LB 101 (Part 2): Movement

Mar 28, 2025

If a Linebacker can’t GET to the play, they can’t MAKE the play.

Here’s an introduction to Linebacker movement skills.

Shuffle/Scrape/Shoot

There are three ways a Linebacker can move in the Box.

The Shuffle involves square hips and square shoulders.

This is the best type of Linebacker movement.

It allows for power, vision, and change of direction.

But it’s slow.

If a Linebacker needs to move faster, they should Scrape.

This means turning the hips, but keeping the shoulders square.

(It’s also known as an Alley Run or Crossover Run.)

The final type of movement is an all-out sprint.

I call this Shooting the play.

Great Linebackers are able to transition smoothly between the Shuffle, Scrape, and Shoot.

Efficient movements lead to big plays.

(To read more about the Shuffle, click here. To read more about the Scrape, click here.)

When a Linebacker is moving in the Box, they must always be ready to change directions.

I call this “Rocking Back” on the play.

There are two key factors when it comes to changing directions:

The Shuffle is the best option for this.

But a Scraping Linebacker can also Rock Back.

A Linebacker who can change directions is never out of the play.

(To read more about the “Rock Back”, click here.)

Great Linebackers play downhill.

But this doesn’t mean triggering down to the Line of Scrimmage at the snap.

It means working good ANGLES, and removing time and space from the ball carrier.

As a Linebacker moves laterally, they should also be gaining ground on the play.

Suffocate the ball carrier and give them nowhere to run.

Elite Linebackers develop great movement skills.

It’s the key to making plays all over the field.

Click here for Part 3 of the LB 101 Series, which is all about Linebacker Reads.

Take care,

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