35 Under 35 Presents | Nick Lezynski, Vanderbilt | Linebacker Drills
April 9, 2025
Nick Lezynski, Vanderbilt University’s Linebackers Coach and Defensive Run Game Coordinator, shares his drills for developing elite linebackers. Drawing from his coaching experience at Notre Dame, Holy Cross, Lafayette, and Connecticut, Coach Lezynski has honed a unique approach to balancing technical precision with game-like scenarios.
The Cloudy-Clear Drill: A Game Changer for Linebackers
The Cloudy-Clear Drill is one of Coach Lezynski’s standout contributions to linebacker training. This drill focuses on improving run fits, ball tracking, and reaction skills. Originally developed to address triple-option elements, it has evolved into a versatile tool for modern linebacker development.
What the Drill Trains:
-
Movement/footwork skills
-
Tackling technique
-
Run fit precision
Key Features of the Drill:
-
Drill Types: Combo, reactive, and fill-a-need
-
Equipment Needed: Tackling rings, ring rollers, and two lines of players (linebackers and running backs)
-
Variations:
-
Open Gap (Clear): Rings don’t move
-
Closed Gap (Cloudy): Both rings pinch
-
Jumpcut (Cloudy): One ring closes the gap
-
Wide Flow (Cloudy/Clear): Both rings roll
Coach Lezynski’s Approach to Drills
Coach Lezynski emphasizes the importance of categorizing drills into buckets to ensure balanced development:
-
Technical Drills: Focus on fundamental movements and techniques.
-
Tactical Drills: Center on scheme-related assignments and reactions.
-
Combo Drills: Blend technical and tactical elements for game-like scenarios.
Within these buckets, he highlights two types of drills:
-
Scripted Drills: Predetermined patterns for building foundational skills quickly.
-
Reactive Drills: Simulating unpredictable, game-like actions to enhance decision-making.
The Cloudy-Clear Drill in Action
In practice, the Cloudy-Clear Drill teaches linebackers to stay clean, maintain alignment, and avoid self blocking while tracking the ball effectively. It’s a dynamic, competitive exercise that keeps players engaged and sharp.
Linebacker Essentials: Must-Have Skills
According to Coach Lezynski, great linebackers excel in two areas:
-
Staying Square: Maintaining proper alignment to react effectively.
-
Using Their Hands: Essential for tackling, beating blocks, and coverage.
To build these skills, he incorporates drills that target:
-
Movement and footwork
-
Block destruction
-
Tackling
-
Run fits
-
Coverage
-
Blitzing/pass rush
Watch Coach Lezynski in Action
Want to see the Cloudy-Clear Drill in action? Watch the full video of Coach Lezynski coaching his athletes through each variation, providing detailed insights and techniques to maximize the drill’s effectiveness.
Stay Connected
Follow Coach Nick Lezynski for more coaching insights:
-
Twitter: @NickLezynski
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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Nick Lezynski, Vanderbilt University’s Linebackers Coach and Defensive Run Game Coordinator, shares his drills for developing elite linebackers. Drawing from his coaching experience at Notre Dame, Holy Cross, Lafayette, and Connecticut, Coach Lezynski has honed a unique approach to balancing technical precision with game-like scenarios.
The Cloudy-Clear Drill: A Game Changer for Linebackers
The Cloudy-Clear Drill is one of Coach Lezynski’s standout contributions to linebacker training. This drill focuses on improving run fits, ball tracking, and reaction skills. Originally developed to address triple-option elements, it has evolved into a versatile tool for modern linebacker development.
What the Drill Trains:
-
Movement/footwork skills
-
Tackling technique
-
Run fit precision
Key Features of the Drill:
-
Drill Types: Combo, reactive, and fill-a-need
-
Equipment Needed: Tackling rings, ring rollers, and two lines of players (linebackers and running backs)
-
Variations:
-
Open Gap (Clear): Rings don’t move
-
Closed Gap (Cloudy): Both rings pinch
-
Jumpcut (Cloudy): One ring closes the gap
-
Wide Flow (Cloudy/Clear): Both rings roll
-
Coach Lezynski’s Approach to Drills
Coach Lezynski emphasizes the importance of categorizing drills into buckets to ensure balanced development:
-
Technical Drills: Focus on fundamental movements and techniques.
-
Tactical Drills: Center on scheme-related assignments and reactions.
-
Combo Drills: Blend technical and tactical elements for game-like scenarios.
Within these buckets, he highlights two types of drills:
-
Scripted Drills: Predetermined patterns for building foundational skills quickly.
-
Reactive Drills: Simulating unpredictable, game-like actions to enhance decision-making.
The Cloudy-Clear Drill in Action
In practice, the Cloudy-Clear Drill teaches linebackers to stay clean, maintain alignment, and avoid self blocking while tracking the ball effectively. It’s a dynamic, competitive exercise that keeps players engaged and sharp.
Linebacker Essentials: Must-Have Skills
According to Coach Lezynski, great linebackers excel in two areas:
-
Staying Square: Maintaining proper alignment to react effectively.
-
Using Their Hands: Essential for tackling, beating blocks, and coverage.
To build these skills, he incorporates drills that target:
-
Movement and footwork
-
Block destruction
-
Tackling
-
Run fits
-
Coverage
-
Blitzing/pass rush
Watch Coach Lezynski in Action
Want to see the Cloudy-Clear Drill in action? Watch the full video of Coach Lezynski coaching his athletes through each variation, providing detailed insights and techniques to maximize the drill’s effectiveness.
Stay Connected
Follow Coach Nick Lezynski for more coaching insights:
-
Twitter: @NickLezynski
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
