LINEBACKER PASS COVERAGE TEACHING PROGRESSION & DRILLS BART BRUNER NELSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL (502) 905-0114 bart.bruner@nelson.kyschools.us

LEADERSHIP LBers are “Heart of the Defense” Confidence to Lead, Call Huddle, Make Checks, etc. Teach Leadership/Examples Give them Opportunities

VISION Most overlooked Skill Have a specific aiming point - “screws” Emphasize in every drill – Stand in Front Ask what they saw – Mental Challenge

FOOTWORK/AGILITY Stance: Grab grass – Coach constantly Keep your base – Don’t waste steps Bend your knees – Pad under pad

BLOW DELIVERY Attack blocker or receivers – What technique? Punch & Jam vs. receivers Eyes under his – Pads forward Work Angles – Get foot in ground before contact

READS/RESPONSIBILITIES What is my key? Where do I fit/What is my drop? What is my technique?

PLANNING PRACTICE What skills do I need? Drills to develop these skills Game reps vs. practice time ratio

RUN/PASS KEYS Pre-snap: Situation, tendencies, formation, lineman stance, etc. Specific Keys: Linemen/Backs Type of Pass: Where is my threat? Pressure: what changes?

ZONE COVERAGE Spot drop vs. Match up zone Define Receivers: 3-2-1 & who are they? Disrupt routes vs. get to zone Communication – Confidence - Help

DROP TECHNIQUE Transition to drop Aiming point – intersect your threat Collision – jam: Be Violent! Stretch zone

EYE PROGRESSION Must be drilled! ILB: 3-2-qb - OLB: 2-1-qb Call out & pass off crossers Clock is ticking – Look at the Ball

ALIGNMENT & KEYS Scheme, situation, personnel, etc. ILB: Depth, width, be careful! Key Guard to 1st threat: #3 OLB: Base Alignment vs. split #2: 2x1, key tackle to QB Pass key – eyes to jam 2 - 1

DRILL PROGRESSION Coverage, drops, alignment, etc. Intersect & jam drills: Mirror dodge Play the ball: attack ball side, strip, intercept

COVERAGE DRILL

JAM & INTERSECT DRILLS

ROUTE RECOGNITION

BALL DRILL

THANK YOU