6 Effective Linebacker Drills
1. Angle Drill
Plays rarely happen directly in front of you, and it’s the job of a linebacker to be able to move while keeping his eye on the ball’s position. The angle drill is simple yet effective at improving this required skill.
- A linebacker will start on the sideline in between two yard-lines with a player at the other end holding a football
- He will then start running at a 45-degree angle
- Upon reaching one line, they will then cut back sprint towards the other at a 45-degree angle
- They will continue this all the way down to the other side
- Ensure the linebacker keeps his eye on the position of the other athlete with the ball the entire time
2. Backpedal and Shuffle
A linebacker can never turn his back on a play regardless of what direction they need to move. The backpedal and shuffle will improve an athlete’s ability to move forward, laterally, and backward while always facing the same direction.
- Place 5 bags side-by-side about 2 yards apart
- Have a linebacker start on the end bag, looking away from the bag
- Upon a whistle, the linebacker will backpedal to the opposite end of the bag
- They will then shuffle laterally to get to the other side of the bag
- Sprint to the other side and then shuffle laterally to the other side
- This is repeated all the way down until the linebacker has maneuvered around all 5 bags
- Have the linebacker maintain forward eye position the entire drill.
3. Shed Block and Tackle
This is a similar drill as seen above, except here, the athlete will just evade one block before making the tackle.
- You will need a linebacker, an offensive lineman with a bag, a running back with a bag, and a quarterback
- The linebacker will start 5 yards back from the offensive lineman who is on the line of scrimmage.
- The quarterback will be in position with the running back information
- Upon snap, then the quarterback will drop back and flick the ball to the running back, who will begin to run at an angle
- The linebacker will pursue and meet the lineman. He must take the block and brush past.
- The linebacker then pursues the running back for a tackle
4. Open Field Tackling
Open field tackling is as raw as it gets and varies with the many situations in a game. Sometimes, a linebacker is in a position where it’s just him and an offensive player. Therefore, he must make a successful tackle solo. This is what “open field tackling” trains.
- Line up three cones about one yard apart.
- Have a linebacker and running back stand on about 5 yds back from the cone on opposite sides.
- The running back and linebacker will start by running towards the cones.
- Just before the first cone, the running back will cut either left or right.
- The linebacker must read the intent of the running back and cut the same direction to make the tackle.
5. The W Drill
Improves change of direction by developing additional power for deceleration and acceleration into and out of directional movement. Enhances ability to maintain control and balance during directional change.
- Start in balanced athletic position.
- Alternate accelerating towards and away from VertiMax in a "W" pattern.
- Maintain low center of gravity into and out of directional change.
- Focus on balance control and maximum effort during deceleration and acceleration out of directional changes.
6. Cutback Drill
One of the most common mistakes a linebacker makes is overcommitment to a pursuit. An opposing player does not, and often will not, run in the same direction for an extended period of time. Therefore, the cutback drill teaches a linebacker to pursue while staying agile enough to make sudden corrections in their path.
- Use 4 cones to create a large square with sides about 10yds apart. This will act the area of play
- Have a linebacker and running back start on cones opposite of each other
- Upon whistle, the running back will sprint hard at an angle and the linebacker must purse
- At any given moment, the running back will change direction quickly and cut back
- The linebacker must respond and make contact for a mock tackle