Youth Football Formations- Is Your Child Linebacker Material?
78Can you picture your child being the center of attention in their youth football defensive formations? Before you answer that question, you should know what it takes to be a linebacker, so you can decide if your kid is right for the job!
Usually, there are four linebackers on the field at once. There are two inside linebackers, and two outside linebackers. Most of the time, the two inside linebackers line up in the middle of the defense, right behind the defensive line. Depending on the formation, the outside linebacker's may play on the edge of the defensive line (almost like a defensive end), or two to three yards back from both ends of the defensive line.
In most defensive youth football plays, the inside linebacker's main job is to stop any run up the middle. In order to do this, they must be very physical and strong. Inside linebacker's are known to be tough, hard nosed football players, who love to tackle as hard as they can. When a running back breaks towards a hole in the defensive line, the inside linebacker should be there to meet them in the hole, laying a hit on them to stop them from advancing any further.
The outside linebacker has a much more difficult job than the inside linebacker in youth football. While the inside linebacker usually only worries about the run, and a few occasional blitz's, the outside linebacker must be able to cover receivers. There will be quite a few times where the outside linebacker will be in one-on-one coverage with a speedy wide receiver.
To be a good outside linebacker, your child will have to be both physical and fast. They will be put in blitz situations, zone coverage situations, man on man situations, and even put on the defensive line every now and then. They have to have the mental capacity to recognize misdirection plays and trick plays, because if the get fooled, the team will most likely get burned for a long gain around the edges.
Most linebackers, both inside and outside, are in very good shape. If you look at the prototype linebacker on the collegiate and professional levels, you will see a person who works out on a daily basis, eats very healthy, and just over-all takes great care of their bodies. If you and your child decide that the linebacker position is for them, I suggest you begin to teach them the importance of taking care of their body (if you haven't already done this). With the right motivation, the right dedication, and support from you, your child can easily become the center of the defense it their youth football formations!
Here are some more great youth football resources-
-Is Your Kid A Future Quarterback?
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