A buzz word in the linebacker world is "triangle reads" We're going to dive into the basics of triangle reads and how linebackers can benefit from it.
What Is The Triangle Read?
The triangle read is a read and react visual system which allows the linebacker to see/feel the offensive lineman as well as the running back, to predict where the ball will be going. Let us explain!
The triangle is formed from watching the center and guards on the line of scrimmage, and the running back in the backfield. Coaches may have different systems if they use two inside linebackers. For this example, we'll be going over the true middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense.
Line Of Scrimmage
The line of scrimmage dictates where the play is being run. For example:
Zone blocking schemes will require the center and guards to all be stepping in the same direction
Trap blocks, power, or any gap schemes will have the lineman blocking opposite direction of where the play is going
Big On Big schemes will often require double teams from the center
The offensive line is responsible for opening holes for the running back. If we can gain a general sense of where that hole is supposed to be, we can fill it with a linebacker!
Running Back
Now that we have an understanding of what the line of scrimmage is doing, we can couple that with the running back's footwork. Here are some examples of how the running back's footwork pairs with the offensive line:
The running back takes a 90-degree step and catches a toss from the quarterback. The line of scrimmage is all zone blocking in the same direction. We can anticipate it's an outside zone play
Running back takes a 45-degree step toward the outside leg of the guard. The center and guards all step the same way, with the center double teaming. We can assume that it's inside zone
The Running back takes a 45-degree jab step to the left, before cutting back to the right, in between the guard and center. The center blocks to the left and a guard pull to trap the defensive lineman. This is how we identify trap
The triangle read is one of the few ways that linebackers can get a jump on where the play is going, to help with both reading and anticipation.
Coaches have taught other ways as well, such as following the line of scrimmage or strictly watching the running back, all depending on the opposing team's scheme.
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Lesson 33:
Triangle Reads
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