LINEBACKER AND WILDCARD TECHNIQUES

The 3-5-3 loop, angle, slant defense is based to a large degree on wildcard and linebackers’ abilities to make plays. It is important that all three of them understand not only their roles, but also the responsibilities of all other players as well. ILB (S & W) execute either a penetration, scrape, or pursuit move. Angle-to ILB keys the near back and penetrates the B gap on full or split flow his way{1}. Fast flow his way, he pursues down hill, inside-out to ball {2}. Action away, he checks away back for counter, and pursues inside-out-to ball {3}. Angle-away ILB reads ball and reacts accordingly. Action to, he scrapes C-D gap on down hill angle, keeping shoulders square {4}. Action away, he checks away back for counter and pursues inside-out to ball {5}. Wildcard keys the center/guard/QB triangle and pursues the ball inside-out, taking an intelligent pursuit angle.