Jeff ReentsHead Football Coach

Wilmington High School

Honor to Speak at the IHSFCA Clinic

Program Background

Introduction of Staff

Defensive PhilosophyKeep It SimpleCommunicationPlay FastBe Physical

Linebacker Qualities

Physical Mental Intangibles

Techniques and Drills Stance

2 Pt Stance Feet Shoulder Width Apart Weight Evenly Distributed Pads Over The Toes – Good Bend in Knees and Hips Hands in Ready Position Be Comfortable – Do Not Overcoach!!

Drills Read Step Read Step Live

Alignment Make sure they know where to line up – Be Careful not to overlook this Know where their teammates line up – Leadership

Hit and Shed Next to tackling – the most important technique Tough to Master Good Base – Power Position Low Pad Wins Point of Contact Hip Explosion Take On Half-a-Man Forearm/Club or Shoot the Hands

Drills 6 pt, 2 pt Sled Drill Hit-n-Shed Shed Block-n-Tackle Downhill Shed-n-Tackle

Tackling 7 Points to Tackling

Stance Eyes Approach Shoot the Hands – Eyes to the sky Contact Point Wrap Violently Finish – Run the feet

Drills Hit and Lift Hit and Lift Down the Line Angle Tackle Eye Opener Sideline Tackle Circuit Tackling

CoverageKnow Coverage and Responsibility

Know where your most dangerous rec. is Read Step Yell “pass” Open to most dangerous rec. Get hands on rec. Settle read QB eyes Break on the ball

Drills – Hip TurnsBall Drills

Line Drills Drop – Read Eyes Pattern Reads

Man Coverage Tighter coverage Always get your hands on rec. Must attack rec., but under control 4 routes – Vert., Out, Drag, Block/Screen,

Zone Reads Pattern Reads

Work these routes - Vert., Out, Drag

ReadsPre-Snap

Slow Reads Fast Reads Triangle Reads Have Vision – Know what they are looking at Giveaways – Linemen/Backs

Drills Slow Read Drill Shuffle Down the Alley

Practice OrganizationWalk-ThroughPursuit DrillsAgilities Ind. TimeTackling Turnover CircuitTeam