Fortifying the Foundation: The Linebacker Shed and Throw Drill
The Shed and Throw Drill is a cornerstone exercise for developing linebackers adept at shedding blocks and pursuing ball carriers in run-stopping situations. This drill equips linebackers with the technical skills and physical prowess to effectively disengage from blockers and tackle elusive ball carriers in the backfield. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the drill:
Purpose
- Block Shedding Technique: This drill hones a linebacker’s ability to utilize proper hand placement, leverage, and footwork to effectively defeat blocks and create separation from blockers.
- Pursuit and Tackling: The drill emphasizes the importance of transitioning seamlessly from shedding the block to pursuing the ball carrier and executing a proper form tackle.
- Angle Tackling: The drill incorporates angled tackling scenarios, requiring linebackers to adjust their approach for optimal tackling efficiency.
Description
Drill Setup
- Partner Up: Divide your linebackers into pairs, assigning one linebacker to each side of the blocking sled.
- Starting Position: Linebackers assume a proper athletic stance approximately one yard away from their designated side of the sled. Knees should be bent, chest over knees, head up with eyes focused on the sled, and hands ready for block engagement.
- Ball Carrier: A designated ball carrier stands approximately 8 yards behind the sled, facing the sled.
Drill Execution
Step 1: Block Shedding
- On Coach’s Command: On the coach’s signal, linebackers explosively attack the sled, simulating block engagement. They should focus on proper hand placement (inside hand on blocker’s chest plate, outside hand on blocker’s outside shoulder pad) and maintaining leverage throughout the engagement.
- Footwork and Separation: Linebackers utilize quick, chopping footwork to gain leverage and create separation from the sled. They should strive to drive their hips through the block while maintaining a low center of gravity.
Step 2: Pursuit and Tackling
- Ball Carrier Movement: On the coach’s command, the ball carrier runs at a 45-degree angle to the side the coach indicates, simulating a run to the outside of the sled.
- Linebacker Reaction: As the ball carrier initiates their run, linebackers release with a rip move and accelerate towards the ball carrier, meeting him as deep in the “backfield” as possible.
- Angle Tackling:
- Frontside Linebacker: The linebacker on the side of the ball carrier’s run should attack downhill, utilizing proper form tackling technique (head up, eyes focused on the ball carrier’s chest or hips, wrap-up with arms) to execute an angle tackle.
- Backside Linebacker: The linebacker on the opposite side of the sled should release at a 90-degree angle towards the ball carrier’s run and aggressively pursue them. Their objective is to run past the tackle executed by the frontside linebacker and demonstrate proper backside pursuit technique.
- Drill Progression: Once linebackers demonstrate proficiency in shedding the block and tackling the ball carrier, introduce variations. The coach can adjust the ball carrier’s running angle.
Variations
- Progression to Live Tackling: As confidence and technique improve, gradually progress the drill to incorporate live tackling with a designated ball carrier (wearing appropriate tackling equipment). Start with controlled tackling drills (thud or tap tackles) and eventually progress to full-speed tackling with proper form.
- Partner Blocking: For an added challenge, consider incorporating a partner acting as a blocker for each linebacker instead of the sled. This allows for a more dynamic block shed scenario, requiring linebackers to react to live blocking techniques. The partner blocker should focus on proper blocking fundamentals while maintaining safety throughout the drill.
- Angle Tackle Variations: The drill can be modified to incorporate different angle tackling scenarios. The coach can instruct the ball carrier to run at various angles (cutback left, cutback right, straight ahead) to challenge linebackers to adjust their approach and execute proper angle tackles.
- Sled Variations: Depending on the available equipment, the drill can be adapted to utilize different types of sleds. A 2-man sled offers a more realistic blocking surface, while a 1-man sled allows for individual focus on block shed technique. A 3-man sled can be used with only the outside positions manned by linebackers, simulating a wider blocking scheme.
- Focus on Specific Techniques: The drill can be tailored to emphasize specific block shedding techniques. Coaches can instruct linebackers to focus on specific hand placement variations (swim technique, rip technique, etc.) or prioritize specific footwork drills (chop steps, lateral shuffles) to refine their overall block shedding efficiency.
By incorporating these variations and tips into the Shed and Throw Drill, you can create a comprehensive training program that progressively challenges your linebackers and equips them with the skills to become dominant run-stoppers on the field.
Coaching Points
- Hand Placement and Leverage: Continuously emphasize the importance of proper hand placement on the blocker and maintaining leverage throughout the block shed.
- Footwork and Pad Level: Remind linebackers to utilize quick, chopping footwork and maintain a low center of gravity (knees bent) to maximize power and stability during block shed maneuvers.
- Head Up and Eyes Focused: Stress the importance of keeping the head up with eyes focused on the ball carrier’s chest or hips throughout the drill. This allows linebackers to track the ball carrier’s movements and react efficiently.
- Form Tackling and Wrap-Up: Focus on proper form tackling technique during the pursuit and tackle phase. Ensure linebackers maintain a head-up posture, wrap up the ball carrier with their arms, and drive through the tackle to bring them down securely.
- Backside Pursuit Technique: Emphasize the importance of aggressive pursuit by the backside linebacker. They should run full speed past the form tackle and demonstrate proper backside pursuit angles.
Equipment
- 2-Man Sled (preferred)
- Alternatively, 1-Man or 3-Man Sled (adjust linebacker positioning accordingly)
- Footballs (optional)
The Shed and Throw Drill is an invaluable addition to any linebacker’s training program. This drill hones their ability to shed blocks effectively, navigate the backfield with urgency, and execute proper form tackles on ball carriers in run-stopping situations. With a focus on proper technique, aggressive pursuit, and tackling fundamentals, the Shed and Throw Drill empowers linebackers to disrupt offensive plays and minimize running yardage. By incorporating variations and progressions, coaches can cater the drill to various skill levels and progressively challenge linebackers, ensuring they are prepared to excel in any run-stopping scenario on game day.
