Linebackers need to be able to move in a full 360 degrees to play both the run and pass. If they have a poor foundation and a poor start, they will be a step behind the running back or receiver.
In this article, we’ll show you how to optimize your linebacker’s stance and start.
Linebacker Stance
Feet
The most important part of every good linebacker stance is weight distribution. Linebackers should be in “hunt” mode, meaning their weight is on the balls of their feet, ready to move forward. Their first step should be ready to go 45 degrees downhill, or 90 degrees laterally. Linebackers should never take their first step backwards.
Moving backwards creates space. Space = speed for a running back. When a running back is at top speed, he’s hard to tackle, so we want to condense the space as much as possible.
The width of their base should be no wider than shoulder width. Too wide and you won’t be able to generate power. Too narrow and you’ll get toppled over by offensive linemen.
Hips
Every linebacker stance should be in an athletic stance, with a slight hip bend. If the linebacker stands too tall, their base will narrow.
If their hips are too low, then they will not be able to move at a 45-degree angle effectively. Every player is different in their hip bend and flexibility, which is why setting their feet is most important.
At the end of the day, you want your linebackers to be as comfortable as possible.
Chest
The linebacker’s chest should be over their knees. This will ensure that their weight is on the ball so their feet. If the chest is up, their weight will naturally be on their heels. This will cause a false step when the ball is snapped.
If you want to test it out for yourself, stand up right now, put all of the weight on your heels, and try to drive forward. You’ll take a step backward before you step forward, or you’ll need to rock your entire body forward to redistribute your weight.
Linebacker Start
Linebackers have two main starts: a 45-degree downhill start or a 90-degree start. There are benefits to both, depending on the structure of the defense.
A 45-degree start is great for those defenses that have single-gap fits. This means that when the ball is run toward the gap the linebacker is responsible for, they should step toward that gap to plug it.
This step allows them to close their gap and stop the running back for minimal gain. If they just bounce in place and do nothing for too long, the linemen will climb up and block them. This is how holes form for the running back to hit at full speed.
A 90-degree start is typical for linebackers who play in an odd-structure defense and need to get a read on the running back before they commit to their gap. Most odd structure fronts rely on the linebacker to take a small shuffle step sideways before they commit to their gaps.
This step is great for timing and being able to scrape over offensive linemen who block gap scheme runs. The footwork is all dependent on your scheme and how you want to attack your gaps.
Inside our membership vIQtory Pro, you’ll find exact instructions and tutorials on how to turn average linebackers into run-stopping and pass-rushing forces that disrupt offense.
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