18 Linebacker techniques to work on this season
The foundation of Linebacker play.
If you can coach these 18 techniques, you can coach Linebackers:
Movement
1. Stance
Everything starts here. The keys to a great Stance are balance, comfort, and vision.
2. Shuffle
The most fundamental type of Linebacker movement. The Shuffle involves square shoulders and square hips.
3. Scrape
If a Linebacker needs more speed than a Shuffle will allow, they must transition to a Scrape. This means moving with square shoulders and turned hips.
4. Shoot
Linebackers must know when it’s time to Shoot the play.
5. Come to Balance
Transitioning from speed to power.
6. Change of Direction
Moving square and low will help a Linebacker change directions.
7. Shimmy
A specific type of movement that prepares a Linebacker for contact.
8. Flip the Hips
Open up and get depth to cover the pass.
9. Backpedal
A square way to cover the pass.
Block Destruction
10. Shock Technique
Strike with the hands and control the blocker.
11. Shoulder Charge
A way to take on Pullers and ISO blocks.
12. Dip and Rip
Win with speed.
13. Punch Inside
Win under the block.
14. Pop Technique
Strike with the hands and move.
Tackling
15. Approach
Angles, leverage, space.
16. Point of Contact
This is where the details come into play.
17. Finish
Get the ball carrier onto the ground.
Reads
18. Your Read
There are many types of Linebacker reads to choose from. My advice is to pick one and get really, really good at it.
Final Thoughts
These 18 techniques are the foundation of Linebacker play, and I’ve developed a system for teaching them.
You can learn that system in under two hours inside THE LB LIBRARY.
Click here to find it.
All the best,
Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
Email: jsvec@stfx.ca
Twitter: @jonsvecx