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AFM Magazine


The Tools to be a Linebacker

Strategy & Technique
by: Jim Dostal
Defensive Coordinator, Prairie High School, Cedar Rapids, IA
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Defining A Hawk Linebacker: In the 50 front, which is the Hawk base defense, the two linebackers are labeled Sam and Will. Sam is historically the strong side linebacker based around the offensive set and normally lines up on the tight end side. The other linebacker is labeled Will and normally plays on the split-end side of the offensive set. In an offensive set that has two tight ends the Sam linebacker will position himself on the tight end side that has the flanker present or a power back.

Stance: In a base stance the feet will be parallel to the LOS (line of scrimmage). There can be a small stagger by the player between the right and left foot; this should be consistent every time so the offense does not pick up a tendency. Knees should be bent based on the player’s comfort level. Heels of the feet should be slightly off the ground with the majority of the weight on the balls of the feet. Hands should be relaxed with no weight on the knees. It is important that the linebacker not start too high or low in his stance at the snap of the ball. Arms should be hanging loosely and comfortably close to his knees. The head is facing the offensive formation with the eyes scanning the pre-snap read of the formation, specific players as the triangle read of the linebacker will begin.

Base – the linebacker will position himself head up on the offensive guard with feet placed at four and one half yards from the ball. In high school football with the current rule interpretation (excluding Texas) it is advantageous for the linebacker to start with a depth that is more than four yards away from the LOS. This is outside of the four-yard zone for offensive linemen and their cut blocking techniques.

Over – In an “Over” call the Sam LB will stack behind the tackle four and one half yards from the LOS and have “C” gap responsibility. The Will linebacker will also be four and one half yards from the LOS but will align to dead center of “B” gap with “B” gap responsibility.

Under – In an “Under” call the Sam linebacker will play a “Base” alignment head up on the guard, four and one half yards from the ball with “B” gap responsibility. The Will linebacker will play four and one half yards from the LOS, playing the inside eye of the offensive guard with “A” gap responsibilities on the split end side of the formation.

5-1 – The linebackers automatically rotate into a 5-1 defense when an offense aligns in a spread or what is known as a quad set (two receivers on each side of the ball in level one). The Sam linebacker stacks behind the nose at four and one half yards off the line of scrimmage. The Will linebacker will be aligned on one of the inside receivers based around coaching evaluations of the offensive players as well as coaching evaluations of defensive players to get the best match-up for the defense.

Stunt – When a stunt is called both Sam and Will need to camouflage the maneuver as long as possible to create deception on the defense’s part. They both should align themselves in a base defense alignment. Movement of Sam and Will, coming after the QB places his hands under the center and/or the audible cadence, is dependent on the week-to-week opponent. With movement of Sam/Will coming after the QB engages the pre-snap read of the defense the linebackers limit the amount of time the offense has to communicate blocking schemes and receiver routes. In the stunt itself it is imperative for Sam/Will or the combination of both to stay in Lane One throughout the execution of the stunt until the linebacker KNOWS where the ball is moving.

Situational Tendencies (Down/Distance, Yard Line, Hash, Score, Time in the Game, Weather Conditions, Field Conditions, Hot Players, Time Outs, Tendencies of Opponent and Self Evaluation of Strengths and Weaknesses) – Down and distance alignments are dictated throughout all defenses and all defensive personnel. It is extremely important for Sam and Will to be able to adapt throughout a defensive series on their own. The concept of “situational adjustment” is tied into “tweaking” the defense to put the Sam linebacker and Will linebacker into the most opportunistic defensive position possible on every down, in every situation, to make the play. Situational adjustment is done by knowing and understanding down and distance tendencies of the offense as well as understanding the defensive call not only from a linebacker perspective but from a total defensive personnel scheme. In other words what will the offense probably do in this situation and what is the defense trying to do to stop the offense? This question should be self-assessed by each linebacker with a minimum of time to answer the question, normally two seconds out of the huddle and then another two seconds when the offense approaches the ball in their pre-snap formation. If it is the fourth down with one an one half yards to go for a first down on our 35 yard line in the first quarter with the score 0 to 0 then Sam and Will should slide to two yards to two and one half yards based around the fact that the offense will want to get a first down to continue the drive. The linebacker still has gap responsibility and needs to be able to be in a position to make a play in his priority area.

Steps To Defend And Defeat A Block:

Linebackers must have physical leverage to defend against the multitude of offensive blocks that will be encountered throughout a game and a season. Against a 50 base defense the offensive guard will normally be assigned to blocking the linebacker the majority of the time. When the guard makes his initial step out to pursue the linebacker then the linebacker should read the threat by the guard and position himself in such a way as to keep his outside arm free. There are different techniques that can be used to accomplish this goal but it is imperative that the outside arm is free to control gap responsibility against the running back.

Rip Technique – This technique is good with a linebacker who is not gifted from a height standpoint and average in strength and speed. The footwork of the linebacker is significant when executing any strike against an offensive blocker. For the following explanation it is significant when executing any strike against an offensive blocker and it is assumed that we are acting as the Sam linebacker who is aligned on the left side of the defensive formation and teaching the progression of defeating a block. Aligned at four and one half yards, Sam will take a preemptive six inch 45 degree step forward with his left foot at the snap of the ball in direct correlation to the initial visual read of the offensive guard. If the ball is attempting to go to Sam’s side of the formation then his next step is a key to successful linebacker play in defeating a block. After the initial six-inch step Sam’s right leg has to progress at a forward 45-degree angle at approximately 24 to 48 inches (but not crossing over his left leg); this would be his second step or the directional step (See Diagrams 1-3).

Diagram 1. Pre-snap feet diagram

Diagram 2. First "six" inch step

Diagram 3. Second "direct" step

The backside leg is the key to filling a hole and defeating a block. If the right leg over-strides across the left leg then the linebacker has opened up to being defeated by a very marginal offensive lineman. By over-striding the linebacker has lost a balanced strength base at his body core (starting with his hips) and as the offensive guard attempts to block the linebacker Sam will be off balance and unable to control his own body. His momentum will not help in gaining ground or defeating an offensive block. The second problem that will develop is that by crossing over feet the linebacker could actually trip himself or get his feet tangled as the offensive lineman tries to intercept him. An under stride by the back right leg will put the linebacker in an unbalanced position and not allow for him to pursue at the rate of acceleration that is needed. Sam will not consistently make good defensive plays in front of him because he will not be able to get to the running back fast enough.

The third step is the “angle” of pursuit step by the left leg. It sets the course for the linebackers’ speed and direction on contact with the offensive lineman or the running back. The step is situational based on the specific play run by the offense. It is also a transitional step between a slow read and a fast read for the linebacker. In a normal straight ahead play by the offense the “angle of pursuit” step will be at 15 to 20 degrees positioning the body to keep the left arm and shoulder free from contact (See Diagrams 4-6).

Diagram 4. Third-step angle

Diagram 5. Fourth step-power

Diagram 6. Fifth step - pursuit

The fourth step is the “power” contact step through the right leg. Normally the imprint of the third step closes the time or the distance between the offensive guard and linebacker and the fourth step is where the linebacker must be balanced and ready to strike with force. The steps put the linebacker into a position to defeat a blocker while at the same time putting the linebacker into a position to stop the running back. The key for any successful linebacker is to be able to distinguish in a very short period of time (commonly three steps) when to defeat a block, when to pursue a tackle on the running back, or a very necessary component of the position which is doing both at the same time.

As previously explained in the “steps of a linebacker” this part of his game is key to his overall success. Not to go unnoticed is the upper body position and the strike that will come on the offensive lineman throughout the process. From the linebacker hips through his head it is significant that correct body mechanics are taught and used. The hips allow for thrust or acceleration of movement in the “power” phase of the strike on the guard. In the rip technique it is significant to have forward body lead and have the fourth step in line with the right arm and shoulder striking the guard at the same time.

The fifth step is referred to as the “pursuit” step and is done with the left leg. It is important for the linebacker to keep moving after the collision and continue his advance to the running back. At the same time this is happening a good offensive lineman will continue to keep contact on the linebacker and do a combination of things such as push the linebacker past the running back and causing an over-pursuit problem. A more dangerous tactic by the blocker is making contact and then sliding down on the linebacker and trying to “cut” or block the legs of the linebacker. Legs of linebackers should be considered gold and communicated to linebackers in that way. Gold is one of the most valued aspects of our society; the legs of linebackers should be treated as if they were gold. Linebackers can only make plays on the field by running; without quality speed the effectiveness of the linebacker position is dramatically reduced and minimized.

Punch Technique – The technique is normally for a linebacker that has excellent physical development, is very quick and especially strong from an upper body perspective. The punch technique involves the same steps of the rip technique but now the linebacker will strike the guard with his backside hand to his sternum and his playside hand should be to the outside of the shoulder pad on the offensive lineman. He should make sure to keep a leverage position so the linebacker can pursue to the ball when visual contact is made. All steps are the same as previously mentioned.

When these techniques are taught it is suggested that progression begins with the steps and then the upper body technique follows. If the steps are taught correctly the upper body aspect will normally fall into place (not to say that the coach does not have to teach the upper body phase of defeating a block).

Reads (See Diagrams 7-11)

Diagram 7. Linebacker through 'B' gap

Diagram 8. 'Drive' block on linebacker

Diagram 9.'Sweep' block to outside

Diagram 10. 'Trap' block

Diagram 11. 'Pass blocks'

Base – Mirror the guards at the snap of the ball. Guards have specific tendencies on blocking schemes; the following would be the correct reaction by the linebacker.

Guard “Doubles Down” on Nose. LBer is up and through “B” gap – coming off the guard’s hip as tight as possible and making sure to stay low and in Lane 1.

Guard “Drive” blocks on Linebacker – Backer will attack using Rip or Punch technique. It is important to have the linebackers’ shoulders square to the LOS and reduce the yardage as soon as possible. If this does not happen then a running lane or bubble can be created that will help the running back. Guard “Sweep” blocks to outside – Backer flows laterally down the line of scrimmage, turns and runs when he picks the correct pursuit angle based on relationship with ball carrier. The backer should consistently adjust pursuit angle. Linebackers should be looking for pursuit lanes to go up and through in pursuit of the ball carrier. Guard “Trap” blocks with pull behind center – Linebacker mirrors guard with lateral steps constantly taking ground and visually keeping the running back in focus at the same time. In this diagram it is a major coaching point that Will comes up tight to the outside hip of the guard blocking down on the Nose and that he stays very conservative in lane. If he flies throughout he can actually miss the running back and leave a running lane open. Guard “Pass Blocks” or gives ground immediately – Linebacker checks draw and screen then sprints to pass coverage responsibility. In game-to-game preparation there is a need to analyze the scouting report in order to use individual instruction to cover the top five to six blocking schemes. As the season progresses the linebackers should feel comfortable with some of the blocking schemes and react accordingly. High School linemen (in a 50 front specifically) and guards have a tendency to “cellular” their blocking assignments even before the ball is snapped. It could be the guard is lined up extremely close to the center; this probably indicates a trap block or the guard has his stance so extended with a maximum amount of weight on his hand that the executed block could only be a drive block. Their hints or clues are little things but extremely large “pre-snap” indicators that can help with base reads. There are other pre-snap reads that are usually player and game specific.

Responsibilities:
Run is always first. We pursue with the understanding that we want to aim at the running back’s far shoulder. This will allow for cutback pursuit to catch up to the running back. Our defensive coverage calls are dependent on game situations dictated on zone or man concepts. In zone coverage we try to drop to 10 to 12 yard depth from the line of scrimmage and extend to 10 yards. When the ball is on the hash it changes Sam and Will’s depth and width coverage. In man coverage we are consistently locked up with running backs; thus it is important to stop the running back before he can create separation from the linebackers.

Pursuit:
Force Backer: Force linebacker can be Will or Sam; it is defined as the one who is closest to the ball carrier. This “force” linebacker is responsible for pursuing in such a way that either his sideline is helping make the tackle or “forcing” the running back to cut back the ball to the cutback linebacker. The force linebacker should be aiming for the far shoulder of the running back with the head to that side once engagement in the tackle is made. Expect an area of cutback by the running back when dealing with anything in the C or D gaps. This backer is the attack backer of the defense. Cutback Backer: When the play is away from the inside backer this backer now has cutback responsibility. It is vital that the cutback linebacker keeps the correct angle of pursuit relationship, also known as “position leverage,” against the running seams to stop this normal aspect of the offensive running game. This aspect of the game for a linebacker is one of the most difficult concepts to teach because of varying degrees of speed involved with different players versus different opponents. There are drills that can be used but the biggest problem is that offensive running lanes are constantly changing because of the inconsistencies between the offensive play and the defensive scheme. The number one thing to teach a cutback backer is to relax and take passive aggressive steps to the ball until the backer KNOWS where the running back will be. This backer is the insurance policy of defense.

Top Three objectives that a linebacker should be taught in all programs:

1. Proper stance and alignment
2. Play and understand what plays will be used on down/distance, score, time in game tendencies
3. All over the field linebackers run to the ball and effectively tackle the ball carrier

If there were two things as a coach I was looking for in a future LB it would be:

1. Aggressive instinct
2. Speed

The following plays are in the order that linebackers have to stop them in any given week:

1. Isolation
2. Trap
3. Counter
4. Sweep
5. Option
6. Bootleg
7. Play-Action Passing
8. Drop Back Passing
9. Draw
10. Screen

When deciding drills of the practice week for the upcoming opponent there are certain decisions that need to be made by the linebacker coach. When correlating decisions of past performance to decision preparation of game week it is difficult to prioritize. The first question that should be asked is what will the opposing coach think your defensive weakness is?

An example of correlating decisions would be that in last week’s game the defense shut down the trap to little or no yardage but the sweep play gave up 120 yards. It should be easily concluded what this week’s offensive coordinator will try to establish. Linebackers can be evaluated simply by the offensive play ranking to-stop list; by either selecting a “yes” that the linebackers are good at stopping this play or a “no,” the linebackers need more work on this type of play. Through this diagnostic evaluation there is constant emphasis on improvement in areas where there are deficiencies.

At the same time self-diagnostic evaluation is being used from a general skill improvement area for linebackers, the future opponent is being broken down through the scouting staff; this could lead to additional skill development. Determining what offensive plays the opponents are good at regarding the weekly execution and what is their “signature” play dictates the defensive drills of the week. If the answer is sweep and the linebackers have not done well against the sweep this season the individual drill time should be focused on that area of the game. Drill time can also be evaluated through inside plays, outside plays, and pass drops (sprint-out, drop-back, drop-sprint and play action).

After all the strategy concepts are in place it is paramount that tackling is always stressed at the linebacker position. You can have the best looking linebacker, the fastest linebacker, the best reaction linebacker, the best pursuit linebacker and the strongest linebacker. But when that same linebacker gets to the ball carrier and cannot make a tackle, all of those other things do not matter. Being able to tackle is the fundamental requirement for the position of linebacker. Stopping the ball carrier from getting yards is the name of the game for a truly great linebacker at any level.





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