If you want a strong run defense, you need to have strong linebackers. And that doesn’t mean they have to be superstars, flying over the offensive line for a sack every play, but they do need to be ready to contain and attack the ballcarrier every single down.

And while most linebackers are well versed in dealing with a regular block, quite a few can struggle with shedding cut blocks, either because they aren’t expecting one, or because they simply don’t know the proper technique.

Giving A Step

Instead of pressing forward, and letting the blocker trip you up down low, simply dip your shoulder, and push off the block with your outside hand. As you do so, use the momentum of the blocker to take a small step or two backwards, and then continue along in a lateral run.

The key is to not over extend yourself, and keep your shoulders square to the line of scrimmage – this will make it infinitely easier to maintain your speed, and an eye on the ballcarrier.

Cut Block Footwork

After you’ve gone over the technique a couple times, lay out two bags about 5 and 10 yards away to the side of your line of players.

Then have your linebackers slide laterally until they come up to the bag, and then have them execute a quick back step or two to clear the bag, and continue along laterally to the next bag.

Again, the focus is keeping your shoulders square to the line of scrimmage – this will not only decrease the likelihood of a tackle being broken, but also makes it easier to contain any cutback lanes should the runner head to the opposite sideline.

Peel Drill

Once they’re got the footwork of  ‘Giving A Step’ down, it’s time to get them in a game situation.

It’s rare that your linebackers will ever have a straight lane to the ballcarrier – they will usually have to shed at least one, and maybe two or three blocks before they can make the tackle.

And that’s just what you’ll be challenging the linebacker to do in this drill. Lined up in a straight line, with two blockers and a ballcarrier in front of him, and a coach behind.

The coach will point to either the left or the right, and the runner will break in that direction. The blockers should both be executing cut blocks, and after the linebacker sheds them, he should explode vertically toward the running back, wrapping up and pushing him back a good 5 yards.

Coaching Tips

• Square up those shoulders!

• Don’t lean on the blocker – maintain your center of balance

• Stay level – you shouldn’t raise or lower your body as you give up the step, stay in that athletic stance!

If you enjoyed this article, or have any questions pertaining to coaching or your players, make sure to comment below!