Reading the play and reacting to the ball carrier is an excellent skill for good linebackers to learn. This linebacker defense drill will help you learn which of your players truly understands the game of football.
What you need – You can divide players into groups of 5 or 6 and have two pylons placed about 5 yards apart. The players line up, single file behind the first pylon. The first player steps out to the second pylon, with his back to everyone else.
How this drill works – The player alone at the first cone will have has back to the rest of the players to start the drill. The coach will give the ball to any one of the players left in the group of 5. When the whistle blows, the lone player must search through the other players to find the ball carrier and make the tackle. The players come out one at a time
The players coming out, that do not have the ball must ‘pop’ the linebacker at the other cone. The linebacker must shed that block and prepare to take on the next block, or to make the tackle if it is the ball carrier.
Watch for good stable technique when the player is shedding blocks (power stance, good stable core, and shoulders and knees lowered). Then, of course, good tackling technique is a must.
Result – This is a great drill to learn which of your defensive players has a head for the game of football. It can become an intense drill, especially with the older players, and you will see your best players rise above the rest in this drill.
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