Coaching is all about telling your players where to look.
When it comes to the Linebacker position, this is especially true. It’s vital for Linebackers to “read the play” as quickly as possible so they can execute their assignment.
One way to accomplish this is with the Linebacker Triangle Read.
What is the Linebacker Triangle Read?
Simply put, the Triangle Read is a way to read certain Offensive Linemen through to the Running Back/Quarterback Mesh.
The specifics may vary based on your system. Different Linebacker positions may also use different Triangle Reads. For the purpose of this article, we’ll talk about a Centre/Guard/Tackle Triangle Read being used by a Will Linebacker.
Why Triangle Read?
There are 24 players on a Canadian football field. Multiple Formations are being used, different Motions, lots of noise. The Triangle Read is a way to quiet things down. It’s a way to focus your eyes on a specific PICTURE — a picture that happens to give away lots of information about the Offensive play being executed.
Alternatives
Before digging a little deeper into the Triangle Read, I’ll pose some alternatives.
One option at certain levels of play might be a Guard Read. This is a great starting point. The Guard in front of you can give you a lot of information, but it’s not a complete picture.
Another option is a Backfield Read. In leagues with lots of Run Plays, this makes sense. The Running Back is, after all, the player you are trying to tackle. It’s clear, however, that a Backfield Read can also provide a lot of false keys.
Both of these reads are great starting points for young Linebackers. The Triangle Read, it could be said, is just a graduated combination of the two.
Looks
If you’re going to go with a Triangle Read, the next step is figuring out which pictures are showing up in the Triangle from your specific opponents.
There are a few common ones, like the Inside Zone. If you are on the Front Side of an Inside Zone, your Triangle might look like this
Now that you’ve identified the look, it’s up to you to decide how you want your Linebackers to react.
This could vary based on your system, you opponent’s tendency to RPO, your opponent’s favourite point of attack, your specific Front, your play call, etc.
Remember, the Running Back is also a part of the Read. One picture could have the RB press the Front Side, and a different picture could have the RB take the handoff and bend it back. Your Linebackers need to know how to react to both pictures.
Another common picture is the back side of a Gap Run. The key here is training the Linebackers to see the Pulling Lineman. Once again, the way they react is up to you based on your scheme.
Drill Work
The Triangle Read can be drilled at any time. It’s great for pre-practice or offseason sessions, and no gear is required. We’re training the eyes.
The simplest way to do this is to have your Linebackers rep the Offensive looks. This is also a great way for them to master what the opponent is trying to do.
I like to start with one look. Tell the Linebackers exactly how you want them to react, and then rep it through. Add a second look and do the same.
Now stand behind the drill and tell the “show players” which look to run. The Linebacker in the drill must now read and react. Expand on this as slowly or as quickly as your players allow.
Final Thoughts
This is a simple concept that comes with a lot of complexities.
I’ve been using Triangle Reads for years now, and I’m always tweaking our reactions and adding new looks based on what’s happening in our conference. It’s something that’s always evolving.
The fact is, you can start small. Pick a couple simple looks and rep them. It might help slow the game down for your Linebackers and allow them to execute their assignments more efficiently.
All the best,
Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
IG: @jonsvecx
Twitter: @jonsvecx
Jon Svec is the author of the e-book Canadian Football Chalk Talk: Defensive Basics.