MOST DEFENSIVE EXPERTS concur that dominating defenses are defined by the quality of their linebackers.
Tim Schaffner, the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan., says that the most-productive LBs possess specific characteristics.
“Great LBs are disciplined and finish plays within the defensive scheme,” he says. “They understand and execute the defense. You can’t have a great defense without high quality LBs.
Schaffner says that the following qualities are critical for success in LB play and development:
X Leadership. LBs need to be a coach on the field and in the huddle. They need to take control and take great pride in the their defensive unit. They must not accept mediocrity or allow it in the huddle.
X Tempo. LBs must practice and play at full speed at all times. They must possess high energy and play at a fast tempo. They must give great effort. Effort is the only thing that a player can control play-in and play-out.
X Aggressive Mindset. LBs must enjoy the physical part of the game. A player either loves contact or they don’t — this is something that can’t be faked.
X Physicality. A great LB is a player who can finish plays. There is no such thing as a finesse LB.
X Enthusiasm. A LB must be the type of player who loves the game. He must practice with a purpose and remember the phrase, “Practice like you play and play like you practice.”
X Instincts. LBs must have a natural ability to locate the football and to get there quickly.
X Understand The Game. Being mentally prepared is critical for good LB play. Knowledge is power. A player with size, speed and strength is good to have — but without knowledge and understanding, he’s nothing more than eye candy!
X Vision. A great LB is able to overcome “tunnel vision” and can see the entire field.