The toughest position on the field for most defensemen is outside linebacker. In a typical 8-man Front, such as a 3-5-3 or 4-2-5 defense, these players have dual responsibilities.
Responsibility
The outside linebacker is primarily responsible for holding the run, forcing the ball carrier back to the inside on rim runs. He can also force the ball carrier to bubble up and work laterally towards the sideline, allowing the chase to get there to help.
The second responsibility of the OLB is to cover the floors on the pass. Typically 8 man fronts will run Cover 3 as their base cover.
Most defensive coordinators use a combination of zone and man coverage. The OLB will normally be locked onto the #2 Receiver next to you in Cover 1 or Cover 0, a slot or Tight End. When a player is locked in man coverage, he cannot be considered part of the run defense.
Alignment
The outside linebacker’s lineup will depend on your defense and his skills. Typically, he will be somewhere in the range of 3-5 yards outside of End Man on the Line of Scrimmage (EMOLS) and 2-5 yards outside of Line of Scrimmage (LOS).
If there is a #2 receiver, the OLB commonly uses a vertex lineup, 5 yards from the ball and halfway between the EMOLS and the slot. Depending on the team and the capacity of the space, you can choose to line it up closer to the space to deter the pass or closer to the EMOLS to help in the running game.
Keys and Reaction
The main key of the OLB is the EMOLS, a Tackle or Tight End, for a High-Hat, Low Hat reading. High Hat, which means the OT’s helmet appears as in a passing play, tells him that the play is a pass and that he should open up to the planes (but this will be dictated by the coverage call). On a low hat read, when the OT shoots flat-backed, he’s assuming he’s running. The OLB should be thinking about running unless he gets a definite high pass reading.
You can help the OLB get your readings by studying the EMOLS film you will be reading. Different teams employ different techniques for blocking passes and runs.
After getting a low hat reading, the OLB checks its secondary key: the broker. You need to attack the run appropriately by reading the run block and backfield action:
EMOLS hard block in, RB for you – attack the line of scrimmage to replace where EMOLS left off. Expect a kick block from a RB or shot protector. Do this with your inside arm, keeping your outside arm and leg free and your shoulders in line. Restrict the running lane on the inside and prepare to make the ball carrier bounce on the outside.
EMOLS drive blocks Defensive End, RB for you: Shuffle up and in, but don’t go all the way to line of scrimmage. Hold outside leverage until the RB bids inside, then fold inside to make the tackle. If it bounces out, box the play.
EMOLS Gets to you, RB fast flow away from you: Attack to the line of scrimmage but keep your width. If you have a number 2 receiver, decide if you can beat him to the point of attack or need to beat his block. If you have to beat your block, go through it, push it back, and work your way out to contain the play.
EMOLS Zone or Reach away from you, Backfield flow away: Keep your depth, bend in to stack the defensive end. Check the Time Trial, Reverse, Smuggling action and get ready to get back to work. Do not pass the Defensive End until the ball is declared away from you.
Play Action Pass can put a lot of stress on your backers. If the OLB reads run, it should attack because it is a run-first player. But once you notice the pass, usually via secondary key action, you have to break it to get back out into your pass coverage area. Never give up on a play!
Coaching Outside Linebackers
The individual techniques required for OLBs are similar to those of any defensive player. They need to be able to read their code and react, break a block, make a tackle, pass and cause turnovers. All of these skills should be worked on in a collection of 5 daily exercises, time permitting. Add other exercises to work your weaknesses.
Group work is crucial for the outside linebacker to understand his role. He will work safeties, cornerbacks, defensive ends and inside linebackers. Organize group drills each week that allow him to see his role in defense with each of these groups. Make sure that the group exercises are relevant to the opponent you will be facing this week.
Understand that offensive coordinators will mess with your outside linebacker. He is the player who is most easily put into conflict. Offensive schemes will try to frustrate you and make you guess.
Your outside linebackers will make mistakes! Train them to trust their keys, play physically, and run for the ball at all times to have the best OLB game possible.
