LBs covering receivers

Silverado

You can assume that there will almost always be a mismatch when a LB is assigned to cover a WR, therefore, I have found the "Chase Drill" to be quite effective in increasing the LB's chances of being successful in these situations. The Chase Drill requires the LB to trail the WR (or LB acting as the WR in individual period) and, as he is catching up to or running with the WR, read the WR's eyes and hands. DO NOT LOOK BACK AT THE QB! Almost all LB's with naturally look back, thus, creating MORE seperation from the WR and decreasing their chance to make a play on the ball. The Chase Drill will break these habits and make your LB's more comfortable playing the WR's eyes and hands. Playing his eyes means anticipating the arrival of the ball if his eyes get big. Playing his hands means, once the WR's hands go up to catch the ball, placing the LB's inside hand between the WR's hands and reacting with a strip or club once the ball comes into the LB's field of vision. Ensure the tackle with the outside hand simultaneous to the arrival of the football.