According to retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, "The linebacker's job is to knock out the player with the ball, to knock out the receiver, and to chase the ball." Linebackers are attack dogs on the field, tasked with protecting the defense for running and passing games. Due to his versatile role, a great linebacker must be fast, tough, intelligent and strong. Read on for these tips to help you get started on your path in life as a great linebacker.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Improving Your Technique
Step 1. Start regular vigorous exercise
Linebackers are expected to be able to quickly get to the quarterback, block passes, and stop running players. The linebacker must be fast enough to catch the receiver but also strong enough to tackle a player running at full speed. A lean and strong physique is the core on which a great linebacker's play is formed. If you haven't been exercising regularly, start today. The faster you can run and the harder you hit, the more effective you will be as a linebacker.
- Since linebackers need to quickly move from one defensive role to the next, a cardio routine is a must. Go jogging to build your endurance, but also make sure to run fast to build the speed you need to take down the fastest running players and receivers.
- Strength training is also important. Linebackers must be able to deal with large linemen when they have to run to bring the ball to the quarterback k. Strong legs, back and core will be invaluable - these muscle groups are the basis for strong rushing and tackling abilities. In addition, linebackers need fast and strong arms to fight linemen and pull off the ball they are carrying. Ray Lewis recommends a mix of bench presses, shrugs, squats, and bicep curls.
Step 2. Know your posture
The linebacker's first few seconds of movement can make or break a defensive play. Having good ready posture is required for quick and decisive action as soon as the ball is snapped.
- Linebacker using posture two points (two feet touching the ground) as opposed to the three or four point posture used by linemen (two feet plus one or two hands touching the ground, respectively). Linebackers play a very high mobility role – three- and four-point positions are excellent for linemen who want to dig and blast to other linemen, but not linebackers, who need to be ready to run.
- Keep the base or base wide. Your feet should be slightly wider than shoulder width apart, with your toes pointing inward. This wide, stable base will ensure you're balanced and prevent missteps.
- Bend your knees to return to your posture. Be sure to bend at your waist, not your back. Keep your chest large and puffed out. You can rest your arms lightly on your thighs or let them hang loose, but don't put your hands on your knees, as this encourages you to bend your back and also takes longer to move the first time you snap the ball (snap)..
Step 3. Practice your first step
A good linebacker keeps reading the strikers, but a good quarterback keeps reading You. The first few minutes of the game are very important. If you hesitate on your first move or point in the direction you're heading too early, smart attackers will be able to capitalize on your mistakes. Be sure to practice the first and most important steps you take for your posture. Your first step should be no more than fifteen inches. Make it in the direction the ball is moving. Use the first move as a stepping stone to push as you build speed for your game.
Step 4. Practice proper tackling technique
American football players shouldn't step foot on the field without understanding how to make a safe tackle. Poor form or movement when tackling can lead to a concussion or spinal cord injury that can lead to paralysis. Don't put yourself (or the ball carrier) at risk - know what you're doing. The tackle can be divided into three stages: approach, contact, and end. Each has its own technique to safely maximize your chances of dropping the ball carrier.
- Approach: Maintain a wide posture, keep your head up, and your eyes open. Watch your feet when you start a tackle..
- Contact: When you make contact with the ball carrier at the hips or below, push your arms up and around them. Hold the shirt. Pull the ball carrier toward you as you use your leg and core strength to bring it down.
- End: Keep your feet moving and keep your center of balance low. "Run through" the ball carrier as you continue to pull it down.
Step 5. Practice blocking the pass
Linebackers aren't just tumbling machines - they're often called upon to block receivers. Stand facing the quarterback and receiver, then practice intercepting and hitting under short passes. When the ball snaps, keep rolling backwards in a low position, keeping your shoulders forward and keeping an eye on the quarterback and receiver. When the receiver passes you, follow him, keeping your body between him and the ball. Stay tuned in the and under receiver - a meter or two from him, between the quarterback and him.
Part 2 of 3: Practice Defensive Skills
Step 1. Practice linebacker specific exercises
By practicing certain basic moves and strategies, the linebacker can begin to internalize his skills. Eventually, the successful linebacker will commit to muscle memory and he will be able to position himself to react to offensive threats with maximum speed and efficiency. If you train with a coach, they should be able to lead you through various exercises to maximize your linebacker's potential. Here are some great exercises for aspiring linebackers.
Step 2. Increase your reaction speed
This exercise increases your reaction speed and allows you to work on your first critical step. Get into a two-point posture, and have a friend or coach stand in front of you with the ball. When practice begins, the coach will move the ball left and right at irregular intervals. As the coach moves the ball, make the first fifteen-inch step in the direction of the ball's motion as quickly as possible, then return to your position. Your coach doesn't have to follow a pattern - anticipate the unexpected.
Step 3. Learn to play, read, and run
This exercise improves your ability to recognize and stop running players. Stand 5 meters from a friend who is a sprinter, facing him as he faces you. Position your body. Your friend simulates receiving a ball from above, then starts moving to one side (chosen at random). Follow him without shortening the distance too quickly. When he's moving slowly, stay in your posture and use a low, circular motion to move forward at him at a 45-degree angle. Keep your shoulders pointed forward. When he moves fast, run to his side. Always stay one step behind the runner - you don't want to fall behind him. Try to push him to the side.
Step 4. Learn to fill holes/positions while running
Similar to above. You need another linebacker to train with you. Useful for practicing games where you are required to quickly reach the quarterback or stop while running. Position yourself opposite a row of five equally spaced drums that will represent the attacking lineup (each linebacker must line up on either side of the center of the sack/drum.) The coach will stand behind this and simulate receiving the ball at snap (initial ball movement). He will then indicate movement on either side with the ball. If the ball moves to the right, the linebacker on the right will move forward to the right, outside the offensive line, while the linebacker on the right will fill the hole directly to the right of the center of the bag/drum. When the ball moves to the left, do the same.
Step 5. Keep your hand movement fast
The offensive lineman's job is to keep you from reaching the quarterback or ball carrier. To do this, they grab you, push you, and persecute you. Learn to hit their hand from you - if they can't push or hold you, you'll have a better chance of being around them. Stand at arm's length from your friend. Raise your arms in front of your chest with your elbows like a defensive boxer. Ask your friend to try to grip your chest again and again, gradually increasing the speed. Practice hitting, blocking, or hitting his hand.
Remember that if one of your punches doesn't hit him, you can try to release his grip with a "backhand" motion as you bring your arm back into the "ready" position
Step 6. Stay in the post
Almost every coach will tell you this. If the coach asks for a game where you line up on the right side of the ball and you see the ball moving to the left, don't cut and run to the left. Some attacking players will turn around tricking defenders to open attack "holes". If you leave your post, running back quickly will be able to take advantage of the hole you left a few meters open.
- When the ball crosses the imaginary line of the ball's starting position /line of scrimmage (or will), you can chase it straight away.
- Three games that could land the other team a touchdown if you don't stay in the post: Counter, boot, and reverse. These three play moves all involve a feint to one side followed by a "real" run the other way.
Step 7. Spend a lot of time in the field
The best way to become an expert at something is simply to get started. Fundamental, well-trained athletic movements are useless unless they can be applied to actual situations in the game. If you are already on a team, your coach should make American soccer practice an important part of your training schedule. Otherwise, play American football with your friends in the park.
- If you don't have enough people to play a full 11 versus 11, don't worry - you can hone your skills through "mini-football or mini-scrimmages." Just fill your team with as many people as you have. You could try pairing one defensive lineman and one safety against an attacker consisting of one quarterback, one lineman, and one receiver, for example.
- Often, practice games are not played at "full speed." That is, certain safety measures are taken to ensure no one is injured. For example, tackling may be done with less force or none at all. Remember, even linebacker Lawrence Taylor, considered one of the best linebackers of all time, occasionally misses games due to injury.
Part 3 of 3: Use Strategy for Defense Leadership
Step 1. Be the decision maker in the field
The linebacker is one of the most important, if not the most important, defensive or defensive positions. Generally, the center linebacker (sometimes called the "quarterback of the defense") receives the call from the coach and gives the call to defense on the field. Always "read" the attack so you can make defensive changes on the field. By being smart, calling and leading players, members of the defenders will respect and trust you.
Step 2. Lead by example – be the emotional core of the defense as well as the star player
Be a role model for all defensive players. Come to each practice early. Spend extra time in the weight room. Stay focused and positive. Your teammates will see it.
- Keep your spirits high. Keep your defenses focused and "pumped." It is easy at the start of the game, but difficult when fatigue sets in. Even when you're frustrated by your players, it's generally better to build your defense up than tear it down - there's plenty of time for criticism in the dressing room.
- Learn. Know the rules of defense inside and out, but also learn the attacking game. Watch movies from old matches with a coach or mentor. Talk to your coach about coming up with new game tactics. The better you understand soccer strategy, the better you will be able to lead your defense to victory.
Step 3. Listen to the coach
As a defense leader, you will be responsible for conveying the coach's instructions for defense on the pitch. Repeat what he said three or four times in your head. Know each game so you don't have to ask questions or fill in the gaps in your knowledge with improv. Be confident in your play, and if you see a line of attack that makes you think your defense will be ineffective, call out verbal commands on the pitch that can logically evade the threat of a new attack.
- One example of a defensive call: defenses line up in a 3-4 formation (three defensive linemen, four linebackers) in preparation for a blitz with both outside linebackers. Attackers in a trips formation (three receivers on one side of the field). The defense may be decided on the spot to change the z blit so that one of the center linebackers and the linebacker on the weak side (the linebacker lining up across as three receivers) flashes, while the other two linebackers do pass coverage or block the ball from being passed. This is to maintain flash pressure while directing the strong side linebacker to keep the receiver pressed.
- If you end up playing iron man football (playing offense and defense) and you've taken a few hard hits, you may reach a point where your memory is almost shot. Muscle memory becomes important at this point.
Step 4. Keep it rough, but sporty
Your team depends on you to play your best and to hit as hard as possible. However, stay sporty. Due to their violent and even violent nature, defenders sometimes identify with "angry." They increase and generate feelings of anger so they can be more enthusiastic about chasing and hitting the ball carrier. You can manipulate your own emotions for better results, but do so only at one point. Never lose your cool, even if attacking players attack you with their words or behavior.
Remember - if you mistreat an attacking player or hit him illegally, you can subject your team to a personal foul (15 meters and automatically gives first down or a new set down to the attacking team) and even being kicked out of the game. You will also set a terrible example for other defenders, who may see you as an example.
Step 5. Take care of yourself
A linebacker must be tough as nails, but when he is injured, he must seek the help he needs. Talk to your team's professional sports doctor if you have any unusual aches or pains. He or she can recommend a medication or exercise program to get you back into your fighting posture. Here are a few things that might be possible:
Step 6. * Apply ice to sore and/or injured points
Step 7. * Wear a cast, sling or other protective gear
Step 8. * Use crutches to keep pressure off the injured leg or leg
Step 9. * Do muscle massage
Step 10. * Start stretching or a special exercise program
Step 11. * See a doctor for other treatment options
Tips
- In the end, you will meet people who hit hard. Keep in mind if you hit him hard enough he won't be as interested in hitting you again so in fact the harder you hit him the less you'll get hurt.
- Be sporty. Help other team players who fell. Coaches and referees will soon find out. Also, it would be embarrassing to taunt an opposing player, then then their team comes back and beats you.
- Zone coverage is where the field is divided into sections and each player covers one section. The inner quarter is usually 15+ meters from the line. The plains are covered by the outer linebackers on one side and are about 5 meters deep. There are more but I can't remember it out of my head.
- Within the range of players, you will be given a player which is usually a number that is counted from right to left i.e. 1 can be wide receiver, two can be tied end, etc.
