It’s the Linebacker’s job to make a Defensive Lineman “right”.
In other words, when a Defensive Lineman leaves their Gap, the Linebacker should take that Gap over.
But what’s causing this to occur?
There are three common reasons a Defensive Lineman might change Gaps on a play.
By Design
We’re talking STUNTS here.
When a Stunt is called, a Defensive Lineman is being asked to line up a certain way, and then change Gaps after the snap.
A lot of technique goes into executing a Stunt, but a key factor is the Defensive Lineman’s ability to SELL SOMETHING to the Offence.
By alignment (and even through the first few steps of the play) the Defensive Lineman wants to SELL the fact they’re defending a certain Gap. They will then switch Gaps to create some chaos and some favourable angles for the Defence.
When it’s a pre-determined Stunt, the Linebacker will already be anticipating the movement and should have no problem taking over the Defensive Lineman’s original Gap.
By Freedom
In some systems, Defensive Linemen have the freedom to disrupt the Offence any way they see fit.
A good example of this is when facing a Reach Block.
Some Defensive Linemen have the freedom to “Back Door” this type of block if there’s an opening.
This is a bit risky, but with practice the Linebackers will learn how to cover up for the freestyling Defensive Linemen.
By Accident
Sometimes a Defensive Lineman will just end up in the wrong place.
Maybe they had a slow get off on the play, or an athletic Offensive Lineman was able to get leverage on them.
In this case, the Linebacker must have great vision to see that the Defensive Lineman is in a new Gap.
Since the Linebacker is aligned at Depth, they have time to cover the Defensive Lineman’s original Gap while pursuing the ball carrier.
Final Thoughts
When watching a football play as a fan, it’s sometimes impossible to know which of these three situations is taking place.
But whatever the reason, the Linebacker often has a chance to make things “right” when a Defensive Lineman switches Gaps on a play.
Deeper Dive
I take an extremely deep dive into this and other topics in the Defending Zone Runs Super Clinic.
Release Date: January 5, 2024.
How should a Linebacker read a play?
The fastest and most efficient method is the Triangle Read.
Here are the basics.
Primary Read
The Primary Read is the Offensive Line.
Depending on where the Linebacker is aligned, the specific Offensive Linemen they are reading might change.
A Linebacker in the B Gap, for example, can read the Centre, Guard, and Tackle.
A Linebacker aligned head up on the Centre, however, might read the Guard, Centre, Guard.
A few typical first reads:
- Inside Zone
- Outside Zone
- Gap Scheme (Pulling Lineman)
- Pass
- etc.
The coach must decide how they want the Linebacker to react based on each initial read.
For instance, do they fly right down to the line of scrimmage when they see an Inside Zone? Do they aggressively chase Pullers?
These initial reactions must be coached and drilled.
Secondary Read
AFTER reading the Offensive Line, the Linebacker then reads the Backfield.
Now that we have two variables in play, it really comes down to how you want to coach your players.
Perhaps the initial read is an Inside Zone going AWAY from the Linebacker. Maybe you have the Linebacker SHUFFLE versus this look. Now they check the Backfield to see it was a Play Action (or RPO) all along. Flip the hips and get into a pass drop.
Or perhaps the initial read is an Outside Zone coming TOWARDS the Linebacker. The Linebacker starts moving with the play, but then checks the backfield to see the RB has cut back immediately. The Linebacker can now rock back and pursue the ball.
Complete Picture
And that’s it. Triangle Read 101.
A Primary Read of the Offensive Line, followed by a Secondary Read of the Backfield.
When drilled properly, this becomes second nature for the Linebacker. They can make their reads instantly and get to the point of attack in an efficient way.
The magic lies in deciding how you want your Linebackers to react versus each look.
This will make all the difference.
After a great visit with @Coach_Mollard I am honoured to announce I have received an opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Calgary!
grateful for having great role models coaching me the past 3 years I’m exited to see what my potential hold in the future (senior season highlights) https://t.co/cIxfQkOv1F
grateful for having great role models coaching me the past 3 years I’m exited to see what my potential hold in the future (senior season highlights) https://t.co/cIxfQkOv1F
https://t.co/wAoL0BwpeI
Final Film tape C/O 2024 (Rec/KR/PR)
Grateful to God, family, coaches and teammates for a memorable high school career. Excited to see what is next for me as a student and athlete.
@cappiello99@Coach_Mollard@CoachKyleCole@bertwarriorfbal@ShoWill33