How to Memorize Football Routes as a Linebacker

As key defensive players for a football team, linebackers have a reputation as strong-bodied athletes on the field. While linebackers use their strong bodies for defensive blocks and tackles, they must also utilize brain power to memorize an extensive list of plays. Coaches call out routes to the middle or inside linebacker who relates them to the other linebackers on the field. These play calls occur quickly during games, forcing linebackers to execute them immediately without time to stop and think. By studying and memorizing their routes, linebackers prepare for game day.

Things You'll Need

  • Playbook
  • Tape recorder
  • Index cards
  • Marker
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use word association to memorize routes by finding a word or phrase to describe the play. After reviewing a route in your playbook, think of the first word it brings to your mind. You might assign the words "snake" to a winding run and "stick" to a straight path. Use these keywords when studying your routes in order to associate them on game day.

    • 2

      Group similar routes together as a way to outline the playbook. Separate routes based on popularity, style and number of linebackers used. When studying, review your routes by categories and memorize one group of routes at a time. Create a name for each set of routes that will allow you to easily recall them on the field.

    • 3

      Call on teammates, friends and family members to help you memorize your football routes. Give your playbook to a close friend or family member and ask him to quiz you on specific routes. Work with fellow linebackers to memorize routes on the field by taking turns calling out and running them. Use downtime on the bench or in the locker room to review the playbook with coaches and teammates.

    • 4

      Create a study guide with flashcards. Write the name of a route on one side of an index card and sketch it out on the other. Memorize the routes by reading the name on the card and trying to visualize the route. Then try to identify the names by observing the route sketches. Ask friends and family members to quiz you with these cards as well.

    • 5

      Call out routes into a tape recorder in the exact words of your playbook and coach. Use the recordings while practicing at home to guide you through football routes. As you hear each route, fully execute it. Acting out routes will help you memorize them and recall them on game days.