Teaching Linebacker Reads
Helping your Linebackers play fast
It was early in my coaching career, and I had a decision to make.
How do I want our Linebackers to read a play?
(Big crossroad in every coaching career, am I right?)
We had access to a lot of clinic videos out of the States back then, and it seemed like the most popular answer to this question was a Backfield Read.
Back then, about 17 years ago, there were a lot of two-back sets. A lot of Fullbacks in the Backfield, especially in American ball.
It seemed like most coaches were teaching their Linebackers to read “Backfield Flow”.
At some point, for some reason, I settled on the Triangle Read.
(Full transparency, I don’t remember all the specifics.)
But the result has been years of development over how to talk about the Triangle Read, how to drill it, and how to teach it.
All stemming from one single decision.
It’s been a wild journey.
What is the Triangle Read?
The Triangle Read involves an initial read of certain Offensive Linemen, followed by a read of the Backfield.
The sequence is important, because it gives the Linebackers a plan for how to use their eyes.
The Offensive Linemen are going to give you the earliest and best information.
The Backfield will then confirm everything and lead you to the football.
Clinic Video
I recently put together a brand new clinic video about Linebacker Reads.
In this 40-minute clinic I take a deep dive into the Triangle Read.
It’s full of drills, game clips, and explanations on how your Linebackers should REACT based on what they’re reading.
There are two ways to get the clinic:
You can watch the clinic for FREE if you join the Chalk Talk Community.
Or you can purchase the clinic from my GUMROAD page.
Final Thoughts
I’m happy with the decision I made all those years ago.
I’m a big fan of the Triangle Read, and I love talking about it to anyone who’ll listen. (Which is why I put together the new clinic.)
As with anything in football, I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer when it comes to Linebacker Reads.
I think coaches should do whatever works for them, as long as they have a plan.
But I don’t see myself changing camps any time soon.
All the best,
Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
Email: jsvec@stfx.ca
Twitter: @jonsvecx
To read more, check out the Canadian Football Chalk Talk e-book and video series, which can be found by clicking here. To join the Canadian Football Chalk Talk Community, click here.