How to be a great outside linebacker

Question

ok, so im freshman and im 5'9,150. i have good speed an quick feet and i can react fast. i need tips to become a better tackler.and a better OLB overall.any tips???

Answer 1

At OL you have to read better than most because you have more ground to cover.  Watch the tight end if you're weak side - if they block the down lineman it's likely a running play, but they can release and try to sucker you in with play action.  

You need to be a threat to the QB so that he's thinking about you.  Unless your coach is not into blitzing, devote time to exploding off your mark and getting to the QB. Always let him know you were "right there" so he's thinking about you and hurrying his passes.  And don't always go outside the tackle.  If you have the jump on him, take the outside path most times, but occassionally run a stunt with your DE or CB/Safety to keep the line guessing.  Other times, free up your DE by allowing him to work the outside shoulder of the tackle, while you blast him hard on his inside shoulder.  The left tackle is typically the "money" linemen, so mess him up and you mess up the passing offense.  

A critical element on passing downs is learning to instinctively count the steps/time in the QB's dropback. If he only drops a step or two it's coming out quick on a pass and run to the sideline, or across the middle.  If somebody comes across the line on a short pattern, move to the receiver rapidly, but watch the QB's eyes on your way there, or you can easily overrun the play.  Watch the QB and you can intercept him or crush the receiver just after the catch.  When you hit a receiver do it with the intent of both 'wrapping him up' with a sure tackle, but also busting the ball loose by "blowing him up".  You want him to think "I don't ever want that guy to hit me again".  Make sure he does. If he's going up for it with you, concentrate on getting an arm inside of his arms and sweeping up at the ball to break up the play. Few high school receivers can hold a ball with one hand. If you have the advantage, intercept it of course, but the most important thing is to bust it up.  

If the QB throws a sideline pattern to a WR, stay at home and work with the DB to prevent the WR from breaking loose or getting inside of you and breaking a big play.  Most WRs are taught to juke to the sideline then slash back to the middle (or the oppositve) for a big gain.  Contain him.  If you get a chance for a punishing hit, deliver it.  But don't be distracted by that - your first responsiblity is to contain him.

Likewise on the run.  You and the DE have to stay in close communication and harmony so that nobody beats you outside and springs a long gain.  It's better to "run someone to the sideline" and get help, then try to be a hero and get faked out for a gain.  If the back wants to fight you, great, there will be a 250 pound defensive lineman bearing down on him at full speed to finish him off.  He won't run as fast next time.

Ask your coach specifically how he wants you to handle power sweeps.  I had coaches that wanted me to "one pin" the lead blocker so the support could make the tackle.  I also had a coach who was trusting enough to let me sort it out - because I was a good enough athlete, and long enough/fast enough, that I could get straight to the ball carrier knifing around/through the blockers and consistently deliver a net loss in yardage.  Great coaches look for instinctive players for Outside Linebacker.  

Know if you have the ability/trust to blitz when you see an opportunity.  Too much and they'll hurt you.  Too little, and every pattern becomes a seven step drop with four or five receivers.  

Like a DE, beware of getting suckered past the line of scrimmage on a slow-developing trap or counter play.  If you feel "uncovered" you're probably in a wingback or guard's "gun sights" and they're sneaking right behind the tackle to try and knock you out  If you see it developing, get under him and blow him up, then contain the running back.  If you're late in seeing it develop, drop down to absorb the block so he can't get to your ankles/legs, then make the play.  

On zone pass defense, again, learn to "feel" the timing of the quarterback's release based on the down and yardage requirements (the more yardage, the longer the pass yardage needed, and the more dropback steps he has to take to have time to get rid of the football), and you'll be far more effective in being around the ball to make a play.

This is enough for you to think about right now, but good luck, and always remember the more time you spend studying film pre-game, particularly for returning players you'll be up against, the better "feel" you'll have for what the team is likely to run/call/do in certain game situations.  This is particularly true with the Outside Linebacker's worst enemy - the play action pass.  When you see the big back leave the game on third down, and be replaced by a trim speed back, there's a good chance he's in there to receive a screen or swing pass.  Call it out to your teammates.

When you see a lineman or back telegraphing the play type/direction by the way they line up, it's a thing of beauty - and the linebackers have the best opportunity to do this for the team. Learn to be exceptional at it.  I've won games with a "read" like this on the opposing team and it's a great feeling.  I wish the same for you.  

Answer 2

you have to practice  

Answer 3

Get some Lawrence Taylor film and, HANG ON!!!