Football Linebacker Drill #1

Agilitv Drill

Objective - Teach good feet agility and to keep the shoulders square.

Action - Align five dummies on a line.

Place a cone about 5 yards away on either side of the dummies.
Line up your linebackers in single-file" at one of the cones. On the coach's first signal, the first player in line sets up in
good hitting position. On the 2nd signal, the linebacker leads with his right foot as he shuffles over the dummies. At the
last bag, the player turns and runs past the 2nd cone. After each player goes through the bags, have them repeat the drill
in the other direction,

Coaching Details - Make sure each linebacker has the shoulders square, head up and is in a proper hitting
position. Be sure they shuffle their feet without crossing over.

Football Linebacker Drill #2

"Read" Drill

Objective - Develop foot agility and the ability to read the flow of the ball.

Action - Align 2-3 dummies about a yard apart and at a 45 degree angle to the LOS . Then align 2-3
more dummies the same way so you create a "V" shape. The coach stands between the bags while the linebackers are
positioned in a single-file line at the point of the "V". On the coach's 1st signal, the first player gets in good hitting position.
On the 2nd signal, the coach points either right or left and the player hits the 2-3 dummies in that direction. After the last
dummy, the linebacker should get back into hitting position again to finish the drill.

Coaching Details - Keep your linebackers low in proper hitting position with shoulders square, head up. Be sure they
shuffle their feet without crossing over.

Linebacker Drill #3

Downhill Shuffle Drill

Objective - Improve fundamentals of the downhill shuffle and foot agility.

Action - For this football linebacker drill, set up 5 dummy bags where you have 1 yard of space between each one and so
it forms a line that's at a 45 degree angle to the line of scrimmage. Align the linebackers in a single file on the line. On
the coach's signal, the first 'backer breaks down into the hitting position. At the next signal, the player leads with the right
foot as he shuffles over the bags.

Coaching Details - Keep your linebackers low in proper hitting position with shoulders square, head up. Emphasize an
"attack" mentality. Run this football drill for linebackers from both directions so the players practice leading with each foot.

Linebacker Drill #4

Stay In the Box Drill

Objective - Teach linebackers to stay their ground and to deliver a blow after only one step.

Action - Use 4 cones to make a 2 yard square with the linebacker inside the square. Position 2-3 lineman about 5
yards outside the square. On the signal, the linemen try to block the linebacker out of the box. Keep the
linemen coming quickly one after the other.

Coaching Details - Make sure the linebacker is in good low position with the head up and delivers a good strong
blow to each lineman during this drill.
Football Linebacker Drill #5

Step in the Hole Drill

Objective - Teach linebackers to flow to the football and then fill the hole for the tackle.

Action - Align about 6 dummies in a line about a yard or yard and a half from one another. A linebacker lines up on one
side and a running back faces him on the other side. Have the back run down the line, then come
forward into one of the gaps. The linebacker must mirror the back down the line, then fill the hole and make the tackle
when the back makes his move.

Coaching Details - Be sure the linebacker stays low and makes a quick move into the hole with power to make the
tackle.

Linebacker Drill #6

Popsicle Drill

Objective - Teach 3-point contact fundamentals.

Action - For this football linebacker drill, position linebackers in a single file in front of the one-man sled. On the coach's
signal, the first player gets in a proper stance about a yard and half to two yards in front of the bag. On the next signal, the
'backer hits the sled with correct 3-point contact and continues to chop his feet. On the third signal, the player releases
from the sled, take two steps up field and then get into a proper hitting position.

Coaching Details - Be sure to check stances. Emphasize that the linebackers must roll their hips on contact with the sled
and work on getting separation.

Linebacker Drill #7

One on One Drill

Objective - Teach to react to various blocks in space.

Action - Position 2 cones about 2-3 yards apart with a blocker in the middle. Align the linebacker about 3-4 yards in front
of the blocker. The coach decides which block the blocker will use (pull, trap, down block, base, pass set, zone scheme,
etc. and on the coachs signal, the linebacker reacts.

Coaching Details Check stance. Emphasize need for proper read and reaction .

Linebacker Drill #8

Interception Drill

Objective - This drill develops good hands for getting those desperately needed turnovers.

Action - Position the players in a single-file line. The first linebacker backpedals, then, on coach's signal, either breaks left
or right at a 45 degree angle He intercepts the pass and sprints up field.

Coaching Details - Be sure the linebackers use good hip movement on the break left or right during this drill,

Football Linebacker Drill #9

Zone Drop Drill

Objective - Teach how to drop back and break on the football.

Action - Position three receivers 12-15 yards off the line (already positioned behind the linebackers). Put one receiver in
the middle of the field, one on the left hash, and one on the right hash. Line up two linebackers in their proper stance and
position off the line. The QB or coach drops back (3, 5 or 7-step) as the linebackers take their drops, get square and break
on the ball. One LB intercepts the football while the other one blocks the closest receiver.
Coaching Details - Check stances and drop technique during the drill. Emphasize squaring up when the quarterback sets
his feet.

WR WR WR

LB LB

QB

Football Linebacker Drill #10

Read Routes Drill

Objective - Teach how to read pass routes.

Action - Put a safety back 15 yards in the middle, a corner about I2-14 yards back on the right hash and a third defender
5 yards off the ball. Line up a player in the tight end position on the right side. The linebacker who'll run the drill first, lines
up between the short defender and the tight end in a proper stance. The coach tells the tight end to run a flat, cross or
vertical route. At the snap, the quarterback takes a 5 or 7-step drop as the linebacker reacts to the tight end's route. The
QB should throw the ball to the safety, corner or dump it off so the LB has to square up and make a break on it,

Coaching Details - Check stance and drop technique. Emphasize read, react and break on the ball. Run the drill to both
sides.

This is a passing drill for linebackers. The cones are numbered 1-4 and players run to the numbered cones called out by
the coach and should run to all four cones as called. They have to drop the proper foot at a 45 degree angle and
continually rotate their heads to see the QB and receiver. It is important to stress the foot placement and opening the hips
to get to the next cone. Coach should change the order with every player to keep them guessing and anticipating the next
number. It is a reaction drill that simulates their pass drop into coverage

1 2

COACH

. X

4
3
Four Corner Drill

CARIOCA

10 YDS B
A
S
C
P
K
R
10 YDS 10 YDS P
I
E
N
D
T
A
L
10 YDS

SHUFFLE
LB
LB
LB

The first phase of the 4 corner drill is the straight ahead sprint. The LB sprints 10 yards and at the cone, he pivots around
on his inside foot which will put him facing the coach. The second phase is the carioca. Keep shoulders square to the LOS
while maintaining a Z in the knees and keep eyes focused on the coach. Go as fast as you can and stay low. When you
reach the second cone, come out of the carioca by pivoting and go into the back pedal. The third phase is the backpedal
which requires the LB to begin the backward movement with a good body lean with the chin in line with the knees, making
sure the weight is distributed over the knees and in line with the hips. Always keep arms pumping while backpedaling. The
fourth phase is the shuffle. Once the cone is reached, pivot and keep shoulders square to the LOS. Shuffle for ten yards
to the cone by keeping feet shoulder width apart, never allowing them to come together or cross over. Keep the Zs in the
knees and shoulders square to the LOS while maintain eye contact with the coach. When you reach the final cone, turn
and finish the drill with a five yard sprint.

The Tri-Angle Drill

The LB sprints to the second cone, staying as

close as possible to the cone, by dropping the
inside shoulder and touching the cone. Proceed
to the next cone and weave inside and go
around the cone, again staying as close as
possible to the cone. Dont allow the feet to
travel away from the cone. Break down,
dropping the inside shoulder and touch the cone
on the way by. Sprint to the next cone, keeping
as close to the cone as possible, dropping the
inside shoulder, then sprint past the starting
point.
LB
 STEPOVER/ CUTBLOCK DEFEAT DRILL

COACH

LB

The LB starts facing the coach and steps over each bag laterally, raising knees and feet high to avoid tripping on the bags.
As he steps over the bags, he pushes down as if fending off a cut block from an offensive lineman. He keeps shoulders
square to the LOS and looks at the coach throughout the drill, keeping head up and eyes pointing forward. After clearing
the final bag, be continues forward to catch a pass from the coach. Upon catching the pass, he plants outside foot, sinks
and opens hips to face the coach/LOS and drives forward, returning the ball to the coach. When all players have
completed the drill, reverse direction.

TANDEM LATERAL MOVEMENT DRILL

A B

LB LB

LB

LB

COACH COACH

C D
LB
LB

COACH COACH

A - The LBs start facing the coach and steps over each bag laterally, two at a time raising knees and feet high to avoid
tripping on the bags. They keeps shoulders square to the LOS and looks at the coach throughout the drill, keeping head
up and eyes pointing forward, moving together in tandem. When all the players have completed the drill, reverse direction.
While stepping over the bags, players should sink hips and keep knees over feet and backs straight.

B - Start LBs at opposite sides of the bags and have them perform the drill as a competition, making sure they follow
proper form as above.
C As above but with one set of bags and only one LB at a time. LBs face the coach and step laterally over the bags,
using the same techniques and form as in A. As they clear the final bag, they pivot, open hips to 90 degrees and drive
forward, then plant, open hips and reverse direction over the bags, all the time with heads up and eyes forward, facing the
coach.

D As above. LBs face the coach and step laterally over the bags, using the same techniques and form as in C. As they
clear the final bag, they open hips to 45 degrees and take read step forward. The coach motions 45 degrees backward
and the LB opens his hips, dropping into pass coverage keeping head up and eyes pointing forward, while running
backward at 45 degrees. The coach passes the ball to LB and he steps forward, opening hips and running forward up field
with the interception. Change direction when all players have run through the drill.

READ, SHUFFLE AND FILL DRILL

COACH/RB

C B A A B C

LB LB

Shuffle and read drill develops LBs ability to read and fill vs ball carriers movement. LBs will align themselves as shown
above and on command from the coach, will shuffle across, mirroring the coachs movement. When the coach stops at a
gap, LBs will read and fill to the coach/RB. Alternate sides or if you have a large group, split the group into two. When
directing LBs to the A gaps, the right LB goes first and the then the left one goes, timing it so they dont run into each
other. When all LBs have filled each gap, have them switch sides so that everyone goes each direction.

Linebacker Zone Drop Drill

COACH LBs line up 5 yards from the coach, facing him and on command, take read step
and then follow his hand signals, backpedaling and changing direction on
45 degree angles, opening hips and looking at the coach the whole time.
When the LB coach throws the ball, catch at the highest point, yell bingo and
return the ball to the coach. Repeat 2-3 times.
Shed skate tackle
Purpose
This drill teaches and improves the linebackers ability to shed a block, beating a cut block and making a tackle on the
move.
Description
Position a blocker (with or without a blocking shield) in front of the linebacker. A second blocker (maybe throwing a
tackling dummy) lines up about 5 yards to one side and about 2 yards back. The ball carrier lines up about another 5
yards outside and another 6 yards back.
The drills starts with the blocker performing a base or reach block on the linebacker.
The linebacker has to shed / beat that block and then continue along the line, beating the cut block and then
performing an open field tackle on the ball carrier, who starts running, when the linebacker is engaged in the cut
block.
It is important to first teach techniques before getting into more live action. Therefore use shields and dummies for
the blocks in the beginning and let the linebacker make "just" a form tackle. Go to more "live" action as the players
improve on the technique.
Coaching Points
Linebacker should always keep his balance and run low to be able to protect his knees.
Equipment

Football

Shield

Tackling dummy

Read the play and react drill

Purpose
To teach the linebackers to read the block of the offensive lineman and recognize the play and react properly.
Description
Align 4 players as three OL-men plus a FB, put two players as DL on the outside two OL and a LB on the middle OL.
Signal the offensive players their assignments and a snap count.
On the snap count the offensive players carry out their blocks and the linebacker reacts accordingly. Make sure all
linebackers get a sufficient number of repetitions.
Start off at half speed, and pick up the speed as players get better.
include DL personnel if you don't have enough linebackers.
Coaching Points
Make sure offensive personnel carries out its assignments correctly.
Linebackers have to be in proper stance and alignment before the "snap".
Emphasize the correct movement while reading the block/play and the correct reaction to the read play.
Don't allow any sloppiness on either side.
The intensity of contact should be low, correct and quick reaction is the purpose of this drill.

Counter Drill

Purpose
This drill will help your Linebackers play the counter effectively. The CNTR (counter) is one of the more difficult
running plays in football to defend. This drill will teach a linebacker how to effectively change direction once he
recognizes the play is a CNTR.
Description
Set up 3 cones, the first two will be 2 yards apart, the third will be 4 yards from those 2. (3 cones in a straight line, 6
yards long, see diagram below)
The player should be in a good two point stance, 3 yards deep straddling the middle cone.
On the coaches command the LB will take 1or 2 short shuffles to the cone that is nearest to him.
When he reaches that cone that is when he will react as if he has seen CNTR. The LB will then change direction, begin
a crossover run accelerating around the farthest cone.
Coaching points
The CPs for the short shuffle is to keep the shoulders square and do not cross your feet.
Do not HOP while shuffling. (Keep your body level).
For the crossover run, stay square to the line of scrimmage and the player should kick his heel out toward the
direction he is moving. This will force the LBs hips and shoulders to stay square.
While accelerating around the farthest cone, stay square to the line of scrimmage.
Equipment

3 cones

Play Recognition Drill

Purpose
To teach the linebackers to read the play by watching the backfield and executing the corresponding task, depending
on the play read.
Description
Place cones to represent the offensive linemen and have a QB or Coach and two running backs (these could be LBs
playing RBs).
You should have your opponents plays drawn up on cards.
Have your linebackers read the opponents plays by watching the backfield action and get to their assignments.
Equipment

6 or 7 Cones
 Ball(s)

Mirror Drill
Purpose
The purpose of this drill is to teach linebackers how keep inside leverage on a running back on any outside Run (toss,.
pitch, outside zone option, etc.)
It emphasizes not over playing a running back in case of a cut back.
It also teaches linebackers to shuffle without crossing there feet and staying square to the line of scrimmage.
Another important aspect of this drill is the crossover run, which is used when the ball carrier picks up speed.
Both the shuffle and the cross over run will be utilized in game situation.
Description
Set up 5 cones 10 yards apart.
There are two lines of players on either side of the cone. One line being the ball carrier and the other being the
linebacker.
The running back starts out in a slow jog, the linebacker (5 yards away) will shuffle mirroring the ball carrier.
The LB must keep inside leverage on the running back, by always keeping his outside shoulder on the backside hip of
the RB.
The objective is to not overplay the RB.
When the ball carrier hits the second cone he will begin a 3/4 sprint, which will force the linebacker begin a cross over
run, enabling him to keep inside leverage.
When the ball carrier reaches the third cone he will then gear down to a slow jog, which forces the linebacker to get
back into a slow shuffle, continuing to keep inside leverage on the ball carrier.
Finally at the fourth cone the ball carrier returns to a 3/4 sprint and the LB mirrors him with a crossover run.
The drill ends with both the RB and LB meeting on a 45 degree angle with a form tackle.
Coaching points
The CPs for the shuffle is to keep shoulders square to the ball carrier or line of scrimmage and to not your cross feet.
It is very important for the linebacker to NOT hop while shuffling.
For the crossover run, the player needs to stay square to line of scrimmage and kick his heel out towards the direction
he is moving. This will force the LBs hips and shoulders to stay square.
To maintain inside leverage the LB must keep the ball carrier on his outside shoulder at all times.
Equipment

5 cones

Football
Read, Shuffle and Fill
This drill is designed to help linebackers read the angles the running back takes behind the line and plug the necessary
holes.
Set up five large garbage cans, or anything that stands tall and is the same width as a large person. Each garbage can
should be 1 to 2 yards apart to duplicate the spacing between offensive linemen. Line up two linebackers on one side and
one player acting as a running back on the other side. Blow a whistle to mimic the snap and give the player acting as the
running back a particular angle or hole to run to. Have the linebackers shuffle to that area and plug the corresponding
holes.