Although they are all “Linebackers,” ILBs see things a little differently than OLBs do.  Let’s take a look at how an ILB approaches each play of the game.

ILB Reads – In a 3-4 the ILB reads the “Triangle.”
If the ILB is lined up over the G or in the A Gap the triangle is the G, C and near back.
If the ILB is lined up in an outside shade of the G or over the T the triangle is G, T and near back.
While the ILB tries to see the whole TRIANGLE, 98% of the time the eyes are on the Guards.  Guards will tell you everything about a play you could ever want to know.

Determining Run/Pass:

• Before the ball is even snapped, ILBs read the stance of the G in order to look for a “tell” that may tip   him off to whether it is Run/Pass.  It used to be the “white knuckles” meant run, but everyone wears gloves these days.  You look for pressure on the fingers, leaning forward, lower shoulder pads on the run.  If it is going to be a pass they will have the weight on their heals, maybe in a 2point stance (no hand down), or their pads are more straight up.  The best OL don’t give it away and act the same on both.  A lot of guys have tells.  I played against one OL who on a pass would get in his 3 point stance right away.  On run plays he would come to the LOS, rest his elbows on his knees for a little and then get down.  It was the perfect give-away all game.  I think I even told him about it after the game.

• After the ball is snapped the reads are very similar to an OLBs.  If the G steps forward it is a run…attack downhill.  If he steps back, Pass.

Types of Run Blocks and how to defeat them:

Combo Block:

• What is it?:  This is the most common run block in the MWC.  Teams use it when they run the ZONE, RIDE, RIDE OPTION, and pretty much every other spread offense run play.  What it means is that the G and C will Combo the NT and the ILB to that side.  It starts out as a double team on the NT to stop penetration, then once the C has control the G will “Combo” off onto the ILB.

• How do you beat it?:  To beat a combo block you have to see it coming.  As soon as you see the G step down on the C you have to come in there like a bat out of hell and hit him right in the side of the helmet.  Best to get the big lugs before they turn their momentum upfield.  If you can ear hole him at the LOS you will win 95% if the time and the run will be unsuccessful.

Down Block:

• What is it?:  A down block is when the G blocks down on the NT by himself.  When he does this it usually means that the ball is coming off his butt.  He is trying to pin the NT inside and create a hole in the A gap.  When this happens usually 1 of 2 things will follow.

• The FB will be the lead blocker responsible for blowing you out of the hole.  Your job is to take him on with your inside shoulder so that you always keep the ball between the 2 ILBs.

• A pulling OL will be coming around the corner.  Your job is the same, but you better hit him before he turns upfield, otherwise that is a lot of weight you have to try and stop.

• How do you beat it?: When the G blocks down you “fill” the spot he just vacated, immediately.  This means, once again, flying downhill as fast as possible.  You have to meet the FB or OL on their side of the LOS, stay low and DON’T get driven out.

Pulling Guard/Cut Off Block:

• What is it?:  A pulling guard is when the guard steps back behind the LOS, runs behind the other OL and turns up inside the hole as the lead blocker.  He is tracking the Play side ILB.  (If the play is run AT the SILB the weak G will pull to block him).  How do you stop the other ILB?  Usually a T or TE from the play side will angle back across the play to pick up the ILB who is coming from the side the G pulled from.

• How do you beat it?: When the guard in front of you pulls you follow him!  It is important that you yell to your buddy that the G is pulling so he can go meet him (He will have already seen the down block on his side).  Best to have some warning when the big beasties are coming.  You scrape over the top of the DL and OL until you get to where the G turned upfield and you come downhill keeping the RB on your OUTSIDE shoulder while your buddy has him on the INSIDE shoulder.

Straight Up Block:

• What is it?:  When the G is uncovered (no DL in front of him) and he runs right at you at the snap.

• How do you beat it?:  You run down hill as fast as you can and get your pads underneath his.  Sometimes it is best to give up a man for a man and take him out below the waist.  Sure it may be the “sissy” way out, but if you don’t go down, and he blows you out of there (He has100+ lbs on you) then you will end up in Quinn’s lap.

Reach Block:

• What is it?:  This is the type of blocking you see with teams that like to run sweep and stretch plays.  At the snap of the ball the OL turns and runs laterally trying to cut off any penetration and to get in front of the DL and LBs.  On these plays typically the backside G will try and take over the NT while the C comes up on the backside ILB and the play side G/T will come up on the playside ILB.

• How do you beat it?:  Speed over the top and coming downhill fast.  Remember the principle – if you can hit the OL while he is running sideways, you win.

It is imperative that the 2 ILBs work together.  What made playing with Cameron and Kelly so much fun is that we had very similar styles, and because we always studied together we saw things on the field the same way.  That means we always knew how the other guy would play the play and it would help us to fit up in the right spots.  The No. 1 rule for ILBs is the keep the ball between you.  Then usually the ILB to the play side takes on the blockers while the other makes the play.  That is how the duo should work out.

By Markell Staffieri