Article CategoriesAFM Magazine
|
Drills Report: Advanced Linebacker Drillsby: Sean RossLinebackers Coach Wittenberg University © More from this issue In today’s game, players need to be more athletic than ever, especially at the linebacker position. The game has evolved quickly over the past 10 years. Offensive schemes have become more advanced and complicated. To combat this offensive growth, defenses have also advanced. In order to be a great linebacker, you need to be a well-rounded player – and today’s linebackers have to be strong against the run, while having the athleticism to cover the passing game. Throughout my time as a coach, I’ve observed that the hardest transition from high school football to college football comes from the mental ability of a young player – both understanding the defense and where he, as a player, fits into the game. The next biggest adjustment for a young player is the speed of the game. A lot of young players fail to realize how fast and strong college players are. Finally, it’s a tough adjustment for a young player to learn how to play under control. The majority of young players may be able to run fast in a straight line, but it becomes a whole different scenario when they’re running out in open space or to avoid blockers. Body control is key. That being said, it should come as no surprise that as coaches on the collegiate level, one of the most significant qualities that we look for in a linebacker is his ability to run. We need a guy who can play sideline to sideline, and that player must be athletic with very good hips. Most of our successful linebackers started out for us at the safety position. We have no problem moving a player from the safety position to linebacker. There are three major things that I preach to my guys on a daily basis. The first is pursuit to the ball. I want my guys to be the best pursuit guys in the nation – and we all know that there is no stat out there that is going to indicate whether we’re the best pursuit guys. That’s why when we grade our film, we always grade our technique as well as our pursuit. There is a certain goal that our players must meet each week when it comes down to our pursuit. Nothing but good can come when we all run to the ball. The second thing I preach to my linebackers is that they need to be great tacklers and again, we have a certain goal that needs to be met each week. At the college level, you have to be great at tackling. Playing against a spread team means you’re going to be out in much more space and you have to be able to tackle well. Finally, the last thing that I preach is to never give up the big play. Make a team earn everything that they get. Don’t give the offense any easy yards. • Align one bag horizontally with the linebacker in a good stance behind the bag. • Align three bags vertically on the ground. • Have two lines 15 yards apart. |
|
HOME |
MAGAZINE |
SUBSCRIBE | ONLINE COLUMNISTS | COACHING VIDEOS |
Copyright 2024, AmericanFootballMonthly.com
All Rights Reserved