01
Read the Triangle
Read the offensive line through the backfield, identify run/pass keys, and recognize blocking responsibilities before and after the snap.
Click for Linebacker Vocabulary Words+
- 1. Scraping
- The linebacker shuffling sideways while staying square and keeping leverage as the running back looks for a hole.
- 2. 10 Personnel
- An offensive formation with 1 running back and 0 tight ends.
- 3. 11 Personnel
- An offensive formation with 1 running back and 1 tight end.
- 4. 2 Gap
- When a defensive lineman controls the offensive lineman and plays both gaps.
- 5. Triangle Read
- A linebacker read that goes guard to guard, then to the running back.
- 6. Lateral Displacement
- When the offensive line moves the defensive line sideways to create running lanes, usually on outside zone.
- 7. Avoiding
- Using speed and space to avoid a block, often by dipping the shoulder.
- 8. Tracking
- Closing space on the ball carrier from inside-out by aiming for the inside hip.
- 9. Clean Linebacker
- A linebacker scraping to the ball while unblocked.
- 10. 12 Personnel
- An offensive formation with 1 running back and 2 tight ends.
- 11. 13 Personnel
- An offensive formation with 1 running back and 3 tight ends.
- 12. Over Front
- A four-down defensive front with the 3-technique to the strong side.
- 13. Under Front
- A four-down defensive front with the 3-technique to the weak side.
- 14. Make the D-Line Right
- When a linebacker fixes a defensive lineman’s alignment or gap.
Position Development
Linebacker Development
Speed. Physicality. Football IQ.
At DUB Athletic, we develop the next generation of linebackers from the ground up. From learning how to move and understand the game to preparing for varsity football, camps, and the next level.
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Featured Athlete
Brock Golwas
Former Marcus High School Linebacker
Texas Tech University — Linebacker
From Marcus High School to Big 12 football. Brock Golwas represents the level of athleticism, preparation, and football intelligence young linebackers can aspire to develop.
Texas Tech Athlete ProfileMethodology
Hands-on. Thorough. We explain the why behind every drill.
The Pathway
The DUB Linebacker Development Triangle
Tier 1
Athletic Foundation
Move like an athlete.
Sprint mechanics, acceleration, body control, mobility, coordination, and explosiveness.
Tap any tier to see what it covers.
Every athlete develops at a different pace. Our goal is to identify where you are, develop what you're missing, and prepare you for what's next.
Progression is based on demonstrated readiness. It does not guarantee varsity placement or college recruitment.
What We Teach Our Linebackers
02
Block Recognition & Defeat
Understand who is likely to block you, identify blocking schemes, use leverage and hands effectively, and work through traffic.
03
Pass Coverage & Ball Skills
Hook, curl, and flat responsibilities, route recognition, zone drops, quarterback awareness, and ball drills.
04
Open-Field Tackling
Pursuit angles, body control, leverage, breakdown mechanics, and safe, effective tackling technique.
05
Blitz & Pass Rush
Attack offensive linemen, set up pass-rush moves, exploit angles, and finish around the quarterback.
06
Speed & Explosiveness
Acceleration, sprint mechanics, change of direction, and covering ground quickly. Modern linebackers must run with backs and receivers sideline to sideline — we encourage our linebackers to run track and do structured speed training.
Speed Matters
The Game Is Getting Faster. Are You?
Today's linebackers have to do more than tackle. They have to cover space, run with athletes, close gaps, and make plays from sideline to sideline. Speed isn't everything, but it's something you cannot afford to ignore.
2026 NFL Combine
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Reported average 40-yard dash for linebackers with recorded times at the 2026 Combine.
Source: Yahoo SportsHistorical Average
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NFL Combine linebacker 40-yard dash average, based on the NFL's database since 2003.
Source: NFL.comProfessional Combine figures are reference data only — not youth athlete standards or recruiting guarantees.
This Is What Development Looks Like
Real training footage. Real reps.
Pass Game Movement & Foot Placement
Midwestern State Linebacker Cade Colley, Former Marcus High School Linebacker — Block Slips
A block slip is when a linebacker uses quick feet, hands and leverage to get off or around a blocker without losing ground, so he can stay free and get to the ball carrier.
Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level?
Whether you're just learning the position, preparing for high school, or working toward a varsity opportunity, we want to know where you are in your development and what you're working toward.
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