Former NFL linebacker Brandon Spikes knows how to play linebacker. Spikes learned the position under defensive gurus Bill Belichick during his stint with the New England Patriots and Rex Ryan while a member of the Buffalo Bills.

During a 2014 NFL.com interview, Spikes was asked what training recommendations he has for aspiring linebackers. His response: “Footwork is definitely key for a linebacker. … So doing quick feet drills like ladders and keeping your footwork right is important.”

Young linebackers should heed Spikes’ advice. In today’s NFL, the linebacker position is quickly evolving. During this year’s NFL draft, Belichick confirmed this evolution.

“I think that you are definitely seeing a strong trend in the league toward … bigger safeties that play linebacker,” Belichick said.  

In other words, the days of the big-bodied, slow, strictly run-stuffing linebackers are over. Modern linebackers still need to be able to shed blocks and stop the run but also are expected to incorporate sideline-to-sideline range into their game. Mobility is key.

According to Scout.com, the top-five linebackers in 2015 are closer to the mold of a modern hybrid linebacker rather than an old-school run-stuffing linebacker. All five can run-stop effectively and play in coverage without becoming a defensive liability. Four of the five come in under 240 pounds. The exception is Clay Matthews III at about 255 pounds.

Accordingly, quick, effective and explosive footwork has never been more important for linebackers in today’s game. One drill used by Carolina Panthers to teach this skill the zone drop and drift drill, used by the linebacker corps that boasts the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly.

This drill is appropriate for teams at all age levels, so try it at your next practice.

Running the drill

Place a linebacker directly over a coach at distance of about four to five yards. This coach is acting as a quarterback. Then place another coach, who is imitating a wide receiver, 12 yards downfield and seven yards outside of the linebacker.

On the coach’s command, the linebacker quickly snaps his hips to open up his stance while whipping his head and eyes around to identify the nearest receiving threat within his coverage responsibility.

The linebacker executes a zone drop to where the coach playing the part of a wide receiver is standing. That coach then begins moving across the field to mimic a receiver completing his route.

Once the linebacker has completed his zone drop, he reacts to the second coach’s movement and drifts either inside or outside depending on the direction of the route. The linebacker concentrates on remaining in tight coverage while staying underneath the receiver at all times.

While the linebacker is drifting with the receiver, he brings his head and eyes back around to the quarterback to prepare for the pass. If the ball is thrown in his direction, the linebacker immediately breaks on the ball and run downhill to make the interception.

SEE ALSO: Downhill shuffle eyes up drill: Linebackers

SEE ALSO: Bag to angle drill helps linebackers move to the ball-carrier

 

Photo courtesy Panthers.com