players technique and develop toughness and courage they are not meant to beat your players up.

Perhaps more than any other skill tackling must be correctly taught.

Safety is the number 1 priority.

Safety tips for all drills:

1. Make sure area is clear of all possible hazards including players, balls, helmets, ect.

2. Pair up players of like size and strength and similar experience.

3. When possible shorten up the drill, there is no need to start the ball carrier and tackler 10 yards apart.

4. If a player is too tired or says he is hurt don’t make him do the drill.

5. Be aware of the warning signs of a concussion. Head ache, memory loss, poor coordination, TC

Tackling Drills

BC

C

Tip: you can and should make all drills tackling drills. You can do this by ending each drill with a form tackle on a ball carrier, stand up dummy, or air.

6 point and 2 point explosion

BC BC BC BC

LB LB LB

Low contact drill. Have LB’s line up arms length from ball carriers and on their hands and knees (6 points)

On the coach’s command the LB’s with explode in the ball carrier, focusing on proper upper body mechanics- double upper cut, eyes to the sky, hip roll.

LB LB

2 point explosion is the same drill but this time the LB is on his feet and focusing on both upper body and lower body mechanics- hip, knee, ankle flex, run over the BC’s feet.

TC

Tackling Drills

BC

C

Eye Opener

LB

Medium contact drill- LB shuffles while the BC jogs, BC runs in each hole, when the BC cuts forward, LB presses to the line and executes a form tackle with his head outside.

The LB must drive the ball carrier back, LB will release on the whistle and both the LB and BC will continue to the next hole.

The entire drill should be done at about 70%, the LB should not dump the Ball carrier. TC

Tackling Drills

BC

C

Chute tackle drill

LB

Intense contact- Similar to eye opener but this time the BC picks one hole and tries to score.

The Linebacker will shuffle as the Ball Carrier stays lateral, once the ball carrier turns it up, the linebacker will press

End with a form tackle.

Note: the bags can be placed on an angle. TC

Tackling Drills

BC

C

Confined tackle drill- angle, cutback, and ball carrier spin

LB

Intense contact- first 3 intense hitting- keep ball carrier up, final tackle- go live.

5 yards

Shuffle

Press

5 yards

BC

LB

Shuffle

Press

TC

Tackling Drills

BC

LB

5 yards

Angle Tackle

BC

LB

LB Mirror BC’s step

Open Field TackleBC

8 yards

LB

C

LB closes gap when coach tosses ball to BC, BC makes many moves and spins.Goal line Tackle

LBLB

High tackle with other LB’s stripping

TC

Tackling Drills

BC

LB

Oklahoma Angle tackle lineBC

LB

C

FB

BL BL

DL DL

S

5 yards

1 on 1 Oklahoma

LB

BC

Both LB and BC lie on backs- head to head, 1 yard apart. On whistle they both get up. BC tries to score.

LB

Line up 4-5 LB’s 5 yards apart- BC goes at 60%- rapid fire. TC

Tackling Drills

One man sled- 2 each shoulder after practice.

Prefect tackling technique.

TC

Zone DefenseBasic Principles for playing Good Zone Defense

1. Pre-read and ask yourself these three questions

a. What is my zone area?b. Who is my first threat to my zone?c. Where is my help?

2. Once run threat clears – drop to zone- either cross over run or weave/backpedal. Head on a swivel keying QB and receiver threats in zone. Get to your landmark while reading patterns

3. Stay out of the no cover zone (7 yards from LOS)

4. Stay inside and underneath receivers at all times- pad the vertical game.

5. Work to get a good collision without disrupting your drop, make him run around you.

6. Read the QB’s eyes, shoulder, and arm action for keys to where he will throw the football. TC

Zone DefenseBasic Principles for playing Good Zone Defense (cont.)

7. Close the window for the QB- make him throw the tough outside throw.

8. Don’t cover grass- always keep your feet moving

9. Communicate!!!! And be aggressive.

10. Always play the deepest man in your zone and play up on the shallow patterns.

TC

Man to Man TechniqueBasic Principles for playing Good Man to Man Defense

1. Good defense is about knowing where your help is.

2. Assume an inside alignment on your man.

3. Key can be normal or your man it depends on the defense.

4. Once run clears key your man. Mirror your man’s steps. You must take away the inside. Maintain inside leverage by jamming receiver with your outside hand and outside foot.

5. Once the receiver breaks into his pattern – trail him on his near hip- your must be within one arms length that is considered control- attempt to “bite his ear”

6. Read your receiver’s hands and eyes- when his hands go up and eyes get wide- put your near hand in the middle of is hands.

TC

Tackling

BL

BL

BL

LB LB

C

chris felton email: [email protected]

Documents

bl slide

daily slide

bl c slide

shuffle press slide

bc bl bc

angle tackle bc

shuffle press bc

oklahoma angle tackle