Great Linebacker coaches do these 3 things:
1. Simplify.
On the surface, Linebacker is a complex position. If you took a great athlete and just threw them into a game as a Linebacker, they’d be totally confused. They wouldn’t know where to look, they wouldn’t know how to move, they wouldn’t know how to finish. Great Linebacker coaches make the position simple.
2. Master the entire defensive scheme.
Linebackers are involved in everything. They stop the run, they cover the pass, they blitz the QB. Show the Linebackers how they fit into the entire defensive puzzle. It’ll help them make plays when things break down.
3. Teach.
Linebacker techniques are built step by step. Teach them what to do with their eyes, their feet, their hips, their hands, etc. Show them good teach tape so they can see what the techniques look like. Progress to faster drills with bigger pictures. Add some reaction and decision making to create game-like drills. Provide sharp, accurate coaching points to help them improve along the way. Great coaches are great teachers.