In a 3-4 defense the outside linebackers have to be able to make a variety of plays for the defense. They must be to defend a reach block by a tight end, offensive lineman or even a running back. They have to be to stay on their feet and free themselves from the block and make a play.
In the video below Mike Dewitt, defensive coordinator at Coppell High School (TX) demonstrates his Dot Drill that he uses to work with outside linebackers on defending a reach block
For more on outside linebacker play click the link Outside Linebacker Technique and Drills for the Multiple 3-4 Defense
The YouTube video below has sound, so please make sure that your sound is on and that you have access to YouTube (Some schools block access)
The Dot Drill begins with a defensive player lined up with outside leverage vs a blocker. The two players are placed at one of two dots 15 yards apart. The defensive player will attempt to get free of his blocker to the outside before getting to the width of the other dot.
The coaching points for the outside linebacker are as follows:
1. Attack the blocker- start with the outside foot back. Take a power step right down the middle of the blocker. Attack the blocker in the V of the neck. Don’t wait for him and don’t give ground.
2. Get the inside hand on the sternum and the outside hand on the shoulder.
3. Lockout.
4. If the blocker steps wide, the linebacker step wide. Now they run to get your hips outside the frame of the body. It is important for them to keep their head inside. Lead with the hips. If the head gets outside the frame of the blockers body they could easily get dumped to the ground.
5. One the linebacker is locked out and has managed to get his hips outside the blocker (without getting their rear end facing the sideline), they can snap down and shed the blocker and get up field.
Coach states that it is important for them to understand “You can’t rip off until you earn the right.” What he means the defender must get locked out and gets his hips outside the framework of the blocker before he can snap down and shed