Linebacker Square Drill
A simple way to get them moving
I like simple drills.
Here’s a Linebacker Movement Drill that requires nothing but 5 cones and a patch of turf.
The Goal
This drill serves as an extended warm up for the Linebackers.
It takes about 3 minutes.
In that time the Linebackers will work Stance, First Step, Sprinting, Shuffling, Scraping, Backpedaling, and Flipping their Hips.
Let’s get into it.
The Setup
Align four cones in a square with a fifth cone in the centre.
It can be whatever size you want.
I typically make it about 5 yards by 5 yards.
Sometimes I make it smaller to force sharper movements.
Get the Linebackers in one straight line at the first cone.
Now you’re all set.
Video
I’ll explain more below, but first, here’s a video of the drill.
Drill Start
I make a point of having each Linebacker start their rep IN THEIR STANCE.
And I don’t want them to roll into it.
They should get in their stance, pause for a beat, then start the drill with a FORWARD step.
This takes time and a lot of reminders.
But it’s an important component of the drill.
Sprint - Shuffle - Backpedal
The first time through it’s a Sprint forward, a Shuffle across the front, then a Backpedal to finish.
We want sharp cuts at the corners.
For the Shuffle, remind them to stay square and keep a good low pad level.
Technique is more important than speed.
Sprint - Scrape - Backpedal
Next time through they will Scrape across the front.
This is where they turn their hips but keep their shoulders square.
Again, technique comes first.
Note: For a DEEP DIVE into the Shuffle/Scrape/Shoot method of Linebacker Movement, check out the Linebacker Toolbox 2.0.
Sprint - Backpedal - BURST - Finish
The third time through they will backpedal on an angle to the middle cone.
The most important part of this rep is the TRANSITION.
The Linebackers should BURST forward at the middle cone.
Sprint - Flip Hips - BURST - Finish
For the last movement they will flip their hips to the middle cone.
This is simulating a Zone Coverage pass drop.
Again, the BURST at the middle cone is important.
Final Thoughts
Nothing revolutionary here.
A simple drill to work a number of Linebacker movements before moving on to the rest of your INDY period.
If you do this drill regularly, you will see improvements.
For a Linebacker, these movements show up all over the field on game day.
This drill will help them get them ready.
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.