123 We define techniques as the specific requirements of a position in a particular

scheme. As disclosed in chapters 3 through 7, every system devised by coaches must accommodate the fundamentals. No linebacker can escape the essential nature of the fundamentals.

The techniques involve alignments, keys, reactions, responsibilities, and adjustments specific to a team’s defensive design. The following chapters offer instruction in a variety of common linebacker techniques.

IV

Techniques

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10

A linebacker or coach should be able to recognize styles of play similar to his own. To accomplish this task we need a common language to describe the techniques. We use numbers for techniques in which linebackers play unpro- tected over blockers at the line of scrimmage. We use names for techniques in which a linebacker is protected by a fellow defender from the potential blocker directly over him.

Numbered techniques have two digits when the linebacker plays off the line of scrimmage. The first digit refers to his frontside responsibility (see figure 10.1).

Linebacker

Technique

Terminology

A linebacker off the line of scrimmage has a double-digit technique beginning with a 3 if he is responsible for the frontside guard-tackle gap or a 5 if accountable for the tackle-end gap.

His second digit has to do with his backside movement. When the linebacker is required to “fast flow,” or run, on action away from him, he is given the second digit of 1. Usually a fast-flow linebacker must fill an unattended backside gap as in figure 10.2.

The 31 technique linebacker has the 3 gap with flow to him and the away 1 gap with flow away.

When the linebacker’s backside obligation is to shuffle with no particular gap responsibility

away from him, he is a single-gap player. His backside digit, in our system, is a 2. Figure 10.3 shows a 32 technique player. Other defenders are responsible for all backside gaps.

Numbered techniques with single digits refer to outside linebackers on the line of scrimmage who are liable for that gap only, on flow to or flow away (see figure 10.4).

An outside linebacker could be responsible on the line of scrimmage for the 5 gap (tackle–tight end gap), the 7 gap (referred to as the alley), or contain (referred to as a 9 technique). 3 1 1 3 5 T N T B1 B2 E6103/Tepper/fig10.2/483078/alw/r1-pulled FIgure 10.2 Linebacker B2

with 31 technique in a two-gap responsibility. 3 1 1 3 5 T N T B1 B2 E6103/Tepper/fig10.3/483079/alw/r1-pulled 7 9 1 3 5 B B B 7 9 5 E6103/Tepper/fig10.4/483080/alw/r1-pulled

FIgure 10.3 Linebacker B2 with 32

Linebacker Technique Terminology 127

We use names for linebacker tech- niques that provide some protection for the linebacker. Figure 10.5 shows a nest technique. We call it a nest because the linebacker sits in a protected cradle that can be designed for weaker or younger players (see figure 10.5).

One other consideration is whether the linebackers will play on one side (left or right) only or flip-flop and work both sides. Fundamentally, it is an advantage to play on only one side because then a linebacker can usually take on blockers with just one side of his body. We did this

at William & Mary, which put a real premium on finding left-handed players. Jeff Hosmer was particularly strong with his left-footed base. The William & Mary system had him taking on blockers with that side for four years.

For the past 30-plus years, I have flip-flopped our linebackers. This forces them to be equally effective with both sides of their body but limits the number of techniques they must learn. Many schemes today feature linebackers who must master five or more techniques. We prefer teaching them just one or two techniques so they can execute with confidence and be more aware of the presnap information reviewed in chapter 9.

Now that our terminology is familiar, the next chapters describe in detail each technique.

Nest B1

N T B2

E6103/Tepper/fig10.5/483081/alw/r1-pulled

FIgure 10.5 Nest technique protects

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Today this is a standard technique employed by many reduction defenses for their “Oklahoma” side linebacker (that is, the linebacker playing unprotected over a guard). For me, its roots go back to the 50 defense that used a head-up noseguard playing both 1 gaps flanked by two mirror-imaged inside lineback- ers with 32 technique obligations.

This is a shuffle technique with flow to or away from the linebacker. It has a single-gap duty that requires the athlete to play slow on the backside to stop cutbacks.

Alignment

Because the 32 linebacker is assigned the frontside 3 gap and is in no rush with flow away, align him wide over the offensive guard. The linebacker’s inside foot covers the outside foot of the guard. Begin at a depth of 4 yards off the ball.

Keys

Linebackers in this technique can focus squarely on the guard or backs. We analyze both in detail here. His initial steps are critical. The first step should ideally take him closer to the ball. Anything else we classify as a false step. Many coaches teach linebackers to take a “read step” on the snap and then move as their key directs. I’ve never agreed with that concept. We want the first step to be true and moving toward the intended point of attack immediately.