The Ultimate Guide to the Linebacker Position

Sacking the quarterback. Tackling running backs. Guarding against the pass. The linebacker has all those duties and more. Linebackers are often called the quarterback of the defense. They must be skilled at run stopping, defending receivers, and pass rushing.

Linebackers are the most versatile players on defense with the most expansive duties. They’re responsible for making certain other players know where they should be for the defensive lineups.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, you’ll want to know what qualities and skills make a great linebacker. Below is a guide for playing linebacker like a pro.

History of the Linebacker Position

The linebacker position was invented by Michigan football coach Fielding H. Yost with Adolph “Germany” Schulz, according to American Football Database. Before linebackers were created, they were called centers and played on the defensive line. Centers also snapped the football on offense. Around 1904, Schulz, a Michigan center, dropped off the line becoming a roving center, now known as a linebacker. Because the forward pass wasn’t created until 1906, there wasn’t much need for players to set up off the line of scrimmage since they were guarding only against running plays. Yost let Schulz keep his new position. Linebacker became the most important position on defense as it evolved over the years. Centers play only on offense today.

What Does a Linebacker Do?

Linebackers set up 3 to 5 yards behind the defensive line as the middle spot between the defensive backs and the defensive line. Because they play in the center of the defense, they have the dual role of helping defend the pass and run. Defensive linemen primarily cover the run, and defensive backs are generally responsible for the opposing team’s passing attack. Teams generally use 3 or 4 linebackers. Linebackers typically drop back on a pass to help cover receivers and “plug the holes” on run plays. That means they move to the line of scrimmage to help stop running backs coming out of the backfield. They “plug the holes” because they’re supposed to cover the gaps the defensive linemen leave when the offensive linemen occupy them. In certain situations, a linebacker blitzes the quarterback. This often occurs when the defense believes the offense will pass the ball. A blitz is a play where the defense tries to overwhelm the opposing team’s offensive line by rushing an extra player or two—often a linebacker—to try to sack the quarterback.

Linebacker Types

There are usually 3 or 4 linebackers on defense. It typically depends on the formation. For a 4-3 defense, there are 4 defensive linemen and 3 linebackers. In a 3-4, there are 3 defensive linemen and 4 linebackers. A 4-3 has 2 tackles and 2 defensive ends on the line. Three linebackers—a middle linebacker and 2 outside linebackers—line up behind the defensive line.

In a 3-4, there’s a nose tackle, which lines up over the center with 2 defensive ends and 4 linebackers. Let’s look at the responsibilities of each type of linebacker.

Middle Linebacker: In a 4-3 defense, there’s only 1 inside or middle linebacker. Because a 3-4 defense uses 1 less defensive lineman, a middle linebacker in this scheme is usually big and strong. Their job is to shed blockers and focus more on stopping the run than the pass.
Outside Linebackers: The outside linebackers’ job is typically to contain plays that run closer to the sidelines or on the outside of the play. Outside linebackers usually attack and blitz more than the middle linebacker. A middle linebacker focuses more on containing the play. An outside linebacker usually lines up closer to the line of scrimmage than a middle linebacker. That allows them to blitz easier.
Interior Linebackers: In a 4-3 defense, there’s two interior linebackers. They’re sometimes called inside linebackers. The inside linebackers can either be more of a run stopper or pass rusher/pass defender depending on their skill set. A bigger, stronger inside linebacker might focus more on stopping the run while a faster, quicker inside linebacker might defend the pass better

Important Linebacker Skills

Linebackers are considered the most multidimensional players on defense.

They must process information quickly after the ball is snapped. For instance, linebackers must decide if it’s a pass or run play at the snap. Then, they need to react to the play. Usually, a linebacker calls the defensive plays in the huddle, and you can often see them positioning players on the field during the quarterback’s snap count. Below are 3 key skills linebackers must possess.

Vision: A linebacker must see the whole field and make snap judgments on how to defend a play. Good linebackers can read the defense before a play is run. They’ll understand offensive tendencies and have a good idea of whether a play is a pass or run by studying the opposing team’s formations on film.
Tackling: Linebackers must be sure-handed tacklers. They will be involved in many of the takedowns of running backs and receivers. They must be able to wrestle ball carriers to the ground securely.
Leadership: Linebackers usually call the defensive formations and plays in the huddle. They’re also responsible for making on-field adjustments during the snap count. They might have to move a defensive lineman over a few feet or direct a defensive player to step back or forward more. They must be vocal and confident.

Techniques and Strategies for Linebackers

Focusing on specific skills can help make you a better linebacker. Below are 3 areas you can work on to improve your linebacking play.

Get in the Proper Stance: Linebackers are in a 2-point stance. That means their hands don’t touch the ground. A 3-point stance is when 1 hand touches the ground and a 4-point stance is when both touch the ground. Defensive linemen usually play in a 3- or 4-point stance. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart while bending slightly at the waist with your hands planted just above your knees. This is the linebacker-ready position, and it allows you to react when the ball is snapped.
First Step: Because you must read the quarterback after the snap, it’s important to have an accurate and quick first step. You can do this by getting in a wide stance and having someone blow a whistle. When you hear the whistle, move your lead foot 6 inches as fast as possible. Repeat that drill 10 times.
Basic Tackling: Keep your head up. Position your head to the outside of the opposing player's torso. Wrap your arms around their waist and drive through with your legs. Do not lead with your head.

Learning how to play linebacker effectively can be a daunting task. If you learn the important skills needed for playing linebacker, you could have the chance to master one of the most demanding football positions.