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Linebacker Progression Drills



Stance:
Linebackers should be in a comfortable stance with feet just outside of shoulder                                    width and good bend in the knees.  The shoulders of the Linebacker should be over his knees & Chin over his toes, with eyes up and arch in his back.  He should be comfortable to run in this position in all directions.

 *Theory of the Machete:

           
Every Defensive player will adopt the Machete theory when defeating a block form an offensive player.  Our philosophy will always be that 1st and foremost we must defeat the blocker in order to get to the ball carrier.  We must show him the respect he deserves and focus our attention on this very important progression to our defensive philosophy.

We will imagine the offensive player has a machete in his hand and wants to use it on us!  This method emphasizes the importance of defeating the block and allows us to coach the proper technique, commitment and aggressiveness we will demand of every defensive player.

Steps in defeating the Block:
  • “Eyes right” – we must always focus our eyes on the blocker, (man with the machete).
  • “Strike Zone” – every defensive player will know their strike zone.
  • “Strike Zone Execution” – We will break down the strike zone and rep it as a part of our EDD’s (every day drills), or POAD, (Principles of Aggressive Defense) time allocation at practice.  
  • “Aggressive strike, rip & disengage” – This will be a violent strike and an aggressive approach to defeating the block.
  • “Run Fits & Angles” – every defender will know their run fit and proper angle to the ball carrier.

Block Protection Drills

1 Strike Zone identifier:

Purpose:  Teach Linebackers how to Strike the offensive player. 
Technique:     Pair up linebackers facing each other.  The linebacker will line up opposite a player simulating the blocker.  The linebacker’s right foot should be slightly back and in the crouch of the blocker.  The LB will match ear holes with the blocker.  On coaches’ command, Linebacker will take a six inch POWER step with his right foot to the crouch of the blocker and Strike with the right arm fully extended, (DO NOT BENCH PRESS THE BLOCKER), at the V of the neck of the blocker.  The left arm or outside arm should simultaneously strike the outside shoulder pad tip of the blocker.  Eyes will be at contact point; V of neck!  (Very Important).
The Power Step should make contact on the ground at the same time the hands hit fully extended to the blocker.  Coach should emphasize a quick power step and contact and accelerate through contact. (Step progress the drill to help defensive player become familiar with their “STRIKE ZONE” distance.  Repeat drill with left shoulder. 
Alternate Techniques:  Drill can also be done versus a sled, or against a man holding a bag / shield.

Strike Rip Drill:

 Purpose:  Teach Linebackers how to strike and take on a blocker & get rid of a blocker:
Technique:  Line up Linebacker shaded on bag holder / another player, about 5 yards away.  On coaches’ command, have linebacker attack the bag / player, identifying with their Strike zone distance; (full extension of inside arm.)  The LB will then strike with the inside arm fully extended to the V of the neck and with his outside arm the outside shoulder pad tip!.  The LB will then run through the blocker emphasizing the leverage and strike velocity.  The linebacker will then pull violently the blocker through their inside and ripping aggressively his right shoulder / forearm at the hip of the blocker.  Linebacker should look to make contact with his right foot, right shoulder and forearm at the same time and get to the hip of the blocker.  Linebacker eyes will be on the blocker defeating the blocker & then locating the ball carrier redirecting to the football.

Progression:   1. Bag holder standing. (Move LBer to 3 yards) 
2. Bag holder takes two steps to shoulder.  Redirect to football
3. Full pads: blocker full speed to contact.  Redirect to football
4. Full Pads: blocker full speed to contact, Form tackle ball carrier or Bag 

"Laying a Foundation 1 Brick at a Time!"

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