The T Drill: A Multi-Skill Powerhouse for Agile and Well-Rounded Linebackers
The T Drill is a dynamic exercise designed to refine a linebacker’s agility, technique execution, and overall conditioning. This drill incorporates a series of movements that simulate various situations linebackers encounter during a game, allowing them to work on proper form while developing explosiveness and decision-making skills.
Purpose
- Enhanced Agility: The drill emphasizes quick changes of direction, explosive bursts, and lateral movements, honing a linebacker’s ability to react swiftly and adjust to developing plays.
- Technical Refinement: Linebackers practice proper form while catching a medicine ball, mimicking the action of securing a low throw or fending off a cut block. They also refine their tackling technique with tackling dummies or live tackling situations.
- Conditioning: The drill provides a challenging workout that elevates a linebacker’s overall conditioning, preparing them for the physical demands of a game.
- Putting Skills Together: The T Drill allows linebackers to integrate various skills – agility, catching, tackling – into a cohesive sequence, mimicking the demands of reacting to plays on the field.
Description
Drill Setup
- Cone Formation: Create a T-shaped formation using the cones. Place three cones in a straight line, spaced 4-5 yards apart. Position the fourth cone at a 90-degree angle to the middle cone of the line, approximately 4-5 yards away.
- Starting Position: Linebackers begin at the fourth cone, facing the center of the T formation.
Drill Execution
- Medicine Ball Catch (Optional): On the coach’s signal, linebackers sprint towards the middle cone. As they approach, a coach can toss a medicine ball for them to catch at knee level, simulating catching a low throw or securing the ball after a short pass. Alternatively, a padded blocking guard can be positioned at the middle cone for linebackers to practice fending off a cut block while maintaining proper technique (hips sunk, arms extended).
- Change of Direction: Following the medicine ball catch or blocking pad drill, linebackers explosively change direction, sprinting either to the left or right cone at the end of the initial line. Depending on the coaching emphasis, linebackers can run with their shoulders perpendicular to the line of cones (mimicking chasing a running back) or keep their shoulders square and perform a crossover run (emphasizing agility). Upon reaching the cone, they should touch it with their hand.
- Forward Sprint and Catch: From the first cone, linebackers explode forward in a straight line, sprinting towards the far cone on the opposite side of the T formation. During this sprint, a coach or another player can throw a football, allowing linebackers to practice catching the ball while moving forward.
- Drop, Shuffle, and Tackle: After catching the ball or completing the forward sprint, linebackers drop the ball at the far cone and transition into a shuffle movement. They shuffle back to the middle cone, then simulating dropping back in pass coverage to the starting cone. Upon reaching the starting cone, they plant their feet, explode forward, and execute a tackle on a tackling dummy positioned between the middle cone and one of the other cones of the three forming a line and about 2-3 yards off the line, away from the starting cone. The coach signals which tackling dummy to target as the linebacker reaches the starting cone.
Variations
- Live Tackling: For a more game-realistic scenario, replace the tackling dummies with another linebacker acting as a running back. The running back jogs from a designated point at a 45-degree angle towards the starting cone, allowing the linebacker to practice a form tackle vs a moving target. Can also use a tackle donut for the same purpose.
Coaching Points
- Catching Technique: When catching the medicine ball or a football, emphasize proper technique. Linebackers should sink their hips, extend their arms, and create a large target for the ball.
- Sharp Cuts: Stress the importance of making sharp and explosive cuts when changing directions. Linebackers should focus on minimizing wasted movement and maintaining proper body position.
- Head Up and Eyes Forward: Remind linebackers to keep their heads up with eyes focused forward throughout the drill. This allows them to maintain awareness of their surroundings and react to developing situations.
- Low Body Position: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a low center of gravity throughout the drill. Linebackers should keep their knees bent and avoid standing straight up, which can hinder agility and tackling effectiveness.
- Tackling Form: Focus on proper tackling technique during the drill. Linebackers should shoot their arms, wrap
- the ball carrier with proper technique, keep their feet moving, and maintain a low center of gravity throughout the tackle.
- Decision-Making: For variations involving live tackling with another linebacker, introduce an element of decision-making. The coach can signal which tackling dummy (or running back) to target, forcing the linebacker to react and adjust their approach accordingly.
- Conditioning: While the drill emphasizes skill development, it also provides a challenging workout. Encourage linebackers to maintain a high effort level throughout the repetitions.
Equipment
- Cones (4)
- Footballs
- Medicine Ball (Optional)
- Padded Blocking Guard (Optional)
- Tackling Dummies (2, Optional)
- Tackle donut (Optional)
The T Drill is a valuable tool for developing well-rounded linebackers with the agility, technical skills, and conditioning necessary to excel on the field. By incorporating this drill into your training program, you equip your linebackers with the ability to react swiftly, execute proper technique in various situations, and maintain their conditioning throughout the game. The drill’s versatility allows you to cater to different skill levels and introduce variations to target specific areas. So, grab some cones, footballs, and tackling dummies, and get your linebackers moving with the T Drill – their overall performance will thank you for it!
Originally Contributed 2008 by Coach Greg Mitchell, at the time Assitant Coach/Outside Linebackers at Urbana University, OH. The Urbana Blue Knights play in the MSFA (Mid-States Football Association, NAIA)
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