Enhancing LB Speed and Agility with the 'Shuttle Shuffle' Drill
At DII-AA programs like Brentwood Academy Eagles, linebackers need to be quick and agile to keep up with the fast-paced offenses they'll face this season. One effective drill to improve these skills is the 'Shuttle Shuffle'. This exercise targets the player's ability to rapidly change direction and accelerate. To run the drill, set up two cones 5 yards apart, with a third cone 10 yards away from the starting point. Have the LB player start in a 3-point stance, then shuffle to the first cone, quickly change direction, and sprint to the second cone. After reaching the second cone, have them shuffle back to the starting point. Repeat for 3 sets of 10 reps. Coaching cues include 'quick feet' and ' explosive acceleration'. This drill translates to game performance by allowing LB players to quickly close gaps and pursue ball carriers in space.