Linebacker Requirements

Linebackers are much like the field generals on defense. They have the unique responsibility of being the first responders to both rushing and passing attacks all while covering the majority of the football field. Because linebackers carry such a large burden on defense, the requirements to play the position are rigorous. If you are a linebacker or have the desire to be one, you must understand the skill sets that a football player must have to be a successful linebacker.

  1. Nutrition

    • Because linebackers have to have an even combination of both strength and speed, a proper diet is of utmost importance to a linebacker. A linebacker must not only be physically imposing but must also be able to move that formidable frame around the field as quickly as players much smaller than him. In order to be able to do this, a diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats such as fish and chicken give a linebacker the building blocks he needs to develop into a complete player.

    Strength

    • A linebacker must have exceptionally strong muscles all over his body. The neck and shoulders must be strong to be able to make tackles as well as soften the shock of the collisions that a linebacker is involved in. Strong legs are also necessary to produce the driving blows that a linebacker must deliver to offensive players. Finally, a strong core will help a linebacker to stand his ground when an offensive player delivers a preemptive blow.

    Agility

    • Linebackers have to be agile for several reasons. First, because a play will often shift to another direction not initially anticipated by the linebacker, he must be able to quickly change direction to catch up to the ball carrier. Second, a linebacker must be proficient not simply in running forward but also running backward and side to side so that he can always keep his eyes on the ball. Finally, a linebacker must have a high amount of overall agility to be able to make quick bursts of speed to evade offensive blockers and get to the ball carrier.

    Intelligence

    • Linebackers must have the ability to read offenses and make quick decisions given the information presented to them by the offense. Many linebackers are also designated by the coaches as defensive captains who have the freedom to change the defensive setup to account for disparities in coverage that may occur if the initial defensive call does not match up properly with the offense's play call. In order to do this, a linebacker must know not only the various defensive packages and alignments but also the many offensive formations and variations. A linebacker's intelligence is also tested by his ability to anticipate not only who is going to get the ball on offense but where that player will be going either before or after he gets the ball.