Speed Report: Specific Speed Techniques and Drills for Outside Linebackers

Outside linebackers move through many types of speed changes. Sound mechanical control is vital if they are to be successful at each movement phase conducted. The thrust of this article will be directed towards sharing nuggets for outside linebackers. As indicated in the October issue on ‘Increasing Your Linebacker Speed’ once mechanical effectiveness is attained then we can move on to position specific movement applications. This month I will focus on specific movement aspects for some of the more basic assignments required for outside linebackers. The Most Critical Movement: The First Step All movement whether linear, lateral, short, long, etc., must develop from the first position step taken. The first step needs to be in proper relation to the center of body mass. This establishes the foundation for the succeeding strides that follow. Being in good position with the first stride