Here is one of my favorite youth football drills for practicing the role of the Inside Linebacker during a blitz. Our inside linebackers are our most involved players in our total blitz package. These players have to be aware of not only their own blitzing responsibilities but also the blitzing directions of all of the other players as they are often asked to compensate immediately when other defenders are blitzing.

The actual blitzes by our ILBs are pretty easy. His position requires that he “Plug” (attack his A gap, “Loop” (attack his C gap) or “Cross” (attack the opposite side A gap). We also use our “X” stunt with our ILBs and their DT partners.

His other movements and responsibilities vary depending upon who else is blitzing in and near his area. An example would be that he needs to cover his C gap if the DE on his side is executing an “Ebb” stunt. All stunts will be signaled in from the sideline to the ILB and the defensive signal caller.

Each of our ILB stunts are set up using blocking bags playing the role of the offensive linemen, another inside linebacker serves as the offensive tailback while a manager handles the center snap.

This drill begins with the linebackers aligning at their proper depth. We ask them to hold their stance and depth as long as possible so to not give away their blitz intentions until the last second. They will blitz off the center’s snap. We almost always have both ILBs blitz at the same time to gain additional practice repetitions even though we do not always blitz both of these players at the same time in a game.

Since our inside linebackers are so closely associated with more defensive players than just his partner (DT) we often schedule a full defensive front practice time to work on the timing of the stunts to be made by the ILBs. This also give additional reps for our other defensive players

The ILB will attack the designated gap and chase the ball after hitting the gap. He never has any type of pass coverage when involved in any of his stunts. If pass shows he becomes a full time pass rusher and we will cover his absence in the secondary coverage with other players.

Related Posts:

• Youth Football Drills for the Blitzing Outside Linebacker
• Youth Football Drills for the Defensive Tackle when Practicing the Blitz
• Youth Football Drills for the Blitz- The Safety
• Youth Football Drills for the Blitz- The Cornerback’s Role
• Defensive Stunts and Blitzes