Teaching inside linebacker elements

well first off, you dont want to jump into schemes, you want to go to the basic fundementals, at the middle school level that gets over looked so much, start with the stance, the first steps and tackeling. Those fundementals are crucial at any level and it will help you teach if you know them.

well, i do disagree and agree with some of the things you did write, i would rather have my LBs have an even amount of weight being distributed, At the early age it is a bad habit for them to watch the center also:) Most upper level schools will have them key the gaurds or tackels depending on the offense being ran, the center would be some what of a bad read.

"have an even amount of weight being distributed" probably means don't let them have too much forward lean. what i do with my little guys is have them work on mostly stance, and then i slowly work them in to getting off towards the LOS or breaking into coverage. the forward lean on a linebacker seems to come naturally; meaning you don't have to tell them to do it because eventually they will do it on their own. a linebacker needs to be able to break in any direction, and too much forward lean will make it difficult for them to get off in any other direction other than forward. plus, showing them how to be quick without giving away their intention, and a heavy forward lean gives away alot, is that your blitz's will be alot more effective. opposing QB won't know if he's coming or going, but that's later on in the game. i tell my guys to "THINK" light on their feet, and they "WILL" be light on their feet. try it out it might work, or i could just be an idiot, let me know which one it is. thank you

you said it right COMET, there first step is foward in any level.