How to "Rock Back" as a Linebacker

Staying alive to make the play

What happens when the ball Cuts Back on a run play?

Sometimes, a Linebacker is able to “Rock Back” and make the tackle.

Here’s how.

Vision

Whatever type of READ a Linebacker is using, they must eventually get their eyes to the Running Back on run plays.

Using great vision is the only way to know if the Running Back is pressing the Front Side of the run, or if they are Cutting Back.

Square Shoulders

Whether the Linebacker is moving with a SHUFFLE or a SCRAPE, they should keep their shoulders square as long as there’s a chance the Ball Carrier might Cutback.

Linebackers should also use a low pad level when moving inside the Box.

This makes it easier to change direction on the Rock Back.

Depth

The only way to stay alive and “Rock Back” on a play is by using a little bit of DEPTH.

I understand that, in some systems, Linebackers are asked to SHOOT the Line of Scrimmage as soon as they read run. I used to teach it that way myself.

And I’ll admit, there are some advantages to immediately shooting the play. It can lead to more tackles behind the Line of Scrimmage, for example.

But if you get stuck in your Gap, you can’t Rock Back.

Of course a Linebacker should work downhill. But allowing for a little bit of DEPTH before the Running Back commits can keep your Linebackers alive and get extra players to the point of attack.

Final Thoughts

Great vision, square shoulders, and a little bit of depth can help your Linebackers stay alive so they can Rock Back on the play when the ball Cuts Back.

All the best,

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