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Hansen Sekona, DC/LB Coach, College of San Mateo, CA

Full video available at:  I-LB Fundamentals & Every Day Drills

LINEBACKER KEY READING AND EYE TRAINING FUNDAMENTALS

Teaching inside linebackers proper eye discipline and key reading techniques. The coach emphasizes that eyes are the most fundamental skill for inside backers, requiring extensive film study and systematic training progression.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY KEY SYSTEM

The coaching philosophy centers on reading a "triangle" with two levels of keys. The primary key is the offensive line, specifically the guards, though the coach notes that unlike in previous eras, offensive linemen now "lie" due to modern offensive schemes. Secondary keys include quarterback action, near back movement, and tight end action to determine run versus pass.

READ STEP TECHNIQUE AND PROGRESSION

Players are taught to take a subtle 2-inch read step with their inside foot before reacting. The mantra is "don't rush your read, rush your reaction" - emphasizing it's better to be late and right than early and wrong. The progression moves from reading the triangle and line keys to backfield action, determining if it's token (fake) or "dirty mesh" (true read).

MODERN OFFENSIVE CHALLENGES

The coach addresses RPO (Run-Pass Option) concepts that have complicated traditional linebacker reads. With offensive linemen now able to move downfield on passing plays without penalties being consistently called, linebackers must adapt their key reading to account for these rule changes and referee inconsistencies.

RESPONSE RULES AND GAP RESPONSIBILITIES

Based on their reads, inside backers follow specific response rules: radar coverage for RPOs and quick game, attacking respective gaps on downhill runs, playing the running back's path on outside runs, and finding the next window when guards pull. The coach emphasizes keeping shoulders square and being ready for cutback runs when flow goes away.

DRILL PROGRESSION AND TRAINING

The training progression starts with key drills using trash cans, advances to half-line work against the offense, and culminates in 9-on-7 inside run emphasis. Throughout all drills, the focus remains on training eyes, maintaining proper footwork, and reading pre-snap indicators like linemen being "light on their hands" to anticipate pulls.

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