The linebacker position is one of the most crucial and complex roles on the football field. Linebackers must be agile, quick, strong, and adept at reading an offense.

Therefore, having good football linebacker drills is essential in football programs at any level of play.

One great way to improve your team’s linebacker drills is by simplifying communication at practice. Coaches now use wearable technology in sports and advanced football play-calling systems like GoRout to enhance player performance and streamline practices.

These tools allow for real-time feedback, precise tracking of physical metrics, and seamless communication on the field.

It is crucial to understand the linebacker’s responsibilities and the specific skills they need before planning linebacker drills in your practice plans.

In this article, we will share 10 essential linebacker drills designed to improve footwork, tackling, coverage skills, and football IQ.

The Role of a Linebacker

A linebacker plays a crucial role on defense. They are responsible for defending both the run and the pass. Linebackers are positioned 3-5 yards behind the defensive line and must possess toughness, athleticism and a high football IQ. They relay play calls, take on blocks, play zone and man-to-man and also rush the passer. There are a few types of linebackers – the middle linebacker (Mike), strong side linebacker (Sam) and weakside linebacker (Will).

Six Skills Required for a Linebacker

While it’s true that a defensive football player needs to be big, strong, fast, and agile, six critical skills truly set apart good linebackers from great ones.

1. Tackling: Proficient in both form and open-field tackling, ensuring regular stops
2. Vision: Ability to read and react quickly to plays by understanding offensive formations and intentions
3. Leadership: Commanding presence on the field, able to relay play calls and adjustments to the defense
4. Athleticism: Combination of speed, strength, and agility to cover the field effectively
5. Coverage skills: Competence in both man-to-man and zone coverage, adapting to various passing situations
6. Pass rush ability: Capability to pressure the quarterback and get past blockers effectively

To acquire these skills, an athlete must practice repeated linebacker drills that improve conditioning, tackling and create strong overall players on the field. This football season, take the focus back to fundamentals with these key linebacker drills.

10 Key Football Linebacker Drills

An effective football practice plan develops player skills and techniques. Targeted football drills for linebackers build agility, strength and situational awareness. These drills address the core aspects of the position – from tackling and coverage to pass-rushing and pursuit angles.

Drill 1: Angle Drill

The angle drill trains linebackers to take correct pursuit angles and direction to cut off and tackle ball carriers. First, place cones to represent different points on the field. A coach or teammate simulates the ball carrier’s movement by running toward one of the cones. The linebacker starts from a designated position and sprints at an angle to intercept the ball carrier.

Benefits

1. Improves tackling efficiency
2. Enhances game awareness
3. Boosts speed

Tips

Start with a slow walkthrough using the correct technique, then gradually increase speed. Maintain a low center of gravity and keep your eyes on the ball carrier. Consistent practice develops instinctive reactions during games.

Drill 2: Backpedal and Shuffle Drill

Players start by backpedaling, then quickly transition, shuffle sideways, and finally break on the ball when signaled by the coach. This drill simulates linebackers’ movements in coverage situations – such as reacting to a pass or a pre-snap motion.

Benefits

1. Improves footwork
2. Increases agility
3. Boosts reaction time

Tips

Stay low for better balance and control. Emphasize smooth transitions between backpedaling and shuffling to avoid wasted movements. Encourage players to keep their eyes on the coach or the simulated ball to practice quick reaction times.

Drill 3: Shed Block and Tackle Drill

The shed block and tackle drill teaches how to shed blockers and attack the ball carrier. A linebacker first engages with a blocker and uses technique to shed the block and get to the ball carrier. 

Benefits

1. Block shedding
2. Improves tackling
3. Builds strength and technique

Tips

Focus on proper hand placement and leverage when shedding blocks. Players must use their hands actively to disengage from blockers quickly. Practice this drill at full speed to react swiftly and make form tackles at game speed.

Drill 4: Open Field Tackling Drill

These drills help linebackers make tackles in open space. Offensive players start from a set position and run toward a designated area while the linebacker works on closing the gap and tackling. This football linebacker drill encourages players to make solo tackles in space.

Benefits

1. More tackling confidence
2. Pursuit angles
3. Faster reaction speed

Tips

Players need proper tackling form. Keep the head up and wrap the ball carrier up securely. Linebackers anticipate movements and adjust their direction and angle accordingly. Practice the drill at game speed to improve confidence and technique.

Drill 5: Box Drill

The box drill creates more agility, speed and endurance in football. Set up four cones in a square to form a box. Players sprint from one cone to the next while shuffling and backpedaling in between. They follow a pattern. This drill shows the quick, multidirectional movements required during a game.

Benefits

1. Enhances agility
2. Improves cardiovascular fitness
3. Builds footwork precision

Tips

Stay low and use quick, controlled steps. Athletes should push themselves to move as fast as possible while keeping movements sharp and precise. Vary the pattern occasionally to keep the drill challenging. Incorporate short rest periods to mimic the stop-and-go nature of a real game.

Drill 6: Pursuit Drill

Train linebackers to take proper pursuit angles and increase closing speed to make down-field tackles. Players start from various positions on the field and sprint towards runners or a designated spot. This drill helps linebackers act quickly to chase down ball carriers from different angles.

Benefits

1. Improved pursuit direction
2. Speed and endurance
3. Team coordination

Tips

Linebackers keep their eyes on the ball carrier and adjust as necessary. A coach should target various starting points and angles. The drill focuses on closing speed and proper tackling upon reaching the ball carrier.

Drill 7: Reaction Ball Drill

The reaction ball drill uses an unpredictable bouncing ball. The linebacker stands ready, and a coach or partner throws the ball in different directions. The linebacker must react quickly by catching or batting the ball as it bounces.

Benefits

1. Reaction time
2. Hand-eye coordination
3. Focus and concentration

Tips

Begin with a slow pace and simpler throws before gradually increasing the complexity. Vary the speed, angle and height of throws. Maintain a balanced athletic stance and plant your feet throughout the drill for rapid responses in any direction.  Track the ball closely when it’s released to anticipate its trajectory.

Drill 8: Sled Drive Drill

The sled drive drill has a linebacker push a weighted sled over a specified distance or a set time. They push the sled from a low stance and drive explosively with their legs to keep powerful forward momentum.

Benefits

1. Football conditioning
2. Improved power output
3. Muscular endurance

Tips

It’s best to have a low and powerful stance throughout the push. Practice explosive leg drive and a steady pace for game-like conditions. Gradually increase the weight, distance, or time as players become more conditioned. Proper breathing techniques sustain energy output during long pushes.

Drill 9: Linebacker Blitz Drill

The linebacker blitz drill teaches linebackers how to rush the quarterback and disrupt the backfield. It practices different blitz techniques, timing the rush and executing it quickly and precisely. Create a field layout with markers or cones representing the offensive line and quarterback position. Linebackers start in their usual stance, positioned a few yards away from the line of scrimmage to rush the quarterback.

Benefits

1. Pass rush skills
2. Decision making
3. Game preparedness

Tips

Master different pass rush moves and techniques such as speed rushes, power rushes and delayed blitzes to keep offensive linemen guessing. Practice timing the snap count to anticipate the quarterback’s movements and gain a split-second advantage. Have proper footwork and body positioning to maintain balance and leverage throughout the rush. 

Drill 10: Linebacker Reads Drill

The linebacker reads drill focuses on reading and reacting to offensive plays. Create an area on the field with cones or markers as the line of scrimmage and the offensive backfield. Use additional players or coaches to simulate offensive formations and plays. Linebackers start in their usual positions and practice reacting based on pre-snap and post-snap reads.

Benefits

1. Formation recognition
2. Decision making
3. Instinct development

Tips

Use video study sessions where linebackers can familiarize themselves with the opponent and recognize common formations and plays. Key in on specific offensive players – such as the running back or tight end – to anticipate plays. Use a variety of offensive plays – including runs, play-action passes and screen plays.

How to Use GoRout in Football Practice

Sports coaching technology like the GoRout coach-to-player communication system helps football coaches streamline practices, enhance player skills and prepare teams for success on the field.

GoRout’s innovative system helps a coach input and organize plays and send them instantly to players’ devices. It eliminates the need for huddles and reduces miscommunication.

GoRout equipment is durable and easy to set up without requiring WiFi or complex configurations, making it an essential tool for the modern football coach.

Get a quote today.

Web scripting app

Our scripting web platform enhances organization with just a few clicks. It integrates seamlessly with any card drawing software, making it easy to add or edit scripts and cards. Coaches can copy or move plays from one half to another for well-structured practices.

Experience GoRout practice for an inside look at how our practice system prepares your team for game day.

Coaches mobile app

The on-field practice app utilizes GoRout STEEL technology to streamline information for quick and easy communication with players. Coaches can instantly snap and adjust formations on their phones, flag plays for review with a single touch and edit cards in real time using the finger drawing tool.

Player device

The GoRout football practice device endures difficult practice while offering real-time feedback and communication. Players receive detailed instructions and play calls directly to their devices for quicker alignment and more reps.

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Benefits of GoRout football practice solution

GoRout football practice solution stands out as the best football coaching gear available today by offering a range of benefits that enhance coaching and player performance.

• Developed by coaches for coaches: GoRout was created by experienced coaches who understand the challenges and needs of the profession so the system is practical and highly effective.
• Seamless integration: The system integrates effortlessly with play drawing tools, hand-drawn cards and other football coaches play card aids. It’s easy for coaches and players to transition and utilize the full suite of features.
• Increased efficiency: Teams using GoRout can increase their average reps by 3x. This frees up valuable practice time for additional coaching and gives players more opportunities for improvement.
• Durability: GoRout is built to perform reliably in all conditions – whether it’s extreme temperatures, humidity or precipitation. This durability means the system functions flawlessly during practice sessions.
• Comprehensive warranty: GoRout provides a 100% full-coverage warranty to give users confidence and peace of mind in its reliability, security and long-lasting performance.

GoRout Success Stories

GoRout testimonials from coaches nationwide highlight how the GoRout practice system has enhanced practices and contributed to winning games. These testimonials show how GoRout’s focus and innovative technology improve team performance.

Rochester High School

“GoRout has helped our program in so many ways. It’s easy to use for my coaches, and makes our offense go even faster in practice because the defense can line up much quicker. On defense, GoRout helps our scout offense double the reps we were getting, and helps them see the plays right there in front of them. GoRout has been a huge addition for our program.”

Indiana University

“GoRout has helped us practice more efficiently in many ways. Our process is very very efficient with this technology. It allows both our offense and defense to be able to get a lot more reps in, and our communication is extremely improved because of the GoRout system. We love it!”

Santa Ana Pop Warner

“Coaching at the youth level, reps are hard enough to come by with their short attention span. The GoRout system definitely kept their attention, and let us install our offense with quality reps at a faster pace.”

Final Words About Football Linebacker Drills

Mastering linebacker drills helps players stay agile, quick and skilled at making tackles. As sports trends evolve, so does a coach’s approach to training.

Tools like the GoRout football practice device allow coaches and players to simulate real-game scenarios through constant communication at practice. Teams use these innovations to receive instant feedback, refine their techniques, improve decision-making under pressure, and build endurance to dominate the field.

Get a quote from GoRout and improve your football technique while enhancing practices at any level of play.

FAQs About Football Linebacker Drills

How do you practice linebackers?

A linebacker must practice their tackling, coverage abilities, and ball skills. Training with linebacker drills helps a player perfect these skills.

How to train like a linebacker?

Train like a linebacker by strengthening your lower body, agility, speed, core and upper body. Drills and exercises teach players how to stand, maintain balance, hit hard and have good hands in coverage.

How to improve as a linebacker?

Linebackers improve by having a great cardio routine and proper strength training. Linebacker drills help teach players speed, agility and the ability to read opposing offenses. They also have to be able to run with the ball securely and catch in order to capitalize on turnover opportunities. 

What does it take to be a good linebacker?

A linebacker is a versatile football player. They are able to defend both the pass and the run. These players are captains of the defense; they have great vision, are excellent tacklers and display leadership qualities.