The position of outside linebacker in American football is one of the most varied and challenging positions on the back line. Due to the amount of field that linebackers have to cover, their responsibilities are greater than those of other positions. This has resulted in many divisions in linebacker types, even in the single position of external linebacker.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Play Outside Linebacker on the Strong Side
Step 1. Play on the strong side of the formation
The outside linebacker on the strong side of the lineup is often referred to as Sam. Using the center of the attack (the player who puts the ball into play) as the center line, the strong side of the attack is the side where more players are placed, usually including the tight end.
Step 2. Take on the attack blockers
Offensive blockers will try to stop the defense and arrange it to create holes for running backs and tight ends. In addition to the rest of the defensive line, the Sam must help close the spaces created by blockers. One of the secrets to effectively dealing with blockers is the "hit and shed" maneuver, where a linebacker makes contact with a blocker and then walks away while remaining in the correct defensive position.
- The correct defensive stance requires that the feet are directed forward, slightly wider than the shoulders, that the weight is placed on the toes, that the back is straight, the head is held high and the knees are bent.
- Make contact with the side of the foot you bring forward. To maintain balance, strike the ascender with the shoulder, forearm, or hand on the side of the foot you bring forward.
- Keep your hips low and push up on the ascender with your legs and not just your upper body.
- By keeping his hips and stance low, the linebacker can also keep his shoulders down and in this way be able to get under the blocker and kick him off the ground, thus being able to move away to prepare for the rest of the action.
- Getting into the correct position and being under the attack blocker is very important for outside linebackers, because the tackles and guards they will come into contact with often have important weight advantages.
Step 3. Contain the running back
If the quarterback calls a running play, it means that he will deliver the ball to the running back, who will try to find a hole in the defense line. One of the Sam's tasks is to plug these holes in the line and tackle the running back and keep him from penetrating from the strong side.
Step 4. Cover the tight end
In addition to covering the running back in running games, the Sam must also be ready to cover the tight end, which usually plays on the strong side of the attacking formation. According to the called game, the tight end's task could be to prevent the defensive line from blitzing the quarterback, blocking the defending line to create space for the running back, or breaking free for an unloading pass when the quarterback doesn't have time. to complete a pass for a wide receiver. Sam marks the tight end in most games, so he has to quickly adapt to the role the tight end plays in action.
In the event that the tight end manages to break free as a catcher and the quarterback completes a pass to him, it is up to Sam to tackle him as soon as he receives the pass
Method 2 of 2: Play Outside Linebacker on the Weak Side
Step 1. Cover the trajectories of running to re-enter the running back The weak side linebacker (commonly called Will) is by no means a weaker player, he just plays on the less covered side and doesn't have to worry about the tight end
A running back receiving the ball can often cut to the weak side of the formation, and in this case it is the Will's responsibility to tackle him and not move the ball forward.
Will's are often lighter and faster than strong side outer linebackers and center linebackers. While the other two roles have to deal with primary and secondary blockers, the Will's job is to penetrate the attacking line and play on the ball
Step 2. Prevent running back and fullback passes
In many games, running backs and fullbacks are required to step out of the backfield to act as receivers when a quarterback thinks he will have trouble completing a longer pass. In this case, it is the Will's job to cover these passes or at least tackle the backfield players when they get possession of the ball.
Step 3. Blitz the quarterback
It is the Will's job to exploit the holes created by the rest of the defensive line and attack the ball and for this reason they are often the ones who make sacks on the quarterback.
Advice
- When making a tackle, aim for the hip or below and push up. Then step forward with your feet and bring the opponent to the ground. If you fall to the ground, grab the ball carrier's feet and ankles to make him fall.
- Watch the ball. Trivial, but very important.
- Never give your back to the action. In a passing game, run backwards and don't turn around.
- Although the dimensions vary according to the position, the ideal size of a linebacker is 190 cm for 120 kilos of weight approximately.
- Since outside linebackers have to adapt faster to different games than other positions, they must be prepared to make lateral movements and explode forward.
- Some coaches (even of NFL teams) prefer to assign the roles of left and right linebacker instead of Sam and Will and this requires players to be able to fill both roles.
- The most common 4-3 line of defense consists of four linemen with three linebackers (Sam, Will and Mike - the center linebacker), but some teams adopt a 3-4 lineman defense with three linemen and four linebackers.
- Imitate the movements of the person with the ball. If the running back is bringing the ball outward, move sideways following him, and when he sprints forward, do the same and tackle him.
Warnings
- Remember to keep your head up. Hitting an opponent with your head down is dangerous and can cause serious injury.
- This is a role that involves a lot of physical contact. Hit players with the correct technique to avoid injuries and get medical attention for any problems, particularly if you suspect head injuries.
