Defending Play Action

Jun 25, 2026

Sometimes a play looks like a RUN…

But it ends up being a PASS.

So…

How should Linebackers defend Play Action?

Here are some thoughts.

Run Reaction

You can’t talk about Play Action without talking about your initial run reactions.

How aggressive are your Linebackers versus run?

If they fly down into the Line of Scrimmage as soon as they read run, it’ll be tough for them to react to Play Action.

Adjusting their downhill angle is the first step to defending Play Action.

There’s this moment that shows up.

After the Linebacker bites on the run…

When they realize it’s actually a pass.

How should they react in that moment?

I call it “pulling the chute”.

The Linebacker needs to get out of there, get some extra depth, and transition to their pass coverage.

It’s the most crucial moment of any Play Action play.

Where should the eyes go when a Linebacker “pulls the chute”?

Some coaches say they should look at the Receivers.

Other coaches say they should watch the QB.

Whichever you choose, make sure you have a plan for the eyes.

It’ll impact how you coach the rest of the rep.

These thoughts just scratch the surface.

I recently put together a brand new mini clinic called “Defending Play Action”.

It’s a short, 12-minute clinic where I break down these 3 concepts in much more detail.

And I use video clips throughout the clinic to highlight the coaching points.

You can watch the clinic right now inside THE LB LIBRARY.

All the best,

Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
Email: jsvec@stfx.ca
Twitter: @jonsvecx