Prosper Eagles Linebacker Drill: 'Shed the Blocker' Prepares for Gridiron Battle
To prepare 6A linebackers like those at Prosper Eagles for the physicality of the upcoming season, defensive coordinator Coach Thompson recommends the 'Shed the Blocker' drill. This high-intensity exercise targets the key skill of disengaging from blockers and quickly closing on the ball carrier. The drill consists of 3 sets of 10 reps: (1) Start in a three-point stance with a blocking sled or pad in front of you; (2) explode off the line, focusing on quick footwork and pad level; (3) shed the blocker by using your inside shoulder to knock them off balance. Coaching cues include 'Quick feet, quick hands' and 'Shed and close.' This drill translates to game performance by improving the linebacker's ability to quickly diagnose and react to plays, ultimately resulting in more tackles for loss and turnovers.