Welcome to #425chat our topic is LB reads and techniques sponsored by @mygaonline! Go ahead and introduce yourself and follow your fellow coaches. Don’t forget to use the #425chat and go follow our new moderator @CoachCCase
Jerod Brown, El Molino HS JV HC. Moving to Varsity w/in a year or so. Want to implement 425. New to it so my input will be limited. But stoked to learn from everyone #425chat
Welcome to #425chat our topic is LB reads and techniques sponsored by @mygaonline! Go ahead and introduce yourself and follow your fellow coaches. Don’t forget to use the #425chat and go follow our new moderator @CoachCCase
This is our schedule for tonight. Questions will be posted at these times. Q1 at 8:10. Q2 at 8:21. Q3 at 8:30. Q4 at 8:37. Q5 at 8:45. And Q6 at 8:52. #425chat
Welcome to #425chat our topic is LB reads and techniques sponsored by @mygaonline! Go ahead and introduce yourself and follow your fellow coaches. Don’t forget to use the #425chat and go follow our new moderator @CoachCCase
A1) Basic fundamentals we start with guards, but each team has tells and tendencies that we can adjust keys for. So many false keys with OL these days that’s straight reading guards can get you in trouble. #425chat
A1: I always say 80/20, you have to start and focus the majority of the energy on the guards. But take a look around in the backfield. See what the heck is going on back there. #425chat
A1: we do both. I teach our guys that the guard helps us with our first few steps then our eyes go to flow and that determines our path. We do this because the guards make you right most of the time and then we can track the ball carrier effectively #425chat
Done it both ways. If they are quick and pretty talented backfield is the way to go. Reading guards is a great way to get started. Learning both is great for teams who false key or zone a lot. #425chat
Guard through to the backfield. True believer in the Gs don't lie (& work with them). Even against Bash concepts I want my LBs going with the Gs - the backside LB can always read out (& can do things w/ the DL to help). #425chat
A1: We read both. We face multiple types of offenses. Some teams it is better to key the guards and some teams it’s better to key the backs. Also some LBs are better at one over the other. We tailor it to our players. #425chat
The TRIANGLE. Guard, gap through back if 2 backs. Guards never lie (false pulls yes, but that is the 1%). Playside LB plays outside puller, backside LB inside pulled. spill up front, Box on all ISOs with LBs. Huge believer in LBs playing at depth, no closer than 4.5 yds #425chat
Read guards to flow. Lineman don’t lie. Too much misdirection to key backs. Will key FB at times in 2 back sets. Easier transition week to week. Brett Williams, Westview HS, San Diego, CA #425chat
Guard to opposite back in one back. Read step eyes on G, mirror step, eyes through presnap gap. See color and GO. Two back UC TRIANGLE. Two back split backs same as one back. Know presnap responsibility , get direction fill open door #425chat
Thought I was crazy teaching backfield reads and heard Rex Ryan at a clinic he teaches it the same way.We work flow reads like people work triangle. It’s worked for us... #425chat
A1) both, when we play a 2 back set, backers read near back for initial read. Eventually, they will need to see both and communicate guard pull to their partner. Vs 1 back we will read the guard. When we are in a 50 tech the backer will read the OT.
#425chat#playwithanEdge
A1. Found the most success reading lineman to backfield. All these reads are clues to where you need to be. Found the LB’s play slower reading only backs bc it’s easier to fool the defense #425chat
A1: both - Near back through the Near OG. Initial read is near back to get a quicker run/pass read & take steps according to what we know that read is going to do. Found it helps eliminate confusion between run/pass #425chat
A1 cont: we know where our blocking threat is coming from based on what the guard does, so I think it is important to use them as the initial key. I teach my guys to understand who is coming to block you based on what your guard is doing. #425chat
A1: our backers read guards, has always work best for us getting true reads. if teams play a fullback we will read fullback depending on tendencies. #425chat
Primary: G's
Secondary: Backfield (flow)
Guards diagnose play. Backfield quick direction / flow of play.
Have flipped primary/secondary when UC.
OL rarely lie. I know the play in 2-3 steps. Honor your assignment, find ball, make plays. #425chat
I think a big part of it is also what you see. If you see a ton of wingT, read OG but if you're seeing a bunch of zone read, I'd cross read the backs. #425chat
Both, reading a G don’t help against a zone. If we play a gap scheme O we read the G if a zone we read back. Really just depends on how much they pull #425chat
In my experience.... Read the guard through the backfield..... The Backfield movement/footwork will confirm or untruth what the guard showed you. #425chat
I think the spread has taken over so much so many guys go right to taking away the zone and pass game. Just my thoughts. We see it all from spread to 21 to single wing, so we have to have true pull reads #425chat
A1) we read back just to get to the correct guard, I completely agree with the OL don’t lie, but I prefer to get all my LB on one guard to get the unit on the same page #425chat
Q1 G to back, G tell you direction and scheme so you can ID threat but the objective is always to put ball carrier on the ground, eyes got to be on him once moving #425chat
A2 LBs are run first defenders. Stopping the run takes priority. Secondary needs to remember that they’re pass first defenders and play assignment #425chat
We will run some roll coverages to RPO side...we are a 2-High 4-2-5 team and when we see gun RPO we will run some coverages to roll the safety to the Running back side to help with the conflict and keep inside backers from being in conflict...we see mostly 3 by 1 RPO. #425chat
Don’t see a ton of true RPO action but we play a good bit of man so that eliminates that. In our 425 we want our LBs to be true run first stoppers, stay firm to box at all times unless in 2 high #425chat
A2) Slow to go fast once you know! I call it a pause read. Have to be clear that weak what you want the offense to do and give them that read. #425chat
A2: We trust our pursuit to correct any issues coming from the RPO game. I want my LB playing the run every time. Against RPO teams we play games with the back end to correct any conflicts that Come from RPO's #425chat
In my experience.... Read the guard through the backfield..... The Backfield movement/footwork will confirm or untruth what the guard showed you. #425chat
A2. I'm not sure there is a way to differentiate. If you teach them to play slow due to RPOs, you're screwed vs the run. I think you can work some reactionary drills but you have to press the run and trust your DBs to play the pass. #425chat
A2. As a base against RPOs we will Play man free and assign jobs to each person now there is no conflict if you are a run stopper then attack the run and let who's in charge of the pass play the pass... I dont want my guys thinking too much I want them playing fast #425chat
A2 what is my role and responsibilities? Am I a run first defender as an ILB then stop. If I am olb and I have the bubble/ pitch responsibly then I do that #425chat
A1) Read guards. If a pull - playside backer fits over trash. Backside backer yells pull pull pull and is scraper. No pull read - read back flow and fit accordingly. #425Chat
A2: We try to dictate who we want to have the ball with stunts when teams run RPOs. Find the person that provides the least amount of threat and put the ball in their hands or lack there of. #425chat
A2: MLB’s always trust the guards and force a pass in RPO. We tell OLB’s to trust their reads and DO NOT get into no mans land. We will mess with OLB reads vs RPO team to fool with QB reads pte and post snap. We want to dictate the read we want. #425chat
MLB’s are run players first. If we determine that the run game is goin to be handled well by Our DL we play games with alignment and stunts. However WE ALWAYS dictate what we want to take away first. #425chat
A2: trust your read key and play. Once you hesitate or try to adjust getting stuck in no mans land doesn’t help us. Kill run first db’s have to defend pass. #425chat
A2) most likely our conflict player is the hang player, this still allows our inside dudes to play fast, our hang will have to read and be cautions of the number 2 receiver #425chat
MLB’s are run players first. If we determine that the run game is goin to be handled well by Our DL we play games with alignment and stunts. However WE ALWAYS dictate what we want to take away first. #425chat
A2: LB's have to play the run read, I would think. Otherwise they are playing slow to the run. Of course I'm scanning all your answers to learn a more complex answer. #425chat
A2: Attack what you’ve game planned that week. Just be decisive. Lots of HS kids panick when under immediate attack and you have 10 other guys with a job to do. Not going to go ballistic at a kid if he’s going game speed. Indecision/lack of action is what truly hurts us. #425Chat
Inside backers will most likely never be conflict players in in our base stuff. We play some form of quarters every snap where the safeties and corners are reading release of two every snap.
#425chat#playwithanEdge
A2: 4 me the LBs r run 1st & react late 2 pass. Reading the Near RBs steps/mesh tells us faster what’s about 2 happen & play that. Base coverage align Rover outside eye of #2 to help combat the RPO stuff #425chat
A2. Continued: I also like to change the responsibilities to keep the offense guessing same LB that was in charge of run previously can now buzz out yo #2 or sit on any inside route by #2
#425chat
A:2 We teach them to bounce on the snap and not to get downhill until they know what the play is and then trigger. We want to keep it simple and not have them over think it. That slows them down. We handle RPO with being sound in technique and coverage #425chat
A2: RPO I think has made us all evaluate our reads. As long as the refs don’t let the offensive line cheat too much our reads remain almost the same. #425chat
A2: We just talk about the concepts we may see. Try to use movement to help out. "Don't go til you know." ...Read the Mike, RB Flare with QB draw stuff can mess with ya. #425Chat
A2) An OLB vs two WRs detached. You need calls to be able to make him a pass first player. That will change how the LBs fit the run in the box though. LBs in the box have to stop the run 1st. #425chat
A1. Ok I will put this out there. I am saying 95% of hs lb’s can’t read line to backs. The triangle etc. you might teach it. They ain’t doing it. #425chat
A3) Again, depends on the MO of the offense. Power run teams, we can key more guards to near back. Stretch and option teams, we can look at pre-snap keys to tip us off. We will glance at depth of OL for pulls as well. #425chat
A3) only time we have changed our reads is if we are facing a two back offense and the fullback gives everything away, then we primary key him and secondary key the OL #425chat
A2: Because conflict players I would lean towards holding the window on the pass and force the ball to stay grounded.
Not in conflict play the run. Cheat it to where ILB's fit PS and BS is taken care of by BS force.
Hard when RPO from H in backfield = Change call #425chat
Q2: each box player and overhang has run first or pass first responsibility based on coverage called. Backfield set and receiver # & width are additional pre snap keys. #425chat
A3: by teaching guards to back flow we are able to keep our reads the same no matter who we are playing. We teach our guys the different types of flow they will get so a lazy guard doesn't really change what we do. #425chat
A3: Feel like we have to be careful changing base principles for players. Don’t want to confuse them, slow them down. Onus on us as play callers to adjust more week to week and put them in position to succeed, right? #425Chat
A3) we try really hard to not change our reads, unless something in game planning tells us a different read gives us a considerable advantage. We want to do what we do! #425chat
A3: yes if I get in a nose set the Mike will read the backfield. Guards bad read next lineman or backfield. If reading back and the back motion is for flow only to go back the other way read guards. In 5 wide situations read straight qb/ball. #425chat
A2: Because conflict players I would lean towards holding the window on the pass and force the ball to stay grounded.
Not in conflict play the run. Cheat it to where ILB's fit PS and BS is taken care of by BS force.
Hard when RPO from H in backfield = Change call #425chat
A3. Reads will change weekly and even change according to some formations whoever takes us to the play 95% of the time thats who we want our LBs reading... And that comes with film study along with formation recognition #425chat
A3: our reads change when we have a 3 LB set which we do a lot. Back to guard to ball when in a 3 LB set. Still emols for OLB’s. They do change some vs RPO team sometime. #425chat
Changing anything from week to week hurts our kids ability to play fast. Taken me three years to get consistency out of our players week to week. #425chat
A1) our linebackers read blockers. ILB read guards, olb reads tackle or TE. If guard sticks dlineman or fires off the ball, inside backer steps up reading center and tackle. Attack the one attacking u. #425chat
A3: we had this trouble a couple of times but basically I told the kids “too bad”, it’s not coaching 101 but I’m not changing everything for one team when the kids will be out in the first half anyway. #425chat
A2. If we are playing an RPO team. We will attack the qb and make the action happen fast. So we will be in man unless 3rd and long and we still might be in man. #425chat
A3: no, if you change their reads you slow them down. Read the RBs, near if there are multiple. Need guys attacking, running thru windows, not trying to get comfortable with their eyes. #425chat
A3: Our reads stay consistent. The slight tweak is mostly pre-snap reads based off RB/HB alignment that tips their hand to certain plays. That worked out well for us this year. Helped us communicate as a unit to alert each other of play tendencies #425chat
A3: Unless a team shows that they have a particular tendency to do something the initial reads stay the same.
And that is to check with the fatties inside. #425chat
Q3: stay consistent, unless the key is an absolute. Must be acknowledged and drilled (live and virtually) throughout the week. Pay close attention in game if the players are handling the change or the tendency stays true. #425chat
A3: the only time we change our reads is when playing a wing t team in our league. From watching film learned the strong wing back never false keys #425chat
A3 continued: our base rule will remain the same unless it is going to put us in a bind. If nothing is wrong with the reads, keep the main thing the main thing. #425chat
I don’t think it’s possible to really have kids do things differently like that from week to week. We keep it based on number of backs.
#425chat#playwithanEdge
A3) We always go into game reading our keys as usual. If we switch up at all it’s in game adjustment. Have had kids tell me “I can’t read the Guard but the back shows the play.” #425chat
Must establish his ability to hit and shed in order to effectively defeat block with goin under (backdoor). However if u have a kid who struggles with physicality teach him all speed block avoidance. Also depends on OLs strength. So both is answer lol #425chat
A4) you have to have the ability to hit and shed and rip and run. If you have the advantage of angles and leverage use the rip and run but if you are an edge setter or the OL has worked to your level you need to hit and shed. Block destruction must be an everyday drill! #425chat
We will run some man coverage too but we have guys that break well on the ball and we love to let them play zone and take shots on getting the ball back...we averaged +3 per game for the season this year. #425chat
A4. Wouldn't that depend on the type of pursuit? If it's an Isolation block by the FB, they need to hit & shed. But if it's a toss, they need to either go over or under depending on relationship to the ball. #425chat
A4) start with collision and block shedding. From there, study the OL to see their track to the second level. If we can rip across or underneath, we will do so to play faster and not lose the mismatch in size. #425chat
Great chat tonight coaches ! The #WildBunchChat is growing more and more !!! Thanks so much to everyone who participated ! Some great minds and knowledge being passed around ! #WildBunchChat#SpecialTeamsChat
Q4: defeat the block in the hole playside with inside shoulder. Find open door if backside to shutdown cutback. Rb should either cut back or bounce, never be able to stay in the hole he wants to go to. #425chat
A4: we teach our guys to determine based on the flow of the back. We teach them to evade on fast flow outside and engage on inside flow. Engaging a blocker consists of three steps: approach, contact, and finish. They need to know when to use both #425chat
A4) we teach the “rake” we don’t avoid contact, I call it “diminished contact” we stay on our course by staying low, grabbing grass and getting our shoulders small, OL likes to stand up and we can play low and fast right through them #425chat
Q4 ‘Skin the shoulder, stun the square’ If coming off a combo and shoulders turned, skin it, rip and run. If he works up to you square stack him, stun him, get rid of him #425Chat
A4: working lateral initially until keys keep tell u 2 go ⬇️Hill & knowing type of run u will get based on RB set helps LBs dfeat blocks. Teach both butt & shed/dip & Rip so they know what 2 do then let them naturally do what is best #425chat
A4. We teach both techniques its difficult shock and shedding with smaller linebackers so I like going under and over blocks but they need to know how to get off the block when there's no other option
#425chat
A4: All 3 in due time. Start with what I call cage tech. Power base bring the hips with hard surfaces 2 screws (on the chin), top of pads, palm of hands and tear off.
tight arm over and dip shoulder under. Avoid blocks when ball out of phase.
Need arsenal of weapons #425chat
A4: as HS coaches you must coach according to personnel. Don’t ask a kid to do something you know he can’t do. Either way will work if you have the right personnel #425chat
A4: hit/shed or over the block. I’ve never taught under the block, end up getting caught in the wash and taking yourself out of play. To me this shows kid is soft. #425chat
A4) We want to play as physical as we can at all times. So yes, unless that will get you killed. We are often considerably undersized, have to have other techniques ready. #425chat
A4: Hit and shed on base blocks only because the ball is going where the butt is. Always outside arm free. Always go over blocks on outside hitters. Never under #425chat
A4: We teach different techniques based off of read and assignment. We are a spill team so we scrape paint and rip inside of pullers. BS LB will rip under climbing OL. We tell them to let them know you are there. Versus Zone, we will try and get over/under based on gap #425chat
Have to be able to shed, so start there as a base. Can teach run throughs depending on scheme, but end of the day LBs must use their hands. Have found, at the HS level, that working over blocks gets you pushed back. #425chat
A4) I think you need to teach how to shed and defeat blocks. You can’t run around an ice block or taking on a pulling guard in power. I do think you can work those reads and gets kids to go where they need to faster as to avoid those blocks.
#425chat#playwithanEdge
A4: We teach to scrape over top linemen and to hit & shed when I’m close proximity. I want to learn more about @ScottPeters53 pillar technique to shed blocks for next year. #425chat
A4 we teach block destruction first. Every kids needs to know how to take on block with leverage, power position, low base, extend arms and rip off or push pull. Beating blocks with speeds is for older more experienced lb #425chat
A4) If a backer is strong enough to “shock n rip” by getting hands on an OL and shed block I teach that method. If a backer is on the smaller side I teach “dip n rip” all day. We teach ripping over a block, don’t want cutbacks to occur. #425chat
NEVER GO UNDERNEATH A BLOCKER unless you’re spilling up front. Backers cannot get sealed, why we place such an importance on depth. SHED and vice the ball. #425chat
A4: Both kind of. I mainly want my guys to understand if they are spill or force. if they are force they attack it all with their inside shoulder. We teach strike and snag and we try to get them to understand their leverage and where to send the ball #425Chat
A4: we are wrong arm/spill d, every position holds that rule except for the force player (changes based on front/coverage). Vs outside zone, everyone on d runs! All that said, all positions must be able to cage a block and hit it think with hands on. #425chat
A2 cont: Don’t teach old school triangle( hands & face) butt & shed anymore. Mostly a shock & shed now taking head out of because we can’t allow the OL to stay on us 2 long & some HS kids aren’t strong enough 2 do the old school way. #425chat
Q5. Need to have multiple adjustments to keep O on toes but normal technique are wall and carry 3 front side, 32 rat frontside, cut 1 backside, match 2 back side. #425chat
Hitting and shedding hasn’t been our problem getting in front of the qb has been a problem for us. We need to slow down and take better angles #425chat
Depends coverages but in 3 Sam is middle hole player while Will plays Flat/Back weakside. We match 3/3 with DBs unless quads. If we split it where safety goes weak Will plays middle hole and Sam matches 3. #425chat
A5) to the trips the backer has hot to 3 and any short cross from that side. To the solo side the backer will need to help on 1 especially to the boundary. The backer will also have the back out to that side.
#425chat#playwithanEdge
A5: depends on coverage called. Multiple trips coverages 2 high checks as well as 1 high coverages. Have the ability to be down on whichever WR preferred or necessary.
Quads would most likely be one of the empty checks carried.
#425chat
Yes sir! We do that as well #425chat You go defeat the blocker. Be the better player. It really depends on type of flow and action at or away from you.
A5: it depends on the coverage we are playing. Normally it's some form of matching three or being a low hole player in our true zone drops with a pressure called. Our safeties are the ones that adjust to the 3x1 so our responsibilities stay the same #425chat
A5: ILBs base is to turn and run flat to sideline eyes on WRs. If a WR settles, you settle, if he’s vertical, slice to next WR. If all WRs are vert, settle and eyes to QB for scramble. Over hang base is same unless RB flare/bubble. Pass all crossers #425chat
A5: try to keep it simple for them so they can play fast to run. They usually will drop in to hook curl or straight back respectively. If rb in away from trips eye him for back out. Quads will go straight man and would be personelled during the week. Still want run 1st. #425chat
A4. I teach my guys a couple different block escape techniques. Several different options for different body types. I don’t have the biggest LBs, so tell my guys to get over the top of trash/blockers. Avoid the big uglies if possible.
#425chat
We will adjust our reads based on style of offense but if we are struggling we will always go back to our base through the guard to flow read but never afraid to change read if the situation dictates it. #425chat
A5: all depends on coverage call, but try to keep them hook/curl/hole. I’m not a spot dropper type of guy because why cover grass w/ no one there + wanna help safeties as much as possible. #425chat
We are lucky enough to be able to actually practice with no pads all off season. Indy, inside and team all go on without the pads but this is where fine tuning reads/assignment is awesome. Our new LB Coach gone take em to the top @JShaffer56#425chat
A6) our LBs get thrown off the field if they do not use their run reads/steps before they take their drops in 7 on 7, we don’t allow them to create bad habits even though they will not see a running play #425chat
A5: 3x1 our Mike will widen out. We will x out one of the 3 receivers and play a 2 read concept on other 2. Mike will wall and be swing deep of RB. Will lines over the center and play hook and relate off the RB. WS and CB to weak side will have some type of bracket #425chat
A5) Either hook/curl for ILB or flat to wheel for OLB. 3x1 - Solo/poach OLB flat to wheel playside ILB wall 3 backside ILB man on #2. WS now in a poach technique vs #3 away. Quads - base way is what we call “BOX” coverage. Defender at each corner for example ⬛️ #425chat
We base teach our inside backers to shock and shed blockers on downhill run teams and if they are a horizontal run team they use rip by. We teach our weak and strong Safeties to do a rip by on receivers to help us set the edge. #425chat
Drill cage/tackle almost daily early develop hard nose mentality. Reflection of the coach.
Can be affected by program goals if contact in practice is limited.
Full believer of play like you practice. Let's go good on good inside and new school OK drill (3 levels)
#425chat
