LINEBACKER

Linebackers are defensive players that lines up behind the defensive lineman, and in front of the defensive backfield. Linebackers are usually positioned 3 to 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage, and are standing upright in a two point stance. Teams usually play two types of variations for their linebackers; they either play two outside linebackers with one in the middle, or two outside linebackers with two in the middle. The outside linebacker’s job is to stop any running plays coming to the outside, and to cover any receiver in his area. The middle linebacker’s job is to stop running plays coming up the middle, and to cover any receiver in his area. The linebackers on a defensive unit are the second line of defense.


CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LINEBACKER

1. Must have size and strength to play linebacker.
2. Must be able to cover tight ends and running backs.
3. Must Must Must Must be a good tackler; a good linebacker should be able to tackle the intended target with ferocity.
4. Must play with relentless pursuit, linebackers must play with great effort and intensity while pursuing the offensive player with the football.
5. Must be mentally and physically tough, a good linebacker will be involved in most of the tackles on defense. He needs to be mentally and physically prepared to take a pounding game after game.
6. Must have intelligence, a good linebacker should know all the defensive plays, and what everyone on defense is suppose to do.

WIDE RECEIVER

A wide receiver is a player on an offensive unit in football, whom positions himself at the end of the offensive line. There are usually two of them on a playing field at the same time on opposite ends of the line. The wide receivers main function is to run pass patterns and catch passes thrown to them from the quarterback. On some rare occasions a team will try a trick play where the receiver can throw the ball, take a hand off from the QB, or catch a pass from a RB. Wide receivers are usually the most elusive and fastest players on the team, but there is room for players at the position who are not blessed with speed and quickness. Players not blessed with tremendous speed, but are willing to work hard on running proper pass patterns and catching the football, can still be productive wide receivers. One of the best wide receivers to play in the NFL was Jim Zorn and he did not have tremendous speed.


CHARACTERISTICS FOR A GOOD WIDE RECEIVER

1. Run at top speed throughout your pass pattern.
2. Run precise pass patterns.
3. Must be in good condition, must be able to run routes play after play.
4. Must be able to concentrate, he must concentrate on his routes, the other teams defense, and catching the football.
5. Must block defenders, your block can be the one that breaks another offensive player free.
6. Must be prepared to take a hit after catch, as a wide receiver your going to get hit.

WIDE RECEIVER TIPS

1. Catch the football with your hands not your body.
2. Look the ball in, use your eyes and focus on the football all the way into your hands.
3. Always catch the football at its highest point.
4. Control the football before trying to run with it. Many wide receivers fumble the football because they try to make a move before they secure the football.
5. Know exactly what routs you are to run.