Shanley Deacons' Linebacker Drill: Building Speed and Agility
At Fargo Shanley Deacons' summer training camp, linebackers are honing their skills with a high-intensity drill that translates to game performance. The 'Ladder Shuffle' drill consists of 3 sets of 20 reps, with 30 seconds rest between sets. Players start in a 3-point stance, then quickly move through a ladder placed on the ground, shuffling their feet and keeping their body low. As they exit the ladder, they immediately change direction, moving laterally 5 yards and then back to the starting point. Coaches cue players to 'keep their feet quick and their body low,' emphasizing the importance of speed and agility in reading and reacting to opposing offenses. This drill improves a linebacker's ability to quickly close gaps and change direction, a critical skill in AAA football.