The most difficult position on the field for most defenses is outside linebacker. In a typical 8-man Front, such as 3-5-3 or 4-2-5 defenses, these players have dual responsibilities.

Responsibility

The outside linebacker is primarily responsible for containing the run, forcing the ball carrier to back inside on edge runs. It can also force the ball carrier to bubble and work laterally towards the sideline, allowing the chase to get there to help.

The OLB’s second responsibility is to cover the floors in the pass. Typically, 8-man fronts will run Cover 3 as base cover.

Most defensive coordinators use a combination of man and zone coverage. The OLB will normally be locked onto Receiver #2 next to him in Cover 1 or Cover 0, a slot or Tight End. When a player is locked in man coverage, he cannot be considered part of the running defense.

Alignment

The Outside Linebacker’s lineup will depend on your defense and his abilities. Typically he will be somewhere in the range of 3-5 yards off the End Man on the Line of Scrimmage (EMOLS) and 2-5 yards off the Line of Scrimmage (LOS).

If there is a #2 receiver, the OLB commonly uses an apex lineup, 5 yards from the ball and midway between the EMOLS and the slot. Depending on the team and the ability of the space, you can choose to line it up closer to the space to deter the pass or closer to the EMOLS to help in the running game.

Keys and Reaction

The main key of the OLB is the EMOLS, a Tackle or Tight End, for a High-Hat, Low Hat reading. High Hat, meaning the OT’s helmet appears as in a pass game, tells him that the play is a pass and he should open up to flats (but this will be dictated by the coverage call). In a low hat read, when the OT shoots flat-backed, he’s assuming he runs. The OLB should be thinking about running unless he gets a definite high pass read.

You can help the OLB get their readings by studying the EMOLS film you will be reading. Different teams employ different techniques for blocking passes and runs.

After getting a low hat reading, the OLB checks its secondary key: the broker. You need to attack the run appropriately by reading the run block and backfield action:

EMOLS block hard inside, RB for you – attack the line of scrimmage to replace where EMOLS left off. Expect a kick block from a RB or shot guard. Do it with your inside arm, keeping your outside arm and leg free and your shoulders aligned with the line. Restrict the running lane on the inside and get ready to bounce the ball carrier on the outside.

EMOLS drive blocks Defensive End, RB for you: Shuffle up and inside, but don’t go all the way to the line of scrimmage. Maintain outside leverage until the RB bids inside, then double inside to make the tackle. If it bounces out, it boxes the play.

EMOLS Catches you, RB fast flow off you: Attack the line of scrimmage but keep your width. If you have a number 2 receiver, decide if you can beat him to the point of attack or need to beat his screen. If you have to beat their block, go through it, drive it back, and work your way out to contain play.

EMOLS Zone or Reach away from you, Backfield flow away – Keep your depth, bend inside to stack the defensive end. Check the Time Trial, Reverse, Contraband action and get ready to get back to work. Do not pass the Defensive End until the ball is declared away from you.

Play Action Pass can put a lot of stress on your backers. If the OLB reads run, he should attack because he is a first run player. But once he becomes aware of the pass, usually via secondary key action, he must break it to get back out into his pass coverage area. Never give up on a play!

Coaching Outside Linebackers

The individual techniques required for OLBs are similar to those of any defensive player. They need to be able to read your key and react, beat a screen, make a tackle, pass and cause turnovers. All of these skills should be worked into a collection of 5 daily exercises, time permitting. Add other exercises to work on your weaknesses.

Group work is crucial for the outside linebacker to understand his role. He will work with safeties, cornerbacks, defensive ends and inside linebackers. Have group drills each week that allow you to see his role in defense with each of these groups. Make sure the group exercises are relevant to the opponent you’ll be facing this week.

Understand that offensive coordinators will pick on your outside linebacker. He is the player who is most easily put in conflict. Offensive schemes will try to frustrate you and make you guess.

Your outside linebackers will make mistakes! Train them to trust their keys, play physically and run to the ball at all times to have the best OLB game possible.