Linebacker Drills and Fundamentals

A video clinic on LB philosophy and drills.

I’ve received several questions in the past month on LB drills and if I had any tape. This video is a clinic tape a developed for former Baylor LB Coach Jim Gush. The tape goes through basic philosophies, daily reminders, and highlights multiple drills. The clinic is broken down into several sections:

  • Philosophy/Points of Emphasis
  • Techniques and Fundamentals
  • Bag Drills
  • Ball Drills
  • Pass Drops
  • Tackling Drills
  • Block Protection and Key Drills
  • Special Situations

The video itself is about 30 minutes long and is a valuable reference tool for coaching linebackers. The drills mesh well with a 4-2-5 scheme or a single-gap fitting 3-4 (Okie). Everything in this video was developed by Coach Gush. While at Baylor he developed several standout LBs and two All-Big 12 members (2011-2016):

  • Bryce Hagar (2nd – 2012/2014)
  • Eddie Lackey (1st – 2013)
  • 8 Honorable Mentions

Note: There is no talking. The tape was used at the Lone Star Clinic in 2012. If you have questions about specific drills feel free to contact me.



As always, follow me on Twitter (@The_Coach_A) and do not hesitate to email me with questions through the site’s CONTACT page. Make sure to visit (and bookmark) the Link Book.

Author: MatchQuarters

Author/Coach

4 thoughts on “Linebacker Drills and Fundamentals”

  1. Coach,

    I may be able to find the answer to this question somewhere on this site or in your book, I’m curious as to who the “cover down” players key. Thanks.

    1. Depends on the type of cover down (that is my next article – June). Apex is usually the EMOL while a full cover down stil keys the mesh or EMOL, but “feels” the slot which he is underneath of in coverage.

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