LINEBACKER DRILLS

Receiving Line Drill

Backpedal, Turn and Catch Drill (Right and Left)

1. DB stands 25 yards ahead of the DRILL DIRECTOR with his back to him and in a backpedal stance.
2. On command DB will back pedal towards the DRILL DIRECTOR.
3. DRILL DIRECTOR will yell “Ball” after at least 10 yards in the back pedal.
4. DB will speed turn to the right and catch the football as he runs forward towards the DRILL DIRECTOR.
5. DB will sprint with the football past the DRILL DIRECTOR and hand the ball to the assistant instructor.

“W” Drill

1. DB faces DRILL DIRECTOR 5 yards away with feet on the line in a backpedal stance.
2. On command the DB will backpedal for 5 yards.
3. Using a football the DRILL DIRECTOR will direct the DB to execute a 45-degree break towards the cone until the DRILL DIRECTOR directs another backpedal of 5 yards.
4. The DRILL DIRECTOR will repeat this pattern 2 more times with the DB catching the football on the last cone and sprinting to the End Zone.

Back Pedal, Weave, 90 Degree & Catch Drill

1. DB will line up in a back pedal stance 7 yards ahead of the DRILL DIRECTOR.
2. On command, the DB will backpedal reacting to the DRILL DIRECTOR direction using the football.
3. DB will maintain a back pedal stance as he weaves downfield looking at the DRILL DIRECTOR.
4. When DRILL DIRECTOR swipes the football downward either to the right or left, the DB will break on a 45-degree angle and catch the football from the DRILL DIRECTOR.
5. DB will sprint past the DRILL DIRECTOR and return the football to the assistant instructor.

Back Pedal and Transition 45 Degree Reaction (Right and Left)

1. Player will begin 40 yards away from the LOS and inside the numbers
2. Player will then back pedal on the Drill Coach’s signal
3. Player will then react to the ball in flight by either a speed turn or wheel

Close and Speed Turn Drill

1. Player will begin at designated start cone
2. Player will execute 5 yard back pedal
3. Player will then plant and close 10 yards to the designated cone
4. Player will then execute a speed turn and play the deep ball downfield
5. Player will secure the catch and finish the drill

*Coach to allow the DB to sprint back to within 5 yards of the cone/coach before signaling for a speed turn.

Back Pedal, Break Forward, Speed Turn & Catch Drill

1. DB will line up in a back pedal stance 7 yards ahead of the DRILL DIRECTOR.
2. On command the DB will backpedal downfield, make sure the DB backpedals at least 10 yards before break point.
3. When DRILL DIRECTOR swipes the football downwards the DB will break forward.
4. The DRILL DIRECTOR will then raise the football to a throwing position of which the DB will speed turn downfield and sprint like he is covering a Go route.
5. DRILL DIRECTOR will throw the long ball and DB will locate the football to catch it.
6. DB will sprint past the DRILL DIRECTOR and return the football to the assistant instructor.