Lake Oswego Lakers Linebacker Drill: 'Shut Down the Gate'
The 'Shut Down the Gate' drill is a crucial exercise for 6A linebackers like Lake Oswego Lakers. This drill focuses on speed, agility, and tackling technique. To set up, divide the linebackers into pairs with one player as the ball carrier and the other as the defender. The defender starts 5 yards behind the ball carrier. The coach calls 'go' and the ball carrier sprints towards the defender. The defender must 'shut down the gate' by quickly closing the distance and tackling the ball carrier to the ground. Perform 3 sets of 10 reps, resting for 30 seconds between sets. Coaching cues include 'close the gap' and 'stay low.' This drill translates to game performance by improving the linebacker's ability to quickly close the distance and make tackles in space.