Inside Linebacker Keys vs the Run.

AS HIGH SCHOOL DEFENSIVE coordinator, I have always attempted to equip my linebackers with the simplest keys possible vs. the run.

Since most of my schedule was made up of Wing-T teams, I felt that the best way to do this was by keying the offensive linemen, as their blocks always indicated the direction of the ball.

Though our LBs are labeled S, M, and R in the accompanying diagrams, they are considered inside LBs only when aligned in the 10, 30, or 50 techniques. By teaching each LB these techniques, we can play multiple fronts without requiring any extra learning. (Sec Diag.1)

Essentially, I teach the high school LB to key the uncovered lineman in front of him. The 50 Technique will key thc tackle, the 30 Technique will key the guard, and the 10 Technique will key the center.

If one of these offensive linemen is covered, we will still key him, but it will be more difficult to do because his movement will not be drastic.

The accompanying diagrams show certain blocking scenarios, but only the experienced LBs will be able to see the entire picture. I start by teaching the LBs to key on a lineman and look for one of the five basic moves (down block, out block, base block, pull block, or pass set).

Once they become efficient at this, we will key the entire blocking scheme, as long as it does not slow down the LB by making him think too much.

I have taught these keys for a Tight Front (3 Technique to TE), a Split Front (3 Technique to SE), a G Front, a 5-2 Front, and a Tuff Front, and my players have a responded well to all of them.

Diag. 2 shows the reaction to keys by the 50 Technique; Diag. 3, the reaction to keys by the 10 Technique; and Diag. 4, the reaction to keys by the 30 Technique.

Nomenclature for the diagrams:

$ Strike (End to Run Strength)

T Tackle (Tackle to Run Strength)

N Nose (Tackle Away from Run Strength)

W Whip (End Away from Run Strength)

S Stud (LB to Pass Strength)

M Missile (LB in open gap between S and R)

R Rocket (LB Away from Pass Strength)

Stance: The LB always sets up in a square stance four yards off the LOS with his feet parallel and a little wider than shoulder-width, toes pointing straight ahead.

He must have a good bend in the ankles, knees, and hips, with his weight over the balls of the feet, back straight, head up, arms held loosely at the sides with the hands out front ready for contact.

To minimize the chance of being badly positioned on a wrong key, we ask the LB to take a very short first step.

When aligned in an Up call (two yards from the LOS), the LB must switch from a square to a staggered stance with his inside foot up in a toe-to-heel relationship with the outside foot. But the feet must still stay parallel with the toes set at the heels of the defensive linemen and the hands kept in front of the body ready for immediate contact.

Alignment: Most LBs set up in either a 50, 30, 10, or 9 techniques. Our concentration here will be on the 50, 30, and 10 techniques.

Keys: The LB's first key will be the uncovered lineman in front of him. If, as will sometimes happen, there will be no uncovered lineman, the LB will have to key on the lineman directly in front of him.

Note: These keys can also change, depending on the type of offense being defended.

Vs. the Wing-T, both guards should probably be keyed.

Vs. the I, the fullback should probably be keyed. This (keying the uncovered lineman) can be used against any offense.

Every uncovered lineman can make five movements: down block, base block, out block, pull block, and pass set.

It's important for the LB to take his first step correctly, based on his key, to gain an advantage in his positioning.

A down block and a base block are considered open windows and the gap responsibility should be filled immediately.

An out block will call for a shuffle in the direction opposite the block.

A pull block will call for a shuffle in the direction of the pull.

A pass set will signal the LB to get his eyes on the first threat in his zone or the man he is responsible for.

Technique Responsibilities

50 Technique: Straddle the outside leg of OT with toes at a depth of four yards.

Run to: If C-Gap is open, fill it. Otherwise stack behind the end and fill the open window inside or outside of the end.

On plays to the outside, always maintain an inside-out relationship with the ball-carrier.

Run away: Shuffle, looking for the cutback. Make sure the OT cannot cut you off.

Vs. Option -- depends on front called.

Vs. Pass -- play coverage called.

10 Technique: Straddle gap-side leg of C with toes at a depth of four yards.

Run to: Attack A-gap downhill.

Run away: Secure A-gap, scrape inside-out to ball.

Vs. Option: Secure dive through A-gap.

Vs. Pass: Play coverage called.

30 Technique: Straddle OT's inside leg with toes at a depth of four yards.

Run to: Attack B-gap. If B-gap is open, fill it. If closed, scrape wide to C-gap.

Run Away: Attack A-gap downhill.

Vs. Option: Depends on front called.

Vs. Pass: Play coverage called.

Techniques for Shedding Blockers

Flipper: Used by the LB when taking on a lead back or when taking on a down block by a guard on a full-back trap. He must attack the blocker by closing down the distance with his feet.

Once in a position to make contact, he should sink his hips to lower his center of gravity and deliver a blow with his inside forearm and shoulder, going through the blocker's chest to create separation.

He should make sure to step with the inside foot whenever he makes contact with the inside forearm. He must try to knock the blocker over.

Defeating a Cut Block (for a LB and DB): As you attack the man blocking you, read his head. If it stays high, use the tripod technique and steer him. If his head drops, it will be a cut block.

Place your inside leg forward to entice the blocker to go for it. As his head drops, place your inside hand on his helmet and your outside hand on his shoulder and drive him back and into the ground to the inside.

As you do this, clear you feet backward and push off to the outside, resuming a good football position.

Tripod: A technique used to engage a blocker in which the hands explode into the breast plate with the thumbs up. Keeping the neck bulled, drive the head into the "V" of the opponent's neck. Try to bench-press the OL off to create separation.