Linebacker Drills to Improve Tackling and Coverage
Posted by Lou Rusnock on Sep 2nd 2026
- What Good Linebacker Drills Develop
- Tackling Drills
- Block Destruction Drills
- Pursuit and Read-React Drills
- Pass Coverage Drills
- Building a Safe and Effective Linebacker Practice
- Sports Unlimited: Gear Up for the Defense
At a Glance: The best linebacker drills build tackling technique, block destruction, pursuit angles, and pass coverage skills. Good examples include form and angle tackling, shock and shed work, the tap-the-hip exercise, and read-and-react training that teaches linebackers to diagnose plays and respond quickly.
The linebacker is the most versatile position on defense. On any play, a linebacker might shed a block from one of the offensive players up front, tackle a running back, or drop into coverage against a tight end. That range is why training for the linebacker position cannot focus on just one skill.
What Good Linebacker Drills Develop
Strong linebacker play comes down to four things: beating blocks, tackling in space, taking pursuit angles, and playing effectively in coverage. The football drills below are grouped by skill.
| Skill Area | Drills | What It Builds |
|---|---|---|
| Tackling | Form Tackle, Angle Tackle | Safe technique and proper tackling angles |
| Block Destruction | Shock and Shed, Dip and Rip | Defeating blockers at the point of attack |
| Pursuit and Reads | Tap the Hip, Read and React | Pursuit angles and play diagnosis |
| Pass Coverage | Zone Drop, Man Mirror | Zone drops and man-to-man coverage |
Tackling Drills
Tackling is the foundation of the position, and modern technique keeps the head out of contact, which matters most for a young player. The USA Football Shoulder Tackling System, developed with the Seattle Seahawks, breaks the tackle into clear phases, from tracking the ball carrier to the finish.
Form Tackle Drill
Pair players three yards apart. The tackler approaches under control, breaks down with a wide base, makes contact with the shoulder, wraps the ball carrier, and drives the feet. Increase speed as technique improves.
The Purpose: This reinforces proper tackling mechanics in a controlled setting, emphasizing shoulder contact and a strong wrap before adding speed.
Angle Tackle Drill
Set two cones five yards apart. A ball carrier runs between them while the linebacker approaches from the side, takes the proper pursuit angle, and makes the tackle.
The Purpose: Most tackles happen on an angle, not head-on. This teaches linebackers to take a path that cuts off the ball carrier rather than chasing from behind.
Block Destruction Drills
A linebacker often has to defeat a blocker, usually one of the offensive linemen, before making a tackle. Block destruction is one of the most important skills at the position, yet it is often under-trained despite being needed on nearly every run play and pass rush.
Shock and Shed Drill
A blocker with a shield drives into the linebacker, who strikes with inside hand placement, sheds to one side, and pursues to a bag.
The Purpose: This teaches linebackers to defeat blockers at the point of attack and disengage quickly, much like a defensive lineman shedding at the line.
Dip and Rip Drill
A blocker engages the linebacker from an angle. Rather than take the block head-on, the linebacker dips the near shoulder, rips through, and works around the outside to the contain point.
The Purpose: Outside linebackers are often responsible for setting the edge. This trains them to defeat blocks while keeping outside leverage on the ball carrier.
Pursuit and Read-React Drills
Once a linebacker beats the block, they have to get to the ball. Working behind the defensive line, pursuit drills build the angles to reach the ball carrier, while read-and-react drills train linebackers to identify run or pass quickly.
Tap the Hip Drill
A ball carrier runs laterally down the line. The linebacker mirrors from a few yards away, keeps leverage, and works to a spot where they can tap the ball carrier's near hip. The focus is the path, not the tackle.
The Purpose: This teaches proper pursuit angles and inside-out leverage, helping linebackers keep the ball carrier from cutting back.
Read and React Drill
Set up the linebacker across from a coach with a running back nearby. On the snap, the coach hands off, drops into coverage, or runs play action near the line of scrimmage. The linebacker reads the key and responds: fill on run, drop to a zone on pass, or stay disciplined on play action.
The Purpose: One of the hardest parts of playing linebacker is diagnosing what the offense is doing. This trains the eyes to read keys and the feet to react.
Pass Coverage Drills
Modern linebackers have to cover tight ends, match running backs, and occasionally pick up a wide receiver in the slot, using the same fundamentals as defensive backs. Coverage is where many struggle, so it deserves equal practice time.
Backpedal and Zone Drop Drill
The linebacker starts in a two-point stance. On the snap, they open the hips and drop to a landmark while watching the quarterback. On the throw, they break and drive on the ball. Practice both hook and flat drops.
The Purpose: This trains the footwork and vision to drop into a zone, feel receivers passing through, and break on the ball.
Man Coverage Mirror Drill
Pair the linebacker with a running back or tight end running a short route such as an out, flat, or angle. The linebacker stays in phase, keeps leverage, and drives on the ball to break up the catch.
The Purpose: This develops the hip fluidity and change of direction needed to cover backs and tight ends one-on-one.
Building a Safe and Effective Linebacker Practice
Structure Drills as a Progression
Linebacker techniques build on each other, so drill order matters. Structuring practice around the USA Football Levels of Contact builds proper fundamentals before adding speed.
- Warm up and footwork: Agility and footwork drills to prepare the hips and feet.
- Technique at low speed: Form tackling and block destruction at a controlled pace.
- Read and react: Decision-making drills so every defensive player diagnoses plays first.
- Full-speed application: Pursuit and coverage drills that combine the skills at game speed.
Keep Contact Safe
Tackling is a contact skill, but it does not require live contact every practice to improve. Many drills can run against bags, shields, and dummies to build technique while limiting head impacts. The CDC's HEADS UP program emphasizes reducing unnecessary head impacts, and proper shoulder tackling is one of the best ways to do it.
Sports Unlimited: Gear Up for the Defense
Strong linebacker play starts with good coaching, consistent reps, and the right equipment. Sports Unlimited has equipped football players and programs since 1983, offering helmets, shoulder pads, blocking shields, tackling dummies, and practice gear.
Orders placed before 3 PM ship the same day, and select products qualify for free 2-day shipping. Coaches can reach out for bulk and team orders for youth leagues, high school programs, and more. Browse the full football lineup and gear up your defense for the season.