Coaching Defensive Football Successfully - Vol. 3linebackers PDF

Coaching
Defensive Football
Successfully:
Vol. 3—Linebackers
Denny M. Burdine
©2011 Coaches Choice. All rights reserved. Printed in the United
States.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,

or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission
of Coaches Choice. Throughout this book, the masculine shall be
deemed to include the feminine and vice versa.
ISBN: 978-1-60679-124-0
Library of Congress Control Number: 2010932615
Cover design: Brenden Murphy
Book layout: Studio J Art & Design
Front cover photo: ©Chris Szagola/Cal Sport Media
Coaches Choice
P.O. Box 1828
Monterey, CA 93942
www.coacheschoice.com
Dedication
To my wife, Judy; thanks for being the perfect football coach’s wife.
To my mother for giving me the thirst for knowledge and my dad for
teaching me that a man’s work ethic makes all the difference. Thanks
to Don Hubbard, my high school football coach, for introducing me
to the great game of football.
Acknowledgments
Only a retired coach could have the passion to write such an in depth
book about defensive football. When I decided to spend the time to
write down my knowledge of defensive football in book format, I
tried to account for every detail. The seven volumes of Coaching
Defensive Football Successfully, are the result of thousands of hours
of creating images, animation, and written information.
As I began to write, I quickly realized that what I know is a result

of the hard work of others. I have spent my entire coaching career
feeding off of the knowledge of other coaches. I applied what I saw
others doing and modified it to suit my own situation. There are some
great innovators in the game of football and their creations never
remain a secret. Of course, from trial and error, I also developed my
own defensive philosophy; however, I have invented nothing as it
applies to defensive football. During my coaching career everyone
that I came in contact with left an impression. As a coach moves
through his coaching career it becomes very difficult to remember
from whom his coaching knowledge was gained. I have taken no
shortcuts in my efforts to honor those coaches who have had a
profound influence on me.
As for me, I can quickly account for my knowledge of defensive

football. It comes from three coaches.
My journey in football began with my high school coach, Don

Hubbard. From him I learned in practice what the phrase, “Run it
again!” meant. He was a die-hard for simplicity and fundamentals.
We would run the same play over and over again until he was
satisfied that it could be successful in a game situation. According to
him, there was no need in have multiple plays if you could not run
the basic plays correctly. He also showed me how important winning
state championships was to the school and community, and most
importantly, how it had an everlasting impact on the players. Much of
my confidence in life was because of his influence on me and a belief
that failure is not an option.
From John Thompson, former defensive coordinator at the

University of Arkansas, I learned just about everything that I know
about defensive football. Much of the defensive scheme found in this
book came from Coach Thompson’s ideas. The stack scheme with
two-deep coverage was the foundation of my football knowledge.
Coach Thompson’s numbered blitz scheme, along with prowling and
movement, taught me that modern day defensive football can be very
unconventional, but very successful. I firmly believe that Coach
Thompson is one of the best defensive minds that ever coached the
game.
Special thanks to Richard Martin, who was my pipeline for

defensive football information. He passed away at an early age, but
he lived a full life for a football coach. Coach Martin had a great deal
of passion for defense. He would be so intense about discussing new
defensive ideas that you too would become enthusiastic.
Finally, to the players that I coached, thanks for the knowledge

that I gained from your efforts. It was through your blood, sweat, and
pain that I was able to experiment with various defensive schemes. I
can only hope that I gave back all that I received.
Preface
Coaching Defensive Football Successfully consists of seven volumes

that will help all coaches become better defensive coaches. It is for
the young coach who is searching for a defensive package. It is also
for the experienced coach who may be looking for new defensive
ideas.
The following seven volumes are found in Coaching Defensive

Football Successfully:
• Vol. 1—Philosophy and Fronts

• Vol. 2—Down Linemen
• Vol. 3—Linebackers
• Vol. 4—Secondary and Coverages
• Vol. 5—Blitz Package
• Vol. 6—Defending Offensive Schemes
• Vol. 7—Blocking and Returning Punts
The diagrammed plays found in most all books written about

football use X’s and O’s to represent players. Coaching Defensive
Football Successfully replaces the traditional X’s and O’s with drawn
images of players to give the reader a more realistic view of
diagrammed plays. Each book also includes a companion CD-ROM.
The CDROM presents an animated PowerPoint® version of the play
diagrams found in each book. By simply clicking a mouse, the reader
can use a slide show presentation to see the diagrammed plays come
to life as players move to defensive positioning. By using this
sequence, the reader will acquire an in-depth understanding of each
book.
A football coach must have a desire to acquire as much football

knowledge as possible. Throughout his coaching career, he will
always search for football information. He will buy books and videos
and visit high school and college coaches, but the truth is, though,
that no matter what he is searching for, he will get only bits and
pieces of information. The worst feeling in the world is to see new
defensive ideas, but have no way of learning the fine points.
Coaching Defensive Football Successfully was written to give
complete, detailed information from a coach’s viewpoint.
Sometimes coaches work so hard using the same ideas that they
become stale, much like a man with a dull saw. He is working hard,
but is making very little progress. There comes a time when football
coaches need to stop and sharpen their saws. A sharpened saw makes
the job easier and more efficient. This defensive package will help to
sharpen your defensive tools and make you a better football coach.
Each year, high school coaches see offenses that range from the
Dead-T to the Spread, so coaches must have a package that is able to
adapt to everything. Coaching Defensive Football Successfully
provides a defensive package that allows you to make adjustments for
all offensive schemes. It incorporates the Miami package, the 4-3
front, and all its adjustments. The Oklahoma package is the under 5-2
and all its adjustments. The Arizona package is made up of the 3-2,
3-3, 5-1, and the two-man fronts and all the adjustments from each.
Secondary coverages are man-to-man, zone, and combination man
and zone. Stemming, prowling, and movement are used extensively.
Line stunts range from the simple one-man stunts to the complex
four-man stunts. Finally, the blitz system involves using numbered
blitzes and zone blitzes that are limited only by your imagination.
The defensive package described in this series is a proven

defensive package. This package has won championships and
produced major college players and NFL players.
If you are a new coach looking for defensive information, you
will find it in this series. If you are a coach who already has a
defensive scheme, you will gain information to build on what you
already know.
Introduction
Congratulations for having chosen one of the most honorable

professions known to man. The title “Coach” should be worn
proudly, on and off the field. Your career choice of coaching also
brings with it the title of teacher. To be given the ability and
opportunity to teach others is a very honorable calling. As a football
coach, you do much more than just coach and teach. You lead, you
inspire, and you help to mold the lives of all those with whom you
come in contact. The role of coach gives you the opportunity to teach
character, discipline, leadership, and work ethics to your players.
Knowing the impact you have on the lives of others is very sobering.
Even on the bad days, be proud to tell people that you are a coach and
a teacher. However, if you plan to continue to influence the lives of
others, you must be able to win in the coaching profession.
Unemployed coaches have very little impact on the lives of others.
Being successful is a top priority.
Football is the greatest game that God ever allowed man to play.
It is almost as if God said, “Let there be football so that all the young
boys who play it can grow to become men, and all the men who
coach it can always be boys.”
Football coaches can be divided into three categories. The first

type of coach is the “fundamentalist.” He is very conservative in his
thinking. He does not wear Tommy Hilfiger® shirts or Calvin Klein®
pants. He does not brag about how much football he knows; he
simply believes that in order to win, you must be fundamentally
sound. He believes that blocking and tackling win football games.
After all, Vince Lombardi said it, so it must be true. The
fundamentalist works hard each day teaching basics. His team blocks
and tackles and blocks and tackles. He has no interest in the spread
offense or the zone blitz defense; he keeps everything simple.
When he walks off the field after each game, he cannot

understand how he lost the game; after all, he worked fundamentals
each day. A coach that is solely a fundamentalist is a dinosaur, and he
is destined for extinction.
The second type of coach is the “theorist.” He is very liberal in

his thinking and wears the Tommy Hilfiger shirts and the Calvin
Klein pants. He has a swagger in his walk, and he cannot end a
conversation without letting one know how smart he is about the
game of football. He spends all his time scheming how he can beat
his opponents by outsmarting them. He believes that he wins the
game on the chalkboard. His offensive scheme is very complex with
formations, plays, and horizontal and vertical stretches. His defensive
scheme is very complex with multiple fronts and coverages. He
spends more time in practice working on alignments than he does
working on fundamentals. Because he coaches a passive brand of
football, his teams have a tendency to be soft when it comes to
blocking and tackling.
When he walks off the field after each game, he cannot

understand how he lost the game; after all, he is smarter than his
opponents. This type of coach is not a dinosaur, but he also is
destined for failure.
The third type of coach is the coach who understands that you
win with fundamentals and modern-day offensive and defensive
schemes. He is called the “theo-fundamentalist.” He teaches
fundamentals, but he also looks to gain the advantage by match-ups
and alignments. His team works fundamentals each day from a
scheme that gives them the best advantage to block and tackle. He
understands that offensively a team must be multiple and stretch the
defense both horizontally and vertically. He believes that a team must
also be very multiple on defense and must use movement, blitzes, and
multiple coverages to confuse and attack the offense. This type of
coach has a great chance to be successful.
Each coach must develop a sound football philosophy. A

defensive coach should have the philosophy that you play defense
first, have a sound kicking game, and employ an offense that is
exciting and moves the ball. The great coach Paul “Bear” Bryant
once said, “Offense sells tickets, and defense wins championships.”
Nothing of greater truth has ever been said about the game of
football. Defense comes first!
A good defensive package is one that allows the defenders to play

in their natural state. The natural state for a defensive player is
running to the ball and making tackles. All defensive schemes must
allow the players to play in this manner. A coach must develop a
defensive package that best allows this type of defense to occur. The
natural state for a defender is to read and react while on the run,
which means being aggressive when coming off the ball, attacking
blockers, and pursuing the ballcarrier. To use this type of play against
modern offenses, you must be multiple in your fronts and coverages.
You must stunt, blitz, prowl, stem, and move both the fronts and
coverages, thereby confusing the offense through disguises and
illusions.
Most coaches will tell you that offense is assignment football,

and defensive is reaction football. This saying may be true to a
certain extent, but a defense must be a dictating type of defense, not
just a reacting defense. Strike first and strike hard! Place pressure on
the offense and let them react to what you are doing on defense. Be
simple enough to keep your players from being confused but complex
enough to attack and confuse all offensive schemes.
When you think of defensive personnel, you must have a certain

type of player in mind. You must look for players with great heart and
aggressive personalities, who swarm to the ball. You do not want the
“milk drinkers and cookie eaters” on your side of the ball. Instead,
find the tough guys who will run to the ball and arrive in a very bad
mood!
Football at any level from high school to the professional ranks is

simply a good old-fashioned dogfight. Because it is a dogfight, you
must bite the other dog harder and more often than he bites you.
Show good sportsmanship but be aggressive. As the Mexicans
proclaimed at the Battle of the Alamo, “De Quello,” which basically
means, “Have no mercy and take no prisoners.”
Placing your personnel in the proper positions is very important.

Coaches must spend many hours in personnel meetings in order to
get the best combination. The following ideas should be used when
placing personnel into the proper positions:
• Corners are a must! Corners must be able to play man-to-man on

an island. They must have good speed and jumping ability. The
old cowboys out West used to say, “No hoof, no horse”; well in
defensive football you can say, “No corners, no defense.” When
your corners can play on an island, your defensive scheme can
become more complex and very dangerous to the offense. You
must find your corners first.
• Safeties must be able to cover like corners and tackle like

linebackers. They must be able to play in the box and also cover
on an island. Safeties are your next priority after you have found
the corners.
• Linebackers are the heart of the defense. They must be able to

attack blockers, run to the ball, and tackle in the open field. They
must be able to play both the pass and the run. Linebackers are a
priority after you find corners and safeties.
• Linemen must be able to control the line of scrimmage. They are

the “grunts,” fighting it out in the trenches. They must defeat
blockers and run to the ball. Most importantly, they must be able
to rush the quarterback. Defensive ends must be a priority after
you have found the secondary and linebackers. Defensive noses
and tackles are the last, but not least, to be found.
Linebacker Basics
The heart of any defensive football team is the linebacker unit. They
must be team leaders. They must be smart, aggressive, good tacklers,
and real headhunters. They must be able to play both run and pass
defense. Today’s linebackers must possess speed to cover offensive
receivers and be physical enough to take on the big offensive
linemen.
This defensive scheme employs three linebackers—Mike, Sam,

and Will. Mike and Sam always align to the declared side, and Will
always aligns away from the declared side. It is important that each
linebacker is able to play all linebacker positions, which gives each
linebacker a better understanding of the total defensive scheme and
also creates depth at the linebacker positions.
Gaps of assignment for linebackers are the same as those used for
down linemen. Gaps of assignment tell the linebackers the area that
they are responsible for once the ball is snapped. After the defender
secures his gap of responsibility, he is then free to pursue the ball,
using the best possible angle of pursuit. Also, the “clear and cloudy
rule” comes into play. If the defender’s gap of responsibility is
cloudy, meaning that blockers or defenders have clogged up the gap,
he may pursue through the next clear gap in the angle of pursuit.
Gaps are landmarked by using letters (Figures 1-1 and
1-2).
Figure 1-1. Gaps of assignment
Gaps Areas of Responsibility
A gaps Gaps head-up the center to head-up the guards.
B gaps Gaps head-up the guards to head-up the tackles.
C gaps Gaps head-up the tackles to head-up the tight ends.
Edge Gaps head-up the tight ends to three yards outside the tight ends.
Contain The area from three yards outside the tight ends to the sideline.
Figure 1-2. Areas of responsibility
Alignment techniques are number locations labeled on offensive

linemen that tell the defensive personnel where to align (Figures 1-3
and 1-4). The alignment techniques for linebackers are the same as
down linemen but a 0 is added when aligning off-the-line of
scrimmage.
Figure 1-3. Numbering techniques
Technique Alignment
00 The linebacker aligns head-up the center with his heels at five yards
technique off the line of scrimmage.
OH The linebacker aligns with his inside foot on the outside foot of the
technique center, with his heels at five yards off the line of scrimmage.
10 The linebacker aligns with his outside foot on the inside foot of the
technique guard, with his heels at five yards off the line of scrimmage.
30 The linebacker aligns with his inside foot on the outside foot of the
technique guard, with his heels at five yards off the line of scrimmage.
technique tackle, with his heels at five yards off the line of scrimmage.
70 The linebacker aligns with his outside foot on the inside foot of the
technique tight end, with his heels at five yards off the line of scrimmage.
technique tight end, with his heels at five yards off the line of scrimmage.
80 The linebacker aligns four yards outside a normal tight end alignment,
technique with his heels at four yards off the line of scrimmage.
The linebacker aligns in a tilted stance, facing inside, at a 45-degree
9
technique angle to the line of scrimmage. His outside foot is up and inside foot is
back. His outside foot is one yard outside the tight end’s outside foot.
He is aligned slightly off the line of scrimmage.
Figure 1-4. Alignment techniques
Techniques for Specific Linebackers

Specific linebackers must be able to align and play from specific
techniques, as noted in the following lists.
Sam Mike Will

• 50 technique • 00 technique • 10 technique
• 70 technique • OH technique • 30 technique
• 9 technique • 9 technique
Linebacker Stance, Alignment, and

Initial Movement
A linebacker must begin each play in a stance that allows him to read
keys and move to the ball in any direction.
Stance
• Linebackers align in a two-point stance.

• The feet are at armpits-width.
• The toes are pointed straight ahead and parallel.
• The bodyweight is on the balls of the feet, but the heels should not
be off the ground.
• The knees are slightly bent.
• The chest is up and spread with the shoulders over the toes.
• The head is up.
• The eyes are on the read key.
• The arms are dangling freely outside the knees.
Alignment
• Linebackers align with their heels at five yards deep off the line of
scrimmage.
• When mug calls are used, linebackers align with their toes at the
heel level of the defensive linemen. The techniques for mugging
are discussed in Chapter 7.
Initial Movement
• The first step is with the foot in the direction of back key and under
key movement.
• The first step is a quick and short step (a six-inch jab step).
• This step is toward the line of scrimmage, either directly or at a 45-
degree angle.
• When moving to attack blockers, linebackers must always run on
upfield tilts.
• Linebackers keep their shoulders square to the line of scrimmage
and play with a bend in their knees.
Attack Techniques
Hand Shiver
• The hand shiver is used against all blocks except the isolation (the
ballcarrier is directly behind the blocker).
• The defender drives the palms and heels of his hands into the top of
the numbers of the offensive blocker.
• His fingers are up with his thumbs inside.
• On contact, he locks his elbows and bench-presses the blocker.
• He keeps his feet and legs away from the offensive blocker by
having fast feet.
• Once he determines the best angle to the ball, he releases off the
blocker and pursues the football.
Forearm Shiver
• The defender uses his forearm only when attacking isolation plays,
when the ballcarrier is behind the blocker.
• His elbow is at 90 degrees with his fist clinched.
• As the linebacker steps into the blocker, he explodes with a forearm
lifting motion.
• The pursuit-side hand attacks the shoulder pad of the blocker and is
used to control the block. To release, he pushes with his pursuit-
side hand and rips or swims to get into a proper pursuit angle.
Reverse or Wrong Shoulder
• The defender uses a forearm shiver technique, but he attacks the

inside hip of the blocker with his outside forearm.
• This technique enables the defender to spill the ball to the outside.
• This technique also enables the defender to make the ballcarrier turn
his shoulders perpendicular to the line of scrimmage.
Rip
• The defender executes the rip technique by pushing with his

pursuit-side hand and ripping across the blocker with his backside
hand using an upper-cut motion.
• He pushes hard with his pursuit-side hand and releases off the
blocker.
Dip and Rip
• As the linebacker sees counter flow or down block, he attacks the

blocker by ripping his backside arm through with an upper-cut
movement.
• He dips his backside shoulder and turns his shoulders quickly.
• He must create a small blocking surface and quickly resquares his
shoulders to the line of scrimmage.
• He always works back toward the line of scrimmage and to the next
level.
Release From the Blocker

Once the defender has neutralized the blocker by bench-pressing him,
he must decide the type of release technique that he will use.
Swim Technique
The swim technique is a very common type of release. As the

defender separates and finds the ball, he must release to the proper
angle of pursuit. The defender pushes hard with his pursuit-side hand
into the shoulder of the blocker. The defender then swims his
backside arm over the blocker’s head, as he pushes off the blocker.
He stays as small as possible when swimming over the blocker.
Rip Technique
The rip technique has become more and more popular in recent years.
The defender bench-presses and separates until he finds the best
angle of pursuit. He pushes hard with the pursuit-side hand into the
shoulder of the blocker. He then rips the offside hand and arm across
and up into the armpit of the blocker, and then separates from the
blocker.
Clear and Cloudy Rule

Linebackers always use their “clear and cloudy” rule, which means
that, as a linebacker moves to his gap of responsibility, if it is clear,
he attacks the gap. If it is cloudy (players clogged in the gap), he
moves to the next clear gap in the direction of flow.
Alignment Techniques
00 Technique
Alignment: The linebacker aligns head-up the offensive center. His
heels are five yards off the ball, as shown in Figure 2-1.
Stance: He aligns in a two-point stance with his feet at armpits-width,

and a slight bend at his knees and his hips. His toes are straight
ahead. His chest is spread with his arms dangling outside his knees.
His eyes are focused on his read key.
Back Key: Fullback
Under Key: Center

Responsibility: Depending on the defensive front, usually he will
have both B gaps.
Figure 2-1. 00 technique
OH Technique
Alignment: An OH technique can be on either side of the center. The
defender places his inside foot on the outside foot of the center with
his heels at five yards off the ball, as shown in Figure 2-2.

Back Key: Fullback
Under Key: Center and guard
Responsibility: A gap
Figure 2-2. OH technique
10 Technique
Alignment: The linebacker aligns with his outside foot on the guard’s
inside foot. His heels are at five yards off the ball, as shown in Figure
2-3.

Back Key: Fullback
Under Key: Guard and center
Responsibility: A gap
30 Technique
Alignment: The linebacker aligns with his inside foot on the guard’s
outside foot. His heels are five yards off the ball, as shown in Figure
2-4.

ahead. His chest is spread with his arms dangling outside the knees.
Back Key: Fullback
Under Key: Guard
Responsibility: B gap
50 Technique
Alignment: The linebacker aligns with his inside foot on the tackle’s
outside foot. His heels are five yards off the ball, as shown in Figure
2-5.

Back Key: Fullback or tailback, depending on the defensive front
Under Key: Tackle
Responsibility: C gap
70 Technique
Alignment: The linebacker aligns with his outside foot on the tight
end’s inside foot. His heels are five yards off the ball, as shown in
Figure 2-6.

Back Key: Fullback or near back
Under Key: Tackle
Responsibility: C gap
90 Technique
Alignment: The linebacker aligns with his inside foot on the tight
end’s outside foot. His heels are five yards off the ball, as shown in
Figure 2-7.

Back Key: Tailback
Under Key: Tight end
Responsibility: Edge
80 Technique
Alignment: The linebacker aligns four yards by four yards off of a
normal tight end alignment, as shown in Figure 2-8.

Back Key: Quarterback to near back
Under Key: Tight end or the end man on the line of scrimmage
Responsibility: Edge or contain, depending on the coverage called

9 Technique
Alignment: The linebacker aligns in a tilted stance, facing inside at a
45-degree angle to the line of scrimmage. His outside foot is forward
and his inside foot is back. He aligns his outside foot one yard outside
of the tight end’s outside foot. He aligns slightly off the line of
scrimmage as shown in Figure 2-9.

and a slight bend at his knees and his hips. His toes are tilted to the
inside. His chest is spread with his arms dangling outside his knees.
Back Key: Quarterback to near back
Under Key: Tight end
Responsibility: Edge
Linebacker Back Key Reads
Linebackers must learn to read two types of keys in order to diagnose

offensive plays. These keys allow the linebackers to know their gaps
of responsibility. For off-the-line alignments, the linebackers read
backs first and under keys second. For on-the-line alignments, the
linebackers must read under keys first and backs second. After much
practice, the linebackers are able to read back keys and see under
keys at the same time.
When reading backs, the linebackers must identify the offensive-

backfield set. Will linebacker calls out the backfield set by declaring
how many backs are in the backfield and how they are aligned, which
is done as the defense aligns against the offense. For example, if Will
is identifying a backfield against an I backfield, he would yell out,
“Two back I! Two back I!” This call would inform the entire defense
that the offense was in a two-backfield set and they were aligned in
an I alignment.
Each linebacker is assigned a back in the backfield as his primary
key. Sam and Will have very easy keys to identify. Mike must
sometimes use a technique known as “spot keying,” which means
that two backs exist who can quickly attack his gap of responsibility.
When this situation occurs, Mike must attempt to see both keys, but
focus on a spot in the backfield that is located between both backs,
which allows Mike to see the flow of both backs in order to know his
area of responsibility. An example of spot keying would be when the
offensive backfield aligns in an offset I. Mike would key both the
fullback and tailback.
MIAMI PACKAGE
Stack-OH
Note: Down-OH back keys for linebackers are basically the same as
stack-OH for Mike and Will. Because Sam is aligned in a 9 technique
in down-OH, he uses his under key reads instead of back key reads.
Two-Back I (Figures 3-1 and 3-2) Two-back I is a two-back set

with the fullback and tailback aligned directly behind the
quarterback.
Figure 3-1. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back I backfield
Position Key Key To Key Away
Sam Tailback Edge Strong A gap while reading offside guard
Mike Fullback Strong A gap Weak B gap while reading offside guard
Will Tailback Edge Weak B gap while reading offside guard
Figure 3-2. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back I backfield
Two-Back Stud (Figures 3-3 and 3-4)
Two-back stud is a two-back set with the tailback aligned behind the
quarterback and a fullback aligned in an offset between the strongside
guard and tackle.
Figure 3-3. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back stud backfield
Strong A gap while reading offside

Sam Fullback Edge
guard
Strong A
Mike Fullback/tailback Weak B gap while reading offside guard
gap
Figure 3-4. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back stud backfield
Two-Back Polio (Figures 3-5 and 3-6)
Two-back polio is a two-back set with the tailback aligned behind the
quarterback and a fullback aligned in an offset between the weakside
guard and tackle.
Figure 3-5. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back polio backfield
Mike Tailback Strong A gap Weak B gap while reading offside guard
Will Fullback Edge Weak B gap while reading offside guard
Figure 3-6. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back polio backfield
Two-Back Heavy (Figures 3-7 and 3-8)
Two-back heavy is a two-back set with the fullback aligned behind

the quarterback and a halfback aligned in an offset between the
strongside guard and tackle.
Figure 3-7. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back heavy backfield

Sam Halfback Edge
guard
Strong A Weak B gap while reading offside

Mike Fullback/halfback
gap guard
Weak B gap while reading offside

Will Halfback Edge
guard
Figure 3-8. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back heavy backfield
Two-Back Lite (Figures 3-9 and 3-10)
Two-back lite is a two-back set with the fullback aligned behind the
quarterback and a halfback aligned in an offset between the weakside
guard and tackle.
Figure 3-9. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back lite backfield
Sam Halfback Edge Strong A gap while reading offside guard
Will Halfback Edge Weak B gap while reading offside guard
Figure 3-10. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back lite backfield
Two-Back Split (Figures 3-11 and 3-12)
Two-back split is a two-back set with the fullback aligned between

the strongside guard and tackle. The halfback is aligned between the
weakside guard and tackle.
Figure 3-11. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back split backfield
Sam Fullback Edge Strong A gap while reading offside guard
Figure 3-12. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back split backfield
Three-Back Bone or T (Figures 3-13 and 3-14)
Three-back bone or T is a three-back set with the fullback aligned

directly behind the quarterback and the halfbacks aligned between the
guards and tackles.
Figure 3-13. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a three-back bone or
T backfield
Figure 3-14. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus three-back bone or T
backfield
Three-Back Stud (Figures 3-15 and 3-16)
Three-back stud is a three-back set with the fullback and tailback

aligned directly behind the quarterback. The halfback is aligned
between the strongside guard and tackle.
Figure 3-15. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a three-back stud backfield

Sam Halfback Edge
guard

gap guard

Will Tailback Edge
guard
Figure 3-16. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a three-back stud
backfield
Three-Back Polio (Figures 3-17 and 3-18)
Three-back polio is a three-back set with the fullback and tailback

between the weakside guard and tackle.
Figure 3-17. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a three-back polio backfield
Figure 3-18. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a three-back polio
backfield
One-Back I (Figures 3-19 and 3-20)
One-back I is a one-back set with the tailback aligned directly behind

the quarterback.
Figure 3-19. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a one-back I backfield
Figure 3-20. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a one-back I backfield
One-Back F (Figures 3-21 and 3-22)
One-back F is a one-back set with the fullback aligned behind the

quarterback.
Figure 3-21. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a one-back F backfield
Sam Fullback Edge Strong A gap while reading offside guard
Figure 3-22. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a one-back F backfield
Gun One-Back I (Figures 3-23 and 3-24)
Gun one-back I is a one-back set with the quarterback aligned in a

shotgun alignment and the tailback aligned behind the quarterback.
Figure 3-23. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a gun one-back I backfield
Figure 3-24. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back I
backfield
Gun One-Back Stud (Figures 3-25 and 3-26)
Gun one-back stud is a one-back set with the quarterback aligned in a

shotgun alignment and the halfback aligned in a strong offset beside
the quarterback.
Figure 3-25. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a gun one-back stud backfield
Mike Halfback Strong A gap Weak B gap while reading offside guard
Figure 3-26. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back stud
backfield
Gun One-Back Polio (Figures 3-27 and 3-28)
Gun one-back polio is a one-back set with the quarterback aligned in

a shotgun alignment and the halfback aligned in a weak offset beside
the quarterback.
Figure 3-27. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a gun one-back polio backfield
Figure 3-28. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back polio
backfield
Gun Two-Back Split (Figures 3-29 and 3-30)
Gun two-back split is a two-back set with the quarterback aligned in a

shotgun alignment and the halfback and tailback aligned in a split
alignment beside the quarterback.
Figure 3-29. Stack-OH linebacker keys versus a gun two-back split backfield
Figure 3-30. Stack-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun two-back split
backfield
Wide-OH
Wide-OH back keys for linebackers are basically the same as stack-
OH for Mike and Will. Because Sam is aligned in a 70 technique, he
now keys the fullback instead of the tailback.
Two-Back I (Figures 3-31 and 3-32)

Two-back I is a two-back set with the fullback and tailback aligned
directly behind the quarterback.
Figure 3-31. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back I backfield
Sam Fullback C gap Strong A gap while reading offside guard
Figure 3-32. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back I backfield
guard and tackle.
Figure 3-33. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back stud backfield

Sam Fullback C gap
guard
Strong A
Mike Fullback/tailback Weak B gap while reading offside guard
gap
Figure 3-34. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back stud backfield
Two-back polio is a two back set with the tailback aligned behind the
quarterback and a fullback aligned in an offset between the weakside
guard and tackle.
Figure 3-35. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back polio backfield
Sam Tailback C gap Strong A gap while reading offside guard
Figure 3-36. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back polio backfield

Figure 3-37. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back heavy backfield

Sam Halfback C gap
guard

gap guard

Will Halfback Edge
guard
Figure 3-38. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back heavy
backfield
guard and tackle.
Figure 3-39. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back lite backfield
Sam Halfback C gap Strong A gap while reading offside guard
Figure 3-40. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back lite backfield

Figure 3-41. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back split backfield
Figure 3-42. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back split backfield

guards and tackles.
Figure 3-43. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a three-back bone or
T backfield
Figure 3-44. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a three-back bone or T
backfield

Figure 3-45. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a three-back stud backfield

Sam Halfback C gap
guard

gap guard

Will Tailback Edge
guard
Figure 3-46. Wide-OH Linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a three-back stud
backfield

Figure 3-47. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a three-back polio backfield
Figure 3-48. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a three-back polio
backfield

the quarterback.
Figure 3-49. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a one-back I backfield
Figure 3-50. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a one-back I backfield

quarterback.
Figure 3-51. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a one-back F backfield
Figure 3-52. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a one-back F backfield

shotgun alignment and the tailback aligned behind the quarterback in
an I alignment.
Figure 3-53. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a gun one-back
I backfield
Figure 3-54. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back I backfield

the quarterback.
Figure 3-55. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a gun one-back stud backfield
Figure 3-56. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back stud
backfield

the quarterback.
Figure 3-57. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a gun one-back polio backfield
Figure 3-58. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back polio
backfield

Figure 3-59. Wide-OH linebacker keys versus a gun two-back split backfield
Figure 3-60. Wide-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun two-back split
backfield
OKLAHOMA PACKAGE
Under-OH
Under-OH back keys change in the Oklahoma package. Mike and
Will key the fullback. Because Sam is aligned in a 9 technique, he
uses his triangle read keys. Triangle reads mean that Sam reads his
under key first (the tight end), his back keys second (near back), and
the quarterback third. On running plays away, Sam turns his
shoulders perpendicular to the line of scrimmage and drops on a five-
yard fence, while he reads the offside guard for counter flow.
Note: Linebacker back key reads from all other under defenses are
basically the same as under-OH.
Two-Back I (Figures 3-61 and 3-62)
Two-back I is a two-back set with the fullback and tailback aligned

directly behind the quarterback.
Figure 3-61. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back I backfield
Sam Triangle Edge Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Mike Fullback B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Will Fullback B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Figure 3-62. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back I backfield
guard and tackle.
Figure 3-63. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back stud backfield
Mike Fullback/tailback B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Will Tailback B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Figure 3-64. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back stud backfield
Two-back polio is a two-back set with the tailback aligned behind the
quarterback and a fullback aligned in an off-set between the weakside
guard and tackle.
Figure 3-65. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back polio backfield
Mike Tailback B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Figure 3-66. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back polio
backfield

Figure 3-67. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back heavy backfield
Mike Fullback/halfback B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Figure 3-68. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back heavy
backfield
guard and tackle.
Figure 3-69. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back lite backfield
Will Halfback B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Figure 3-70. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back lite backfield

Figure 3-71. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a two-back split backfield
Figure 3-72. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a two-back split backfield

guards and tackles.
Figure 3-73. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a three-back bone or T
backfield
Figure 3-74. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a three-back bone or
T backfield

Figure 3-75. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a three-back stud backfield
Mike Fullback/halfback B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Figure 3-76. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a three-back stud
backfield

Figure 3-77. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a three-back polio backfield
Figure 3-78. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a three-back polio
backfield

the quarterback.
Figure 3-79. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a one-back I backfield
Figure 3-80. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a one-back I backfield

quarterback.
Figure 3-81. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a one-back F backfield
Figure 3-82. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a one-back F backfield

an I alignment.
Figure 3-83. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a gun one-back
I backfield
Figure 3-84. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back I
backfield

the quarterback.
Figure 3-85. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a gun one-back stud backfield
Mike Halfback B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Figure 3-86. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back stud
backfield

the quarterback.
Figure 3-87. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a gun one-back polio
backfield
Figure 3-88. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back polio
backfield

shotgun alignment and the halfbacks aligned in a split alignment
beside the quarterback.
Figure 3-89. Under-OH linebacker keys versus a gun two-back split backfield
Figure 3-90. Under-OH linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun two-back split
backfield
ARIZONA PACKAGE
Note:
• Broken Arrow and Navajo linebacker back key reads are the same
as Crazy Horse.
• Custer linebacker key reads are used only by Sam and Geronimo
when they do not have an on-the-line man-to-man coverage.
They basically key halfback to quarterback.
Cochise

the quarterback.
Figure 3-91. Cochise linebacker keys versus a one-back I backfield
Sam Triangle Edge/contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Geronimo Triangle Edge/contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard

Figure 3-92. Cochise linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a one-back I backfield

quarterback.
Figure 3-93. Cochise linebacker keys versus a one-back F backfield
Figure 3-94. Cochise linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a one-back F backfield

an I alignment.
Figure 3-95. Cochise linebacker keys versus a gun one-back

I backfield
Figure 3-96. Cochise linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back I backfield

the quarterback.
Figure 3-97. Cochise linebacker keys versus a gun one-back stud backfield
Figure 3-98. Cochise linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back stud
backfield

the quarterback.
Figure 3-99. Cochise linebacker keys versus a gun one-back polio backfield
Figure 3-100. Cochise linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back polio
backfield

Figure 3-101. Cochise linebacker keys versus a gun two-back split backfield
Figure 3-102. Cochise linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun two-back split
backfield
Crazy Horse

the quarterback.
Figure 3-103. Crazy Horse linebacker keys versus a one-back I backfield
Sam Tailback Edge/contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Mike Tailback Strong B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Will Tailback Weak B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Geronimo Tailback Edge/contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Figure 3-104. Crazy Horse linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a one-back I backfield

quarterback.
Figure 3-105. Crazy Horse linebacker keys versus a one-back F backfield
Sam Fullback Edge/contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Mike Fullback Strong B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Will Fullback Weak B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Geronimo Fullback Edge/contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Figure 3-106. Crazy Horse linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a one-back F
backfield

shotgun alignment and the tailback is aligned behind the quarterback
in an I alignment.
Figure 3-107. Crazy Horse linebacker keys versus a gun one-back I backfield
Mike Tailback Strong B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Will Tailback Weak B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Figure 3-108. Crazy Horse linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back I
backfield

the quarterback.
Figure 3-109. Crazy Horse linebacker keys versus a gun one-back stud
backfield
Sam Halfback Edge/contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Mike Halfback Strong B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Will Halfback Weak B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Geronimo Halfback Edge/contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Figure 3-110. Crazy Horse linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back stud
backfield

the quarterback.
Figure 3-111. Crazy Horse linebacker keys versus a gun one-back polio
backfield
Mike Halfback Strong B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Will Halfback Weak B gap B gap cutback while reading offside guard
Geronimo Halfback Edge/contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Figure 3-112. Crazy Horse linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back polio
backfield

Figure 3-113. Crazy Horse linebacker keys versus a gun two-back split
backfield
Five-yard fence while reading offside

Sam Halfback Edge/contain
guard
B gap cutback while reading offside

Mike Halfback/tailback Strong B gap
guard
B gap cutback while reading offside

Will Tailback Weak B gap
guard
Five-yard fence while reading offside

Geronimo Tailback Edge/contain
guard
Figure 3-114. Crazy Horse linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun two-back split
backfield
Apache

the quarterback.
Figure 3-115. Apache linebacker keys versus a one-back I backfield
Mike Tailback Clear/cloudy Clear/cloudy
Will Tailback Edge Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Geronimo Tailback Contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Figure 3-116. Apache linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a one-back I backfield

quarterback.
Figure 3-117. Apache linebacker keys versus a one-back F backfield
Sam Fullback Edge/contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Mike Fullback Clear/cloudy Clear/cloudy
Will Fullback Edge Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Geronimo Fullback Contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Figure 3-118. Apache linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a one-back F backfield

an I alignment.
Figure 3-119. Apache linebacker keys versus a gun one-back
I backfield
Mike Tailback Clear/cloudy Clear/cloudy
Figure 3-120. Apache linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back I backfield

the quarterback.
Figure 3-121. Apache linebacker keys versus a gun one-back stud backfield
Mike Halfback Clear/cloudy Clear/cloudy
Will Halfback Edge Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Geronimo Halfback Contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Figure 3-122. Apache linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back stud
backfield

the quarterback.
Figure 3-123. Apache linebacker keys versus a gun one-back polio backfield
Will Halfback Edge Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Geronimo Halfback Contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Figure 3-124. Apache linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun one-back polio
backfield

Figure 3-125. Apache linebacker keys versus a gun two-back split backfield
Geronimo Tailback Contain Five-yard fence while reading offside guard
Figure 3-126. Apache linebacker keys and responsibilities versus a gun two-back split
backfield
Linebacker Reactions
to Back Keys
As discussed in Chapter 3, linebackers must be able to key offensive

backs in order to determine their gaps of responsibility. The
movement of a back or backs in a general direction is called flow.
This chapter looks at two types of back flow: direct flow, which is
when the back who the linebacker is keying, moves directly to a path
of assignment (e.g., an outside zone with all backs moving in the
same direction); and counter flow, which is when the back who the
linebacker is keying moves in one direction, then counters back to the
other direction (e.g., counter trey with the tailback moving one
direction for a few steps, then countering back).
One thing that linebackers must always look for is divide action,
which is the movement of a back key one direction while, at the same
time, other backs are moving in an opposite direction. For example,
counter trey with the fullback moving one direction and the tailback
moving in the opposite direction. Many times the offside guard or
tackle leads on counters and reverses. Linebackers must always read
offside guards and linemen as they pursue flow away.
Volume 6, Defending Offensive Scheme, gives an indepth look at

defending running plays from various offensive schemes. This
chapter introduces a few basic running plays that linebackers
encounter. Outside zone and counter trey run to both the strongside
and weakside are also discussed. From the Miami package, stack-OH
is used, from the Oklahoma package, under trey is used, and from the
Arizona package, Navajo is used.
Outside Zone
Outside zone is a direct flow play with all backs moving in the same
direction.
Strongside Outside Zone From Stack-OH (Figures 4-1 and 4-2)
Figure 4-1. Strongside outside zone versus stack-OH
Position Alignment Key Reaction

90 Moves directly to the edge and makes the
Sam Tailback ballcarrier run inside or outside but not directly
technique
upfield.
OH Moves directly to the A gap and plays the ball from

Mike Fullback
technique the inside out using a clear and cloudy rule.
Shuffles laterally and plays the ball from the inside

50
Will Tailback out, while reading the offside guard for counters
technique
and reverses.
Figure 4-2. Linebacker reactions to strongside outside zone from stack-OH
Weakside Outside Zone From Stack-OH (Figures 4-3 and 4-4)
Figure 4-3. Weakside outside zone versus stack-OH
Shuffles laterally and plays the ball from the inside

90
Sam Tailback out, while reading the offside guard for counters
technique
and reverses.
OH Moves directly to the B gap and plays the ball from

Mike Fullback
Will 50 Tailback Moves directly to the edge and makes the
technique ballcarrier run inside or outside but not directly
upfield.
Figure 4-4. Linebacker reactions to weakside outside zone from stack-OH
Strongside Outside Zone From Under Trey (Figures 4-5 and 4-6)
Figure 4-5. Strongside outside zone versus under trey
Reacts to the tight end’s block and once the zone

90
Sam Tailback play is diagnosed, Sam must make the ballcarrier
technique
run inside or outside but not directly upfield.
30 Moves directly to the B gap and plays the ball from

Mike Fullback
10 Moves directly to the A gap and plays the ball from

Will Fullback
technique the outside in using a clear and cloudy rule.
Figure 4-6. Linebacker reactions to strongside outside zone from under trey
Weakside Outside Zone From Under Trey (Figures 4-7 and 4-8)
Figure 4-7. Weakside outside zone versus under trey
Reacts to the tight end’s block and once the zone

90 play is diagnosed, drops on a five-yard fence,
Sam Triangle
technique keying the offside guard. Sam fills the strongside B
gap if the tailback cuts back
Moves directly to the weakside A gap and plays the

30
Mike Fullback ball from the inside out using a clear and cloudy
technique
rule.
10 Moves directly to the edge and plays the ball from

Will Fullback
Figure 4-8. Linebacker reactions to weakside outside zone from under trey
Strongside Outside Zone From Navajo (Figures 4-9 and 4-10)

Figure 4-9. Strongside outside zone versus Navajo

Sam technique Tailback ballcarrier run inside or outside but not directly
(tilted) upfield.
OH
Moves directly to the B gap and plays the ball
Mike technique Fullback
from the inside out using a clear and cloudy rule.
(tilted)
OH Moves directly to the strongside A gap and plays

Will technique Fullback the ball from the inside out using a clear and
(tilted) cloudy rule.
50 Drops on a five-yard fence, keying the offside

Geronimo technique Tailback guard. Must fill the weakside B gap if the
(tilted) ballcarrier cuts back.
Figure 4-10. Linebacker reactions to strongside outside zone from Navajo
Weakside Outside Zone From Navajo (Figures 4-11 and 4-12)

Figure 4-11. Weakside outside zone versus Navajo
50 Drops on a five-yard fence keying the offside

Sam technique Triangle guard. Must fill the strongside B gap if the
(tilted) ballcarrier cuts back.
OH Moves directly to the weakside A gap and plays

Mike technique Tailback the ball from the inside out using a clear and
(tilted) cloudy rule..
OH
Moves directly to the B gap and plays the ball
Will technique Tailback
from the inside out using a clear and cloudy rule.
(tilted)

Geronimo technique Tailback ballcarrier run inside or outside but not directly
(tilted) upfield.
Figure 4-12. Linebacker reactions to weakside outside zone from Navajo
Counter Trey
Counter trey is a counter flow play with all backs showing flow in
one direction and one back countering back in the opposite direction.
Strongside Counter Trey From Stack-OH (Figures 4-13 and 4-14)
Figure 4-13. Strongside counter trey versus stack-OH
Shuffles laterally and as soon as the counter is

90 diagnosed, reroutes to the edge as quickly as
Sam Tailback
technique possible and forces the ballcarrier to spill to the
outside.
Moves directly to the weakside B gap and as soon

OH as the counter is diagnosed, reroutes to the
Mike Fullback
technique strongside
A gap, playing the ballcarrier from the inside out.
Moves directly to the edge and as soon as the

50
Will Tailback counter is diagnosed, reroutes to the weakside B
technique
gap, playing the ballcarrier from the outside in.
Figure 4-14. Linebacker reactions to counter trey from stack-OH
Weakside Counter Trey From Stack-OH (Figures 4-15 and 4-16)

Figure 4-15. Weakside counter trey versus stack-OH

90 counter is diagnosed, drops and shuffles to the
Sam Tailback
technique strongside
A gap, playing the ballcarrier from the outside in.
Moves directly to the strongside A gap and as soon

OH as the counter is diagnosed, reroutes to the
Mike Fullback
technique weakside
B gap, playing the ballcarrier from the inside out.
Shuffles laterally and as soon as the counter is

50 diagnosed, reroutes to the edge as quickly as
Will Tailback
technique possible and forces the ballcarrier to spill to the
outside.
Figure 4-16. Linebacker reactions to weakside counter trey from stack-OH
Strongside Counter Trey From Under Trey (Figures 4-17 and 4-

18)
Figure 4-17. Strongside counter trey versus under trey
Reacts to the tight end’s block and as soon as the

9
Sam Tailback counter is diagnosed, reroutes to the edge and
technique
forces the ballcarrier to spill to the outside.
Moves directly to the weakside A gap and as soon

30 as the counter is diagnosed, reroutes to the
Mike Fullback
technique strongside B gap, playing the ballcarrier from the
inside out.

10
Will Fullback counter is diagnosed, reroutes to the weakside A
technique
gap, playing the ballcarrier from the outside in.
Figure 4-18. Linebacker reactions to counter trey from under trey
Weakside Counter Trey From Under Trey (Figures 4-19 and 4-20)
Figure 4-19. Weakside counter trey versus under trey
Reacts to the tight end’s block and as soon as the

9
Sam Tailback counter is diagnosed, drops on a five-yard fence
technique
and plays the strongside A gap from the outside in.
Moves directly to the strongside B gap and as soon

30 as the counter is diagnosed, reroutes to the
Mike Fullback
technique weakside A gap, playing the ballcarrier from the
inside out.
Moves directly to the weakside A gap, and as soon

10
Will Fullback as the counter is diagnosed, reroutes to the edge,
technique
forcing the ballcarrier to spill outside.
Figure 4-20. Linebacker reactions to counter trey from under trey
Strongside Counter Trey From Navajo (Figures 4-21 and 4-22)

Figure 4-21. Strongside counter trey versus Navajo
9 Drops on a five-yard fence and once the counter

Sam technique Tailback is diagnosed, moves directly to the edge and
(tilted) makes the ballcarrier run to the outside.
Moves directly to the weakside A gap and once

OH
the counter is diagnosed, moves directly to the
Mike technique Tailback
strongside B gap and plays the ball from the
(tilted)
inside out using a clear and cloudy rule.
Moves directly to the weakside B gap and once

OH
strongside A gap and plays the ball from the
(tilted)
inside out using a clear and cloudy rule.
Moves directly to the edge and once the counter is

50
diagnosed, drops on a five-yard fence keying the
Geronimo technique Tailback
offside guard. Must fill the weakside B gap if the
(tilted)
ballcarrier cuts back.
Figure 4-22. Linebacker reactions to counter trey from Navajo
Weakside Counter Trey From Navajo (Figures 4-23 and 4-24)

Figure 4-23. Weakside counter trey versus Navajo
Moves directly to the edge and once the counter is

9
diagnosed, drops on a five-yard fence keying the
Sam technique Tailback
offside guard. Must fill the strongside B gap if the
(tilted)
ballcarrier cuts back.
Moves directly to the strongside B gap and once

OH
Mike technique Tailback
weakside A gap and plays the ball from the
(tilted)
inside-out using a clear and cloudy rule.
Moves directly to the strongside A gap and once

OH
weakside B gap and plays the ball from the inside
(tilted)
out using a clear and cloudy rule.
50 Drops on a five-yard fence and once the counter

Geronimo technique Tailback is diagnosed, moves directly to the edge and
(tilted) makes the ballcarrier run to the outside.
Figure 4-24. Linebacker reactions to counter trey from Navajo

Reading and Reacting to Under
Key Blocks for a 30 Technique
Linebackers must be able to read offensive blocking schemes. In

order to do so, they must know their primary line key and the various
blocking schemes that the offense may employ. Under keys must not
be confused with under defenses—under keys are offensive linemen.
This chapter covers under key reads used in this defensive package.
A 30-technique linebacker keys the offensive guard that he is

aligned over, as well as his back key. He must learn to key the back
and see the under key at the same time.
Base Block
Description: This block is used when the guard drives his head
directly at the defender’s numbers, as shown in Figure 5-1.
Reaction: The linebacker steps first with his outside foot. This step is
short and quick, out and up, at a 45-degree angle. The defender
attacks the guard by driving his hands through the numbers of the
blocker as he sinks his hips and drives his feet. The linebacker must
keep outside leverage. As he gains control of the blocker, he
separates by bench-pressing him and protects the B gap. Once the B
gap is secured, he uses an escape technique and pursues the ball at the
best possible angle.
Figure 5-1. Base block
Reach Block
Description: This block is used when the guard tries to reach the
defender and cut him off from his gap of assignment, as shown in
Figure 5-2.
attacks the guard by driving his hands through the numbers of the
blocker as he sinks his hips and drives his feet. The linebacker must
keep outside leverage. As he gains control of the blocker, he
separates by bench-pressing him and protects the B gap. Once the B
gap is secured, he uses an escape technique and pursues the ball at the
best possible angle.
Figure 5-2. Reach block
Zone Block—Outside
Description: This block is used when two offensive linemen attempt
to block a defensive lineman and a linebacker, as shown in Figure 5-
3.
short and quick, out and up, at a 45 degree angle. If the guard is
unable to reach the down lineman, he reach blocks on the linebacker.
If this situation occurs, the linebacker plays the same techniques as if
it were a regular reach block. If the guard is able to reach the down
lineman, the tackle comes off on the linebacker. If this situation
occurs, the linebacker must rip across the face of the tackle. The
linebacker must not be cut off from the outside. The linebacker must
give as little ground as possible and pursue the ball from inside out.
The linebacker must know if he should hold inside of the tackle or if
he is free to cross the tackle’s block.
Figure 5-3. Zone block—outside
Zone Block—Inside
Description: This block is used when two offensive linemen attempt
to block a defensive lineman and a linebacker, as shown in Figure 5-
4.
Reaction: The linebacker steps first with his inside foot. This step is
short and quick, inside and up, at a 45-degree angle. If the guard is
unable to reach the down lineman, he reach blocks on the linebacker.
If this situation occurs, the linebacker plays the same techniques as if
it were a regular cutoff block. If the guard is able to reach the down
lineman, the center comes off on the linebacker. If this situation
occurs, the linebacker must rip across the face of the center. The
linebacker must know if he should hold backside of the center or if he
is free to cross the center’s block.
Figure 5-4. Zone block—inside
Fold Block
Description: This block is used when the guard blocks outside. The
tackle then folds to the linebacker and attempts to block him to the
inside, as shown in Figure 5-5.
short and quick, out and up, at a 45-degree angle. When the tackle
folds around, the linebacker attacks the tackle, the same as he would
with a guard’s base block. The linebacker must keep outside leverage.
Figure 5-5. Fold block
Down Block—Isolation
Description: This block is used when the guard blocks down and the
near back leads on the linebacker, as shown in Figure 5-6.
short and quick, inside and up, at a 45 degree angle. When the
linebacker sees the near back leading, he quickly steps to the outside
and attacks the near back on the offensive side of the line of
scrimmage. The linebacker’s point of attack is the outside hip of the
near back, which is a forearm technique, and the linebacker must
force the back inside to the backside linebacker. He must always keep
outside leverage. If the linebacker has safety help, he can use a
wrong-shoulder technique and attack the blocker’s inside hip and
force the ball outside.
Figure 5-6. Down block—isolation
Down-Down Block—Veer
Description: This block is used when the guard and the tackle block
down, and the fullback dives. The quarterback is on the line of
scrimmage, as shown in Figure 5-7.
short and quick, inside and up, at a 45-degree angle. The linebacker
gets a cloudy look as the tackle blocks down. The linebacker must
then step outside and play the quarterback from the inside out. He
must not get too far upfield when stepping inside. If he does, he must
rip back across the tackle’s block. The end or Blood takes the
fullback.
Figure 5-7. Down-down block—veer
Down-Down Block—Trap
down, and the offside guard pulls and traps, as shown in Figure 5-8.
short and quick, inside and up, at a 45-degree angle. The linebacker
gets a cloudy look as the tackle blocks down. The linebacker must
then step outside and play the ball to spill outside. He must not get
too far upfield when stepping inside. If he does, he must rip back
across the tackle’s block. The end or Blood comes under the trapper
and spills the ball outside.
Figure 5-8. Down-down block—trap
Down-Down Block—Counter Trey

down, and the offside guard and tackle or fullback traps and seals, as
shown in Figure 5-9.
The linebacker steps first with his inside foot. This step is short and
quick, inside and up, at a 45-degree angle. When he sees the offside
guard pulling, it tells him that the trap is coming. The linebacker also
gets a cloudy look as the tackle blocks down. The linebacker is
blocked by the pulling tackle or fullback. He steps to the outside and
keeps outside leverage on the tackle or fullback. The end or Blood
spills the ball outside, so the linebacker should think outside. The
linebacker must not let a seam be created between him and the nose.
Figure 5-9. Down-down block—counter trey
Down-Down Block—Power-G
down, the fullback leads on the end or Blood, and the backside guard
pulls and seals the linebacker, as shown in Figure 5-10.
short and quick, inside and up, at a 45-degree angle. When he sees
the offside guard pulling, it tells him that the trap is coming. The
linebacker also gets a cloudy look as the tackle blocks down. The
linebacker is blocked by the pulling guard. He must step to the
outside and keep outside leverage on the pulling guard. The end or
Blood spills the ball outside, so the linebacker thinks outside. The
linebacker must not let a seam be created between him and the nose.
Figure 5-10. Down-down block—power-G
Pull Inside
Description: This block is used when the guard pulls inside behind
the line of scrimmage, as shown in Figure 5-11.
short and quick, inside and up, at a 45-degree angle. This block can
be one of many plays, so the linebacker must be able to read the
offside to help determine his technique. If he is being blocked by the
offside guard or tackle, he should use the same techniques that he
does for an inside zone block. If the guard is off the line of
scrimmage, he should think bootleg pass. The linebacker must decide
if he has to hold the backside or if he is free to run to the ball.
Figure 5-11. Pull inside
Pull Outside
Description: This block is used when the guard pulls outside behind
the line of scrimmage, as shown in Figure 5-12.
short and quick, out and up, at a 45-degree angle. He can run with the
pulling guard, but he must look inside for an influence trap or
influence dive. He must play the ball from the inside out.
Figure 5-12. Pull outside
Big-on-Big Pass Block

Description: This block is used when the key shows high-hat and sets
for pass protection, as shown in Figure 5-13.
Reaction: The linebacker drops to his coverage assignment. If his

responsibility is outside, he takes a 45-degree angle drop-step and
reads draw and screen as he drops. If his responsibility is inside, he
takes a short 45-degree step inside as he reads for draw and screen.
He can never drop to his zone coverage before he clears all draws and
screens.
Figure 5-13. Big-on-big pass block
Turnback Pass Block

Description: This block is used when the key steps laterally, and then
turns back for pass protection. This block is high-hat and usually
means a sprint or rollout pass, as shown in Figure 5-14.
Reaction: The linebacker drops to his coverage assignment. If his

responsibility is outside, he takes a 45-degree angle drop-step and
reads draw and screen as he drops. If his responsibility is inside, he
takes a short 45-degree step inside as he reads for draw and screen.
He can never drop to his zone coverage before he clears all draws and
screens.
Figure 5-14. Turnback pass block
Reading and Reacting to Under Key Blocks
for a 9 Technique
A 9 technique linebacker keys the offensive tight end that he is

aligned over, as well as the quarterback and his back key. He must
learn to key the back and see the under key at the same time. If no
tight end is present, he keys the quarterback to near back.
Base Block
Description: This block is used when the tight end drives his head
directly at the defender’s numbers, as shown in Figure 6-1.
Reaction: The linebacker steps with his inside foot and attacks the
tight end. The defender drives his hands through the numbers of the
blocker as he sinks his hips and drives his feet. As he gains control of
the blocker, he bench-presses him and protects the edge. Once the
edge is secured, he escapes and pursues the ball. If the ball is going
away, he drops on a five-yard fence, while looking for reverses and
counters.
Figure 6-1. Base block
Reach Block
Description: This block is used when the tight end tries to reach the
defender and cut him off from his gap of assignment, as shown in
Figure 6-2.
attacks the tight end by driving his hands through the numbers of the
tight end. He must keep outside leverage. As he gains control of the
blocker, he bench-presses him and protects the edge. He must stay on
the line of scrimmage and not give ground.
Figure 6-2. Reach block
Down Block—Kick-Out
Description: This block is used when the tight end blocks down and
the fullback attempts to kick the defender outside, as shown in Figure
6-3.
Reaction: The linebacker steps with his inside foot, aiming at the
tight end’s near foot. The linebacker must attack the tight end with
his hands and close hard to the inside. He must ride the tight end
down to the inside and keep him off the linebacker. When the
fullback attempts to kick the linebacker outside, the linebacker
attacks the inside hip of the fullback, using a wrong-shoulder
technique and spills the ball to the outside. Some plays exist, such as
a pass, where the linebacker must attack the outside hip and contain
the ball.
Figure 6-3. Down block—kick-out
Down Block—Trap
the offside guard pulls and attempts to trap the defender, as shown in
Figure 6-4.
Reaction: The linebacker steps with his inside foot. He must ride the
tight end down inside and keep him off the linebacker. When he sees
the pulling guard, he should immediately close hard to the inside,
attack the inside hip of the trapper, and force the ball to go outside. If
the guard is off the line of scrimmage, the linebacker must think
bootleg. On bootleg, the linebacker moves upfield to contain the
quarterback or drops to pass coverage.
Figure 6-4. Down block—trap
Down Block—Outside Veer

the fullback dives, with the quarterback on the line of scrimmage.
The 9 technique is the quarterback’s handoff read, as shown in Figure
6-5.
Reaction: The linebacker steps with his inside foot, while aiming at
the tight end’s near foot. The linebacker must attack the tight end
with his hands and close hard to the inside. He must ride the tight end
down inside and keep him off the linebacker. When the fullback dives
and the quarterback moves down the line of scrimmage, the
linebacker attacks the inside hip of the fullback, and makes the
quarterback pull the ball. This action must occur on the offensive side
of the line of scrimmage.
Figure 6-5. Down block—outside veer
Fold Block
Description: This block is used when the tight end blocks down to
the inside and the tackle steps back and attempts to block the
defender to the outside, as shown in
Figure 6-6.
Reaction: The linebacker steps with his inside foot, while aiming at
the tight end’s near foot. The linebacker must attack the tight end
with his hands and close hard to the inside. When the linebacker sees
the tackle blocking out on him, he attacks the tackle as if he were a
trapping guard. He attacks the inside hip of the blocker and forces the
ball to go outside.
Figure 6-6. Fold block
Pull Inside
Description: This block is used when the tight end pulls inside
behind the line of scrimmage, as shown in Figure 6-7.
Reaction: The linebacker steps with his inside foot. He drops on a

five-yard fence, while looking at the offside guard. After he finds the
ball, the linebacker takes the best possible angle of pursuit. He must
yell, “Reverse!” when the tight end pulls inside.
Figure 6-7. Pull inside
Arc Outside—Option
Description: This block is used when the tight end arc releases, the
fullback dives, and the quarterback moves down the line of
scrimmage. The linebacker is the pitch key, as shown in Figure 6-8.
short and quick, out and up, at a 45-degree angle. His eyes should be
looking inside. He cannot chase the tight end over three steps. Once
option is determined, he closes down the line of scrimmage and takes
the quarterback. He must keep his shoulders square to the line of
scrimmage, which enables him to chase the pitch if the quarterback
pitches the ball.
Figure 6-8. Arc outside—option
Arc Outside—Big-on-Big Pass Block

Description: This block is used when the tight end arcs outside and
avoids the defender. The tackle shows high-hat and the quarterback
shows pass, as shown in Figure 6-9.
short and quick, out and up, at a 45-degree angle. His eyes should be
looking inside. This block looks like a reach block, but no tight end
pressure exists. Once the linebacker determines that the tackle is pass
blocking, he drops to his coverage or rushes the quarterback,
depending on his assignment.
Figure 6-9. Arc outside—big-on-big pass block
Arc Outside—Turnback Pass Block

Description: This block is used when the tight end arcs outside and
avoids the defender. The tackle shows turnback blocking with high-
hat and the quarterback shows pass, as shown in Figure 6-10.
short and quick, out and up, at a 45-degree angle. His eyes are
looking to the side. This block looks like a reach block, but no tight
end pressure exists. Once the linebacker determines that the tackle is
pass blocking, he drops to his coverage or rushes the quarterback,
depending on his assignment.
Figure 6-10. Arc outside—turnback pass block
Linebacker Mugs
Mugging is used to confuse offensive blocking and to disguise

defensive stunts and blitzes. When linebackers are in a mug
alignment, they move from an alignment five yards off the ball to an
alignment into the line of scrimmage. For example, a Mike linebacker
mugged is called macho. If stack-OH macho was called, the Mike
would align in an OH alignment with his inside foot on the center’s
strongside foot. When mugging, the mugged linebacker is always
aligned in a tilt alignment and never has his toes any closer to the line
of scrimmage than the heel level of the down linemen.
Anytime a linebacker is mugged, he uses his normal back key

reads, but must also read or feel the under key. Mugs can be run from
any defensive front and can involve all linebackers and some
secondary personnel. The following are a few of the mugs that are
used in this defensive package.
One-Man Mugs
One-man mugs involve only one linebacker and the mug call matches
the first letter in his position name. For example, the letter S in Sam
matches the letter S in Saco.
• Saco = Sam mug (Figure 7-1)

• Macho = Mike mug (Figure 7-2)
• Waco = Will mug (Figure 7-3)
Figure 7-1. Wide-OH saco Figure 7-2. Under trey macho

Figure 7-3. Cochise waco
Two-Man Mugs
Two-man mugs involve two linebackers and the mug calls match the
first letters in their position names. For example, the letters S and M
in Sam and Mike match the letters S and M in Sum.
• Sum = Sam and Mike mug (Figure 7-4)

• Maw = Will and Mike mug (Figure 7-5)
• Sow = Sam and Will mug (Figure 7-6)
Figure 7-4. Wide-OH sum Figure 7-5. Cochise maw
Figure 7-6. Crazy Horse sow
Three-Man Mug
A three-man mug involves all three linebackers. When all three
linebackers are mugged, it is called Lam (linebackers all mugged), as
shown in Figure 7-7.
• Lam = Sam, Mike, and Will mug (Figure 7-7)
Figure 7-7. Wide-OH lam

About the Author
Denny M. Burdine has 30 years of football coaching experience at

the high school level. Before retiring, he spent the last 17 years of his
coaching career at Arkansas High School in Texarkana, Arkansas,
where he served as a defensive coordinator, head football coach,
athletic director, and history teacher.
His love for defensive football helped to establish him as one of

the best defensive coaches in the state of Arkansas, with his defensive
teams being ranked as one of the best in the state year in and year out.
Some of his players have gone on to play at the Division I level, as
well as in the NFL. During his career, he coached three NFL football
players: Rod Smith of the Denver Broncos, Eric Warfield of the
Kansas City Chiefs, and Mike Cherry of the New York Giants.
Burdine is a graduate of Southern Arkansas University. A strong

believer in teaching character, leadership, and work ethics to players
and students, he is listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
Burdine and his wife, Judy, have two children, Jennifer and Lori,
and four grandchildren.

Coaching Defensive Football Successfully - Vol. 3linebackers PDF

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Coaching Defensive Football Successfully - Vol. 3linebackers PDF

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Coaching

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,

As I began to write, I quickly realized that what I know is a result

As for me, I can quickly account for my knowledge of defensive

My journey in football began with my high school coach, Don

From John Thompson, former defensive coordinator at the

Special thanks to Richard Martin, who was my pipeline for

Finally, to the players that I coached, thanks for the knowledge

Coaching Defensive Football Successfully consists of seven volumes

The following seven volumes are found in Coaching Defensive

• Vol. 1—Philosophy and Fronts

The diagrammed plays found in most all books written about

A football coach must have a desire to acquire as much football

The defensive package described in this series is a proven

Congratulations for having chosen one of the most honorable

Football coaches can be divided into three categories. The first

When he walks off the field after each game, he cannot

The second type of coach is the “theorist.” He is very liberal in

When he walks off the field after each game, he cannot

Each coach must develop a sound football philosophy. A

A good defensive package is one that allows the defenders to play

Most coaches will tell you that offense is assignment football,

When you think of defensive personnel, you must have a certain

Football at any level from high school to the professional ranks is

Placing your personnel in the proper positions is very important.

• Corners are a must! Corners must be able to play man-to-man on

• Safeties must be able to cover like corners and tackle like

• Linebackers are the heart of the defense. They must be able to

• Linemen must be able to control the line of scrimmage. They are

This defensive scheme employs three linebackers—Mike, Sam,

Figure 1-1. Gaps of assignment

Gaps Areas of Responsibility

A gaps Gaps head-up the center to head-up the guards.

B gaps Gaps head-up the guards to head-up the tackles.

C gaps Gaps head-up the tackles to head-up the tight ends.

Figure 1-2. Areas of responsibility

Alignment techniques are number locations labeled on offensive

Figure 1-4. Alignment techniques

Techniques for Specific Linebackers

Sam Mike Will

Linebacker Stance, Alignment, and

• Linebackers align in a two-point stance.

Reverse or Wrong Shoulder

• The defender uses a forearm shiver technique, but he attacks the

• The defender executes the rip technique by pushing with his

Dip and Rip

• As the linebacker sees counter flow or down block, he attacks the

Release From the Blocker

The swim technique is a very common type of release. As the

Clear and Cloudy Rule

Stance: He aligns in a two-point stance with his feet at armpits-width,

Back Key: Fullback

Under Key: Center

Figure 2-1. 00 technique

Stance: He aligns in a two-point stance with his feet at armpits-width,

Back Key: Fullback

Under Key: Center and guard

Stance: He aligns in a two-point stance with his feet at armpits-width,

Back Key: Fullback

Under Key: Guard and center

Stance: He aligns in a two-point stance with his feet at armpits-width,

Back Key: Fullback

Under Key: Guard