Good Linebacker play starts with the EYES.
But Linebackers need a PLAN when it comes to their eye progressions.
Here are some thoughts.
Initial READ
How should a Linebacker READ a play?
This debate gets heated.
Personally, I don’t see any “right” or “wrong” answers here.
Any read can work.
As long as it’s taught properly.
Some options include reading the Offensive Line, reading the Backfield, or reading a combination of the two (Triangle Read).
My only advice here is that you must COMMIT to your read.
Every type of read can lead to a “false key”.
Have a plan for that.
Then get the Linebackers to trust their reads and play fast.
Take a DEEP DIVE into the Triangle Read with the Linebacker Toolbox 2.0.
Pass Coverage
Another heated debate.
When a Linebacker reads pass, where should their eyes go?
The Receivers?
The Quarterback?
My answer here is the same.
There is no “right” or “wrong” way to do it.
But COMMIT to one option.
Linebackers can only have their eyes in one place at a time.
You can’t expect them to see everything, so pick a read.
Then coach it up.
Drill Work
Eye progressions should be at the heart of your drill work.
Good drills simulate “pictures” the Linebackers will see on game day.
Create those pictures based on their eye progressions.
If they SEE it in practice, they’ll know how to react when they see it in the game.
Final Thoughts
The term “eye progressions” can seem abstract.
It’s simple, really.
Coach the initial read.
Then everything the Linebacker sees will dictate where their eyes should go next.
If you pause a game clip at any moment, the Linebacker should always know where their EYES are supposed to be at that point in the play.
The eyes go first. The feet follow.
All the best,
Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
Email: jsvec@stfx.ca
Twitter: @jonsvecx
Take a DEEP DIVE into Linebacker fundamentals with the Linebacker Toolbox 2.0.