Linebacker reads and keys are the single most searched for keyword on Joe Daniel Football. It seems every coach is looking for the perfect reads for your linebackers.

I have coached just about every type of linebacker reads imaginable. Keying guards, keying backfield. I have cross-keyed the backs, keyed the 2-man surface… you name it, I have tried to coach it.

Skip all the hassle. Get the complete guide to Linebacker Reads in this episode of The Football Coaching Podcast.

Photo by Keith Johnston on Unsplash

   • Linebacker reads only get your linebackers going in the direction of the play. Consider                linebacker reads as getting you 2 steps closer to the point of attack.
   • Your reads will never be perfect. No matter what you decide to read, there is a way to                counteract it with misdirection, influence traps, or even just plain sloppy offensive play.
   • Eventually, you’re going to have to find the football. There is no way around it. The reads            are just one clue to where the ball is going.

   • Keying the Backfield is the most basic linebacker read.
         • This is a fast key, and easy to teach. Probably the most natural read. Chase the guy                    who has the ball.
         • Backfield reads can get much more complicated based on backfield flow, read                            options, and other looks.
         • Unfortunately, running back reads are also the least accurate. Every offense has                          multiple plays using misdirection. 
    • Guards are also simple linebacker reads and keys to teach.
         • The Guards tend to go where the ball is going. Most gap scheme offenses will also pull              the guards in the direction of the play.  
         • Guard reads are more accurate than backfield keys most of the time.
         • But guards don’t carry the football. Eventually, you have to pick up the running back on             a run play.
         • Teams will influence trap with the guards. You cannot completely sell out to a
            guard read.
   • Teams will influence trap with the guards. You cannot completely sell out to a guard read.
         • 2-man surface usually uses a guard and an adjacent lineman (Center or Tackle).
         • You can find the point of attack based on if the 2-man surface moves together or                        splits. 
         • These reads are more complicated to teach, although coaches can make any read                    overly complicated.
         • Much like the Guard reads, you eventually have to find the ball carrier anyway.

     • Linebacker reads and keys always must involve a primary key and a secondary key.
     • We either teach the primary key as the backfield, and secondary key as guard pulls OR              primary key as guard pulls and secondary key as backfield.
     • The decision is usually based on whether or not you have someone to cover for you on              faster, but less accurate, backfield key reads.
           • Quarters Coverage as primary coverage: Primary key is backfield, secondary key is guard pull
​           • Cover 3 or Cover 1 as primary coverage: Primary key is guard reads, secondary key is                         backfield.