Sharpen Your Shedding Skills: The Linebacker Shed and Tackle Drill
The Linebacker Shed and Tackle Drill is a cornerstone exercise for developing linebackers adept at shedding blocks and making open-field tackles. This drill hones their ability to react decisively against initial blocks, navigate cut blocks, and execute proper form tackles on the move. By incorporating various blocking techniques, cut block simulations, and progressive tackling elements, the Shed and Tackle Drill equips linebackers with the essential skills to disrupt offensive schemes and shut down plays in the open field.
Purpose
- Block Shedding: This drill trains linebackers to effectively shed blocks, specifically focusing on base and reach block techniques. Linebackers learn proper hand placement, leverage, and body positioning to disengage from blockers and pursue the ball carrier.
- Cut Block Navigation: The drill incorporates cut block simulations, challenging linebackers to identify and react explosively to cut attempts. This prepares them to navigate around cut blocks and maintain pursuit of the ball carrier.
- Open-Field Tackling: Linebackers develop proficiency in open-field tackling, a crucial skill for tackling ball carriers in space. The drill emphasizes proper tackling form, including maintaining a low center of gravity, taking the correct tackling angle, and wrapping up the ball carrier securely.
Description
Drill Setup
- Blocker Positioning: Position the first blocker directly in front of the linebacker. This blocker can utilize a hand shield (optional) to simulate a more aggressive block.
- Cut Block Simulation: Place a second blocker approximately five yards to one side and two yards behind the first blocker. This blocker will simulate the cut block using either a padded blocking guard or a light tackle dummy.
- Ball Carrier Placement: Position the ball carrier another five yards outside and six yards behind the first blocker. They will initiate their movement at an angle (45 degrees) away from the linebacker when the linebacker gets to the cut block simulation (or upon the coach’s command or signal).
Drill Execution
- Initial Block: On the coach’s signal, the first blocker executes a base block or a reach block on the linebacker.
- Block Shedding: The linebacker must react decisively to the initial block. They should employ proper shedding techniques (aggressive shed and rip, utilizing a shed, throw and rip technique if no hand shield is used) to disengage from the block and continue their pursuit of the ball carrier.
- Cut Block Reaction: As the linebacker sheds the initial block, they encounter the cut block simulation from the second blocker. Their focus should be on maintaining a low center of gravity and explosively using his hand to fend off the cut block from his knees.
- Open-Field Tackle: Having navigated the cut block, the linebacker pursues the ball carrier, who is now running at an angle. The linebacker should take the correct angle, ensuring they don’t allow the ball carrier to outrun them or cut back inside. The drill culminates with the linebacker executing a proper form open-field tackle.
Progression
- Progression to Live Blocking and Tackling: As linebackers demonstrate proficiency in shedding blocks and navigating cut blocks with proper form tackling, gradually progress the drill to incorporate live blocking and tackling.
- First remove the hand shield from the first blocker (keep the padded blocking guard or tackle dummy for the cut block simulation for safety reasons, but intensify the force), that way the linebacker can experience a more realistic block and also can use his full shed, throw and rip technique.
- Then give the ball carriers more freedom on where and how to run (e.g. running at different angles and use jukes – but keep it realistic), and do a full contact tackle. Ensure proper tackling technique and safety measures are in place during live tackling progressions.
Coaching Points
- Aggressive Block Shedding: Continuously emphasize aggressive block shedding techniques. Focus on proper hand placement, leverage, and body positioning to disengage from blockers efficiently.
- Maintain Balance and Keep Low: Remind linebackers to maintain proper balance throughout the drill. They should keep their center of gravity low to protect their knees and ensure optimal tackling position.
- Open-Field Tackling Angles: Stress the importance of taking the correct tackling angle when approaching the ball carrier in the open field. Linebackers should maintain correct leverage, preventing the ball carrier from outrunning them to the outside. While maintaining good leverage to not be outrun is crucial, it’s equally important to avoid overrunning the ball carrier and allowing a cutback. Linebackers should be coached to read the ball carrier’s hips and adjust their angle accordingly.
Equipment
- Football (for Ball Carrier)
- Hand Shield (Optional)
- Padded Blocking Guard or Light Tackle Dummy
The Linebacker Shed and Tackle Drill equips linebackers with the essential skills to disrupt offensive plays and shut down ball carriers in the open field. By mastering this drill, linebackers develop the ability to shed blocks effectively, navigate cut block attempts, and execute secure open-field tackles. This comprehensive drill, incorporating various blocking scenarios, cut block simulations, and progressive tackling elements, empowers linebackers to become a dominant force on defense.
