Perhaps no position on the football field is more physically imposing than that of linebacker. To have a solid defense, you must have linebackers who are physically aggressive and strong. They must be willing to put their body in front of blockers, ball carriers and receivers to stop the plan no matter what the risk to their own health. Linebackers have to set a tone for the defense and then follow through for the rest of the game.
Step 1
Find the running backs before the ball is snapped. Once the play is under way, your primary responsibility is to stop the run. You can do this by charging through the hole made by the blockers on the offensive line or running to the outside and cutting off the sweep. Either way, you must deliver a pounding hit with your shoulder pads to your opponent's midsection.
Step 2
Drive with your legs when tackling. For a linebacker to do his job well, he must bring the tackler to the ground with a forceful hit. If you have the chance, you want to strip the ball out of the running back or receiver's hands. The best linebackers deliver hard-hitting and punishing tackles. The idea is to let ball carriers know that they will pay a price when they get in the tackler's area.
Step 3
Rush the quarterback on pass plays when you are told to blitz. Do this by positioning yourself on the same side as the tight end. At the snap of the ball, dip your shoulder as low as you can so you get under his pads and can speed by him. Once you get even with him, use your inside arm in an upward motion to push off of him and get in the quarterback's face. Bring your arms straight up to interfere with his vision until you can reach him. Then tackle him with authority.
Step 4
Drop back into the passing lanes to deflect passes to the running back and tight end. Linebackers are not usually expected to run with the fastest wide receivers, but they are expected to handle the shorter pass routes. If you can't deflect or intercept the pass, you are expected to bring the runner down after he catches the ball.
Step 5
Watch as much film of the opposing offense as you can before the game. One of the keys to preparation is that you are in the right position before the snap of the ball. Watching film of your opponent--it's available for high school, college and pro teams--gives you a good idea of what to expect in the next game.
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