Newberg Linebackers

1. Newberg Linebackers 2013-2014

2. Positions We run a 4-3 Our positions are Stud - Strong side backer Mike - Middle backer Will - Weak side backer

3. Our overall goals The hardest part of being a backer is reading every play and it slows us down • Some of the reads are blockers, flow, counter, pass, cutbacks • As coaches, we want to limit all the reads • This will allow the player to just pursue and punish • Keep it simple, take the thinking out of the it Our goal is to turn all those reads into instinct. To do that, we have to have a at least 50 of reps of each read per day.

4. Read players Our backers have 3 players that they read at the snap. Once they read those 3 players, they run and allow instincts to take over. Stud reads TE, tackle to backfield Mike reads Guards, Center to Fullback or singleback Will reads guard, tackle to backfield

5. 3-4 • Every backer is 5 yards from the ball. • At the snap, the first step is forward • That step needs to be in the direction of the flow • They get that flow read from their 3 read players • If they see lineman going right, they need their first step to go that direction • Coaching point, don't let them take a false step. Their first step needs be to the flow direction

6. 3-4 Flow drill W M S ConeCone Coach steps in either direction and backers run to get around cones Make sure they step in the right direction If they run into eachother, thats ok. They slower guy needs to get better reads

7. 3-4 Blocker Drill Backers have to take on linemen. They are bigger, so we have to be faster. Flow drill gets us a step ahead of their linemen. When we take on a linemen, we use our Butt Drill. • We want to coil up our legs and unload that power into the linemen. • We focus that power through our hands, then to our triangle (helmet and shoulders).

8. Butt drill In groups of 3 to 4. One player faces the others about 1 yard away and is the backer. One of the other 3 takes a step forward and the backer needs to hit through the chest to the outside shoulder. Remember, hands, then helmet and shoulders. Tell them their hands should be grabbing cloth!

9. 5-6 Now we needs reads of counter. We use that same flow drill, but add a person behind the ball. • The person playing the ball takes a step any direction • The person playing the running back takes a step in the other direction. Players should take their first read step, then re-route to the other cone. Speed is key, we need to beat the slow linemen.

10. 5-6 Push pull drill. • When doing butt drills their hands should be grabbing cloth. Have them focus on pushing and pulling the jersey.

11. 7-8 cutback We use the same flow drill and add the counter drill, but now instead of cones, we add 3 players with hand shields. These 3 new players need to be staggered. W M S Cone

12. 7-8 Cutback cont. • You can send them that way, or re-route them to the shields. This drill gets out backers in different layers. • When they get to the shields, it is now our butt drills. Hands to helmet and shoulders. Chest through outside shoulder • Once they get it, you can send them any direction, they still need to get their reads.

13. Pass reads Our first step is forward Outside backers have back out. If no back out, then we turn and look for routes coming in. • If we see a route coming in, hit/bump them and jump it underneath, look to intercept. • If nothing coming in, look to the other side, there might be one coming it. • If nothing, drop and read QB • Mike is always thinking screen/draw every pass.

14. Overall • These are just a few drills, a base guideline. • There are plenty of other drills out there. • Our goal is to make their reads become instincts. • Then we can just play. • When we get to the ball, we get there with an attitude We need to be fast, speed is our ally. It's ok to make a mistake, just make sure we are going 100% Lastly, thanks for helping Newberg Football the best it can be.