How to Play Faster

(Without improving your 40 time)

The Linebacker position requires speed.

But there are many ways to play faster without getting faster.

Here are 3.

Improve Your Reads

A quick read gets you started.

See your keys…

Trust them…

Then attack.

It’s like getting a head start on the play.

Use Efficient Movements

Football doesn’t happen in a straight line.

Great Linebackers are able to Shuffle, Scrape, Shoot, Change Directions, Come to Balance, etc…

A Linebacker who doesn’t waste any steps is a Linebacker who wins the race to the point of attack.

Take Better Angles

Understand angles and you’ll be able to fly around the field.

Angles come down to leverage and space.

Master those, and you’ll play fast.

Final Thoughts

Obviously 40 times are important.

But world-class sprinters don’t necessarily make great Linebackers.

Reads, efficient movements, and angles.

That’s how you make tackles.

All the best,

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