Linebacker Fundamentals, Techniques and Reads

One of the more versatile coaches in college football today, Al Seamonson brings tremendous experience to the linebacker position. He has coached at the NCAA Division 1 level for over 25 years. Seamonson has prepared a number of defensive players for the NFL over the years, including All-Pro Shawne Merriman. As a former Division I player, he understands the skill and technique needed to be successful at the linebacker position.

Coach Seamonson creates a complete outline for playing linebacker in the 4-3 defense. He covers everything from preparation, drills, reads, recognition to actually playing the game. Through the use of illustrations and game video, he covers formation keys and coverage's for the Sam, Mike and Will linebackers.

Beginning with the mental side of linebacker play, you will learn his "musts for success." He covers topics such as effort, communication and mental toughness. These points, among others, are important because they are the basis for developing quality football players.

Moving to the techniques, Coach Seamonson reveals six keys to pre-snap success for the linebacker followed by progressive teaching at the position. Items include knowing the calls for the defense as well as understanding all of the positions on the field. Alignment, assignments and proper physical technique are discussed along with execution, pursuit defeating blocks and tackling among others.

Zone pass coverage responsibilities to include proper drop angles are explained. Keys for level one and level two linebackers are explained to include proper alignments of 10, 20, 30, and 40 linebackers. Receiver assignments for multiple formations are described so that coaches have an easy plan for teaching coverage responsibilities.

Coach Seamonson covers angle tackling and the drills that are needed daily to ensure effective linebacker open field tackling. Fundamentals of tackling are taught so that coaches understand how proper technique is critical to player safety. Coach Seamonson explains how the eyes are the key to good tackling and where your linebackers should fix their eyes to prevent missed tackles. He covers the shimmy tackle and how it is used in open field tackling. Coaching points for goal line tackling are included.

Video footage on stopping the run is shared from multiple games. Seamonson follows the run footage up with general points on pass concepts, zone progressions and game film on the passing game. Blitz pass rush technique is highlighted and several key points to blitzing are shared along with blitz video footage.

Coach Seamonson provides an effective guide for coaches to develop the tools of the trade for the linebacker position to use when teaching linebacker play in the 4-3 defense that will make your backers a cut above.

121 minutes. 2012.