What he does

• Reads the offensive line and the backfield to tell run from pass
• Fills the gap and tackles the runner
• Covers running backs and tight ends
• Drops into a zone or follows a man in coverage
• Blitzes when the call sends him. The Mike often calls the defense

Types of linebacker

Middle linebacker (Mike)

The middle linebacker lines up in the center of the defense, behind the defensive tackles. He is usually the quarterback of the defense: he reads the offense, makes the calls and sets the front.

• Fills the middle gap against inside runs and is often the main tackler
• Calls the defensive front and the coverage for the rest of the team
• Drops into the middle hook zone on pass plays, or covers a running back
• Blitzes up the middle when the play calls for it

Outside linebackers (Will and Sam)

The two outside linebackers play on the sides of the formation. The Sam is the strongside linebacker, on the side where the tight end lines up. The Will is the weakside linebacker, on the other side, with more room to run.

• Sam sets the edge, takes on the tight end in the run game and often covers him on passes
• Will is usually the fastest of the three and chases plays from sideline to sideline
• Both drop to the flats or hook zones in zone coverage, or cover backs in man coverage
• Either can blitz around the edge to pressure the quarterback

On running plays

Reads the guard’s steps, then attacks the gap. If the line moves left, so does he. A linebacker who guesses wrong can be blocked out of the play.

On passing plays

In zone he drops to a hook area and watches the quarterback’s eyes. In man he follows a back or tight end. On a blitz he finds the open gap and gets to the quarterback.

What makes a good one

Instincts, tackling, the speed to cover ground and the ability to take on a blocker. It is the position that must do a bit of everything.

How he lines up

Linebackers line up four to six yards behind the line, though the depth changes with the call. In a 4-3 front the Sam, Mike and Will line up in a row. In a 3-4, two inside linebackers play in the middle and the outside linebackers rush from the edges. Before the snap they shift to match the formation, for example moving toward a tight end or a running back lined up in the backfield.

Techniques and common mistakes

Key techniques are the shed (using his hands to get off a block), the form tackle with the head up and a wrap of the arms, and keeping leverage so that a runner is forced toward help. Common mistakes are over-pursuing and leaving a cutback lane, biting on a play-action fake and leaving the middle open, and watching the quarterback while a receiver slips behind him.

Animated play

Blue circles are the team with the ball. X marks the other team. The yellow oval is the ball.

1. The linebacker stands behind the defensive line, so he can see the whole backfield.
2. He studies the offensive linemen and the running back. Their first steps show where the play is going.
3. He runs to the right gap, the space between two linemen, before the runner reaches it.
4. He tackles the runner after a short gain. The same player drops back into coverage on pass plays, which is why he must be quick.

Related terms