Linebacker's Responsibilities

Usually the best athlete on a football team is a linebacker, according to Play Sports TV. This defensive position demands a player who can think fast and who has the physical size and abilities to stop any opposition run. His job is to ensure the opposition's offense can't get through the middle of the field.

  1. Play

    • Linebackers have to be wary about who is coming through a gap for a pass. He stands up in a gap and makes sure the offensive team doesn't run through, according to Expert Village. The thought process for a linebacker starts with seeing if anyone is coming through his gap and then figuring out where the play is moving. His role varies from each play, but he is primarily responsible for stopping the offensive run, according to Field Gulls. A linebacker will sometimes cover an outlet receiver. The weak side linebacker must cover him to prevent a successful pass, or tackle him after making the catch.

    Build

    • In the National Football League, the highest level of competitive football, the linebackers are a combination of speed, agility and size. They must also be able to read the play, so football sense is a must. Due to the force that the linebackers com up against, they are typically between 245 to 255 pounds, according to Football 101.

    Positioning

    • The linebacker has to be in the ready two-point stance, with legs shoulder-width apart, one leg back, one knee bent at his side, head forward and hands up in front, ready to make a play, according to Play Sports TV. His eyes should be looking towards the offensive backfield. A linebacker should be approximately 5 yards off of the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen. They assume this position before the ball is snapped. The inside linebacker yells at the players to tell them to change positions according to the offensive team's formation.

    Leadership

    • The middle, or inside, linebacker must tell all the defensive players to line up properly. He must try to predict what play the other team will run in the next offensive rush. Once he sees how they are lined up, he may yell at his players to change positions. Many professional middle linebackers are missing teeth, according to Football 101. This shows how hard they are working and it is a source of pride. The middle linebacker is supported by a strong side linebacker and a weak side linebacker -- the strong side is the side of the field that the offense's tight end has lined up on. These outside linebackers have less of a leadership role, but they are all responsible for blocking passing and running lanes.