tips

Question
Show me the linebacker tips

Answer
Dear Riley,

LINEBACKERS
Linebackers are the heart of the defense. They must be run stoppers on run plays and defensive backs on pass plays. They must be able to run side to side, back and forth at a moments notice. They must be tough, aggressive, and ready to take on the world. Here are some tips on how to play linebacker.

READ THE LINESMEN扴 FEET

If the play is a run, the linemen will have most of their body weight on the front of their feet and their heels off the ground.

If the play is a pass, the linemen will have most of their weight on the back of their feet and their heels on the ground. They also might do this if they are going to pull. Some of the linemen point their feet in the direction they are going to pull.


WHEN THE HAT MOVES FORWARD
When the offensive player moves forward, the linebacker must be ready for a cut block. He must stay down low and in a ready position. If the offensive player tries to cut him, the linebacker must extend his arms and force the blocker to the ground. At the same time he must kick out his feet backwards and away from the blocker.


WHEN THE HAT MOVES INSIDE OR OUTSIDE
The linebacker must be able to shuffle laterally keeping a half a man ahead of the blocker while reading the play. Remember the blocker is trying to keep you from the play. So if he is trying to block you from the right side, the play is going to the right side. If he is trying to block you from the left side, the play is going to the left side.

WHEN THE HAT MOVES BACKWARDS
The linebacker must retreat as fast as he can and get to his spot on pass coverage.


If I were you, I would play some basketball it is a great sport and it will help you get into football shape. It will teach you how to run back, forth, and side to side without thinking about it. Basketball will also help your coordination, quickness, conditioning, and improve your foot work. This type of workout is especially good if you want to play linebacker, defensive end, and or defensive back.

You also might want to add handball to your workout schedule. Just like in basketball, handball teaches you to run back, forth, and side to side without having to think about it.  You just react to the ball much like in football. Handball can be of great help, to a football players, for all the same reasons as basketball.

Try playing these two sports, on regular bases, and you will get into fantastic football shape. You will also improve your coordination and reaction time. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.

Your friend, Coach Louis