8 Principles for Great Linebacker Play

with Reggie Johnson,
University of Arkansas Assistant Coach - Linebackers;
former University of Louisville Assistant Coach/Linebackers

Coach Johnson's defensive philosophy is to win with great technique, discipline and pure hustle. Here he describes his eight key principles of linebacker play. These areas include stance, alignment, keying, responsibility, blow delivery, tackling, play coverage and pressuring the quarterback. He begins with general thoughts regarding technique, which is described as the specific details of the linebacker position. Stance is the first major fundamental of great linebacker play. Feet apart, toes ahead, balanced weight and hands ready are keys. Keying is a skill taught by Johnson and alerts the player to read eyes and movement on the snap of the ball. In great detail, blow delivery is taught using eight skill components. Defending the pass for linebackers is broken down into zone, fire zone and man coverage. Lastly, Johnson covers the art of pressuring the quarterback and blitzing, which is what makes linebackers valuable to the team's defensive attack. Using practice footage, Johnson illustrates how his teaching techniques are carried out on the field.

47 minutes. 2007.

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