RHS Football: Quarterback Trainer

Table of Contents
Page 5: Quarterback Qualifications Page 11: Quarterback Tips Page 18: Quarterback Fundamentals
Page 19: Page 21: Page 28: Page 34: Page 36: Page 43: Stance Quarterback/Center Exchange QB / Running Back Exchange (Sweep/Option/Pitch Grip Throwing Drop Backs

Page 50: Quarterback Ball Handling Dills Page 52: Quarterback Agility Drills Page 66: Quarterback Warm-up Drills Page 72: Quarterback Drills Page 104: Quarterback Specific Strength Exercises Page 114: Reading Defenses
Page 114: Reading DefensesPre-Snap Page 125: Reading Defenses: Post-SnapCoverages Page 148: Reading Defenses: Basic Quarterback Reads

Page 179: RHS Offense: QB Steps

Page 181: QB Steps: Page 188: QB Steps: Page 196: QB Steps: Page 199: QB Steps: Run Game30 Run Game40 Run Game10 Run Game20 Series Series Series Series

RHS Football Quarterback TrainerBy Phil Heyn

Acknowledgments
Phil Heyn
Playing: 3-Year QB Starter at Revere High School; 3-Year QB Lettermen and 2-Year QB Starter Ohio Wesleyan University Coaching: 2000 Ohio Wesleyan University, 2001 8th Grade Football at Revere, 2002-Present Varsity Football at Revere

This trainer was based on the fundamentals, beliefs and philosophies gain from a number of sources throughout my playing and coaching career, most notably:
Joe Pappano
Longtime Head Coach Revere High School My quarterback coach for two years at Revere High School 3-Year Starter at Ashland My quarterback coach for four years at Ohio Wesleyan Former quarterback at St. V-M Current Head Coach Revere High School

Pat Samanich Terry Cistone Dr. Will Hayes Quarterback-Receiver Manual Todd Blackledge Quarterback School Manual

Quarterback Qualifications

Quarterback Qualifications: Leadership

A quarterback does not have to be the loudest or most emotional person on the field, but he must instill a feeling of confidence to the rest of his teammatesthey must want to rally behind him. He must have a take-charge attitude in the huddle and on the field (during games and practice). He must work hardhe should be the hardest worker on the fieldthis will help him earn the respect of his teammates. Too many young quarterbacks lead by being yelling at their teammates telling them what to do and chastising them after mistakes; instead of picking them up and talking them through mistakes. A good leader takes the responsibility on himself: there is nothing worse then watching a young quarterback visibly blame the center for a CenterQuarterback exchange so that he feels better knowing the people in the stands know it wasnt his faulttake ownership, accept blame for failures!

Quarterback Qualifications: Confidence

Successful quarterbacks have an air about thema certain swagger that borders on cockiness. However, there is a big difference between swagger and cockiness even though they are so close.
Teammates respect, believe in and want to follow a quarterback with swaggerwhile they might not respect nor like a quarterback who is cocky and arrogant.

Quarterbacks must have ultimate belief in their abilities, regardless of the circumstances, and have a never-say-die attitude. Most importantlythe quarterback must be CONFIDENT! He wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line!

Quarterback Qualifications: Mental Toughness

A quarterback must be mentally tough to accept
The quarterback position is such a visible position people know when he makes a mistake. If a center misses a block or a guard does not pull, people tend not to notice. When a quarterback makes a mistake, every body knows.

Whether it is a yelling coach, booing fans, a dropped pass, an interceptiona good quarterback must stand tall and rally around the situation. He must be able to stay poised and relaxed while displaying confidence despite the negative(s).

Quarterback Qualifications: Preparedness

Proper preparation during the preseason and practice week allows the quarterback to relax on game day and REACT rather than THINK! A successful quarterback possesses a drive to learn about the game, his offense, the types of defenses he will face, etc.

Quarterback Qualifications: Performance

The bottom line for all quarterbacks is: CAN HE GET THE JOB DONE? The true measure of a quarterback is his ability to motivate and move his offense and move the football team to put points on the scoreboard. He must do what is takes, physically and mentally, in order for the team to be successful.

Quarterback Qualifications: Summary

ATTRIBUTES OF A REVERE QUARTERBACK Aside from the many physical attributes required to play the game of football, there are many non-physical demands on a quarterback. The QB is a natural leader, field general, and coach on the field. He must be able to lead his men through the highs and the lows of the game. It must be earned through preparation. The QB must be physically, mentally, and emotionally responsible to his teammates.

Example Qualities of the Quarterback Position: Must be prepared to be put through the ringer Does not have to be a great athlete Must be able to palm a ball freshman year of high school Is not allowed to look at stats. Team is primary concern Will sacrifice for others. Possibly, the first time Has a short memory. FOCUS Never dishes out responsibility, even when it is easy to blame others Evaluates players, not friends

Quarterback Tips

Quarterback Tips: Preparation

Know the offense thoroughlystudy and know the game plan. Know personnelskills and capabilities of teammates (dont ask a teammate to do something they are incapable of doing). Learn about opponentsdont be surprised during games (QB needs to be REACTING rather than THINKING).
what fonts and coverages to expect, tendencies and strengths and weaknesses of personnel.

Come early and stay late! No one should put more time in than the QB!

Quarterback Tips: In the Huddle

Get team set in the huddle quicklycenter should have huddle called and players should be set; however, it is the quarterbacks job to make sure it is getting done. Present a confident attitude at all timeseach play should be called as if there is the full expectation that it will result in a touchdown (whether or not the QB personally likes the call). Allow no talking in the huddle besides the QBuse timeouts or when the defense is on the field to discuss strategy or issues.
The only information given in the huddle from another team member is when the quarterback asks for it.

Be Clearwhen talking, make eye contact with teammates and speak clearly E-N-U-N-C-I-A-T-E
Make sure all players are looking at quarterback so they can hear play clearly. Call the Formation, Play, and the Snap Count (release the center)then repeat the Play and Snap Count and say Ready as everyone will clap their hands and say BREAK.

Break the huddle sharply and demand the team hustle to the line of scrimmage.

Quarterback Tips: At the Line

Approach the line of scrimmage (LOS) looking to the left, middle, and rightsurvey the defense for any pre-snap read or key that could help or justify an audible.
(do not give away the direction of play by only looking there).

Upon reaching the LOS, place a hand on the top of the centers butt so the center knows the quarterback has arrived. Make sure your cadence is loud and clear to both sides of the formation. Vary your snap countdont fall into a rhythm that lets the defense anticipate the snap. Execute the play, carrying out all fakes until the whistle!
the rest of the team is blocking and/or running until the whistlejust because you dont have the ball doesnt mean you shouldnt!).

Check time and down and distance after every play!

Quarterback Tips: Throughout the Game

Always know score, position of ball on the field, down and distance, time remaining, and number of time outs remaining. Avoid negative yardage playsknow where the outlet is and when to run or throw the ball away. Dont waste scoring opportunities by being greedytake points when ever possible (i.e.: dont try to force ball in on a 3rd and Goaltake the field goal. Understand the importance of field position and the kicking game. Constantly encourage your teammates.

Quarterback Tips: Two Minute Offense

General
If the clock is not stopped, line up immediately and run the predetermined or called play(s). If the clock is topped, use the huddle and again receive play(s). When the clock is stopped for measurement or penalty, use huddle on the ball and be ready to play when referee signals the ball ready for play. When carrying the ball, get as much yardage as possible then get out of bounds.

Clock Management
The Game Clock Stops:
When time out is called by official Incomplete pass Ball carrier goes out of bounds When officials measure for first down On first downs (to move chains) and then restarts

QB Guidelines
Know the number of timeouts remaining. Make team aware when in 2-minute offense Must make teammates aware of situation (getting out of bounds, getting down instead of fighting for yards and wasting time) Must stay Cool and remember that QB is in CHARGE!

Quarterback Tips: Wasting Time When Ahead

Use the full 25 seconds on each play whenever possible
If visible play clock: start cadence around 8 seconds If NO visible play clock: Look at game clock to see when referee spots ball (start cadence 18 seconds later) OR look to coach on the sideline who will signal when to start cadence.

Remind runners to stay inbounds. Remind ball carrier to hold on to the ball and get up slowly! Never call a timeoutand if you have to, call it with 1 second remaining on play clock. If less than 25 seconds left, let the clock run without snapping the ball.

Quarterback Fundamentals

Quarterback Fundamentals: Stance

The quarterback needs to have a consistent stance while under center. This avoids tipping the defense to the upcoming play by the way the QB is in his stance. The quarterback should be away from the center enough that he can maintain a wristdeep position with his arms slightly bent (approximately 120 degrees). The quarterback should stand behind the center with his feet parallel to one another
Or SLIGHTLY offsetthe throwing foot should be slightly back (but not further back than the other foots heel).

The feet should be slightly narrower than the shoulders (even with the armpits). The knees should be slightly bent with the weight on the balls of his feet. The weight should be evenly distributed between both feet (although the weight should shift to the foot pushing off just prior to the snap). He should be upright (straight back at a forward angle), this will help him observe the defense. The quarterback should maintain the same routine prior to every snap. He should avoid tipping the play by his behavior(looking at secondary only on pass plays, looking into backfield only on run plays, licking fingers only on pass plays, etc.). While in his stance, the quarterback should: make sure all players are in their correct positions and set, read the defense (blitzes, coverages, etc.), maintain clock awareness, etc.

Quarterback Fundamentals: Stance

Quarterback Fundamentals:
Receiving the Snap/Center-Quarterback Exchange
The quarterbacks hands should touch at the inside of each wrist by interlock the thumbsnon-throwing thumb notched in the crevice of the right thumb. The palm of the throwing hand faces the ground while the palm of the non-throwing hand faces in. The quarterbacks hands should be place wrist-deep under the center with the back of the throwing wrist pressed firmly against the centers buttocks. The hands should always be relaxed with the fingers well spread and pressed against the buttocks. If the quarterbacks fingers remove themselves from the buttocks, he runs the risk of having the snap hit his fingers (a painful mistake). The aiming point for the centers snap is the palm of the throwing hand. Maintaining firm pressure allows the center to know exactly where that hand ishe should actually try to lift center at time of snap. The laces should come to the quarterbacks fingers upon receiving the snap.
To ensure that he is getting the laces, have the quarterback get a good grip and then place his and the ball under the center. The center will then take the ball from the quarterback and reverse his motion until the ball is on the ground (usually this means the center gripping the laces with his thumb and the laces facing away from the quarterbacks throwing side).

The purpose of the quarterback positioning his stance with his arms slightly bent is to allow him to ride the centerextending his arms during the exchange while beginning to pull away with his feet. The center-quarterback exchange MUST BE automatic in a game and therefore must be worked on with realistic simulation (quarterback stepping back simulating a run or pass while center steps forward simulating a block).
It is also important that all the quarterbacks work with all the centers to ensure consistency.

Quarterback Fundamentals:
Receiving the Snap/Center-Quarterback Exchange

Quarterback Fundamentals:
Receiving the Snap/Center-Quarterback Exchange

Quarterback Fundamentals:
Receiving the Snap/Center-Quarterback Exchange
Bad: Too Deep

Bad: Hands Opening

Good: Good Stance and Elbows Bent

Quarterback Fundamentals: Seating the Ball and Ball Handling

As soon as the snap is received, regardless of the play, the ball should be brought straight into the third hand: the bellyotherwise called seating the ball. This should become automatic! The ball is well protected and hidden from the defense in this position.
Many fumbles occur at this point when the quarterback does not seat the ball; pulling linemen, moving backs, etc. can knock the ball lose if the quarterback is carless or swinging the ball getting away from center. Ball Security should be the first priority for any successful offensive play!

If the play called is a run play, the ball should remain in the seated position until obstacles clear (i.e. the fullback), and then the ball should be extended by both hands. On plays that involve multiple fakes, the ball should remain in the seated position while giving hand fakes and then be extended once obstacles have cleared. If the play called is a pass play, the ball should be seated and then immediately brought to a comfortable chest high position with both hands on the ball.

Quarterback Fundamentals: Footwork

When talking about the footwork of a quarterback, two things are often referencedwhich direction to open and a clock. The two types of openings are a front out and reverse out or reverse pivot.
Front out means the quarterback is going to open to the hole called. Front out is also used on straight drop back passes. Reverse out or reverse pivot is opening with butt to the hole wheeling around.

The clock is the other reference. When the quarterback his in his stance, he is at the very top center of a clock face. The feet are on the 1 and 2 of 12 oclock.
Steps from this point are often then referred to in relationship to a clockfront out at four oclock reverse to a quarterback stepping with his right foot to the four oclock position.

Quarterback Fundamentals: Getting Away from Center

From a parallel to slightly staggered starting stance, the quarterback will have his weight on the inside balls of the feethaving the weight forward encourages a solid push off or pivot. The quarterback should put 60 to 70 percent of his weight on the foot he will be pushing off with.
Shifting weight prior to the snap will help eliminate false steps (taking a step forward before stepping back or stepping with wrong foot). Example: a right-handed quarterback taking a straight drop will put the majority of his weight on this left foot in order to push off and take his first step with his right foot.

Another key element of getting away from center is a first big step, no matter the play!
A first big step is essential for getting away from the line of scrimmage to avoid pulling lineman or strong defensive charges.

Quarterback Fundamentals: QB / Running Back Exchange (Hand-Off)

QB always seats the ball first. He must get as much depth on his first step and remaining steps
Getting as much depth as possible before the hand-off gives RB more time to read the hole.

On developing run plays to (i.e. off-tackle plays to tailback), the quarterback should extend the ball to the running back with both hands once he gets past any immediate threat (pulling lineman, fullback, etc.)this will help sell counter and play-action off the same look. QB should keep his eyes on the RB pocket. Place the ball firmly in pocketdont slam it in but dont be too soft. Pull the inside hand away by sliding it down the outside hand and hide it in the belly (at last second). Let the Back feel his way through the ball. Pull outside hand away as the RB goes by. Fake hand-off the QB pulls ball out with inside hand and leaves the outside hand in the pocket. CARRY OUT ALL FAKES!!!

Quarterback Fundamentals: QB / Running Back Exchange (Hand-Off)

PICTURE SHOWING HAND-OFFSHOW THE FOOTBALL ON HANDOFFS

PICTURE SHOWING HAND FAKE FOR PLAY-ACTION PASS

Quarterback Fundamentals: QB / Running Back Exchange (Sweep Pitch)

QB always seats the ball first and then the ball slides to the hip towards the pitch. Head and eyes come around first and lock on the target, the QB's body will follow. On a sweep right, the right foot is the pivot point. The left foot will be swung around to about 250 degrees (4 oclock) of the QB starting position under the Center.
It is preferred that the QB opens his hips too far rather than not far enough to avoid him from throwing across his body.

The football should be at the right upper hip with knee's bent and the right elbow high in the air and thumbs pointed at the ground to begin the release. The pitch is made at the end of the first step and should be made from the hip.
Keeping the ball on hip and pitching from there will keep QB from swinging the ball [this will result in a sloppy pitch and the ball will stay on this path elevating in height and risking going over the head of the TB].

Second step should follow the first to help ensure a solid pitch (never pull off a pitch; follow the pitch). The ball should be tossed to the running back in such a way that the back can run to the ball and catch it in stride. At the end of the second step drop directly back setting up at five yards to fake a pass.

Quarterback Fundamentals: QB / Running Back Exchange (Sweep Pitch)

Quarterback Fundamentals: QB / Running Back Exchange (Option Pitch)

QB always seats the ball first. Ball close to the body. Head and eyes pick up the pitch key. Ball has moved to the center of the QBs chest and he should pump it slightly (left inside pec-to right inside pec) as he runs. When he approaches pitch key and is prepared to pitch, he should break down his feet and pick up the pitch man (TB usually).
DONT PITCH BLINDLY (Did RB go wrong way? Did RB fall?)

From chest height, he should extend the ball with his outside hand and pitch the ball by pushing out with arm and flicking wrist (thumb down). At this same tame, he should step towards his pitch man to ensure an accurate pitch and to protect himself so his momentum is no going full speed at the pitch key.

Quarterback Fundamentals: QB / Running Back Exchange (Sweep Pitch and Option Pitch)

Quarterback Fundamentals: The Grip

The bases for throwing the football starts with the grip. Each QB may have a slightly different drip depending on preference and the size of the hand. While no two grips are identical, there are certain basics that apply to all quarterbacks First, the grip is placed on the back third of the ball. The ball should be held firmly, but not too tight, with the fingertips and thumb. The ball should not be placed against the palm of the hand, there should be space between the palm and the ballyou should be able to see past the football between the ball and the QBs hand. The little finger and the ring finger should be across the laces. The middle finger should be placed at the end of the last lace (one to three fingers need to cross the laces). The first three fingers (little, ring and middle) should be evenly spaced. The index finger takes a wider spread towards the point of the ball. The thumb just supplies the leverage.
Grip Testsee daylight between the palm of the hand and the ball. Gripping too tight or burying the ball in the palm will cause the wrist to lock and force a slinging/pushing motion rather then wrist-snapping release.

Quarterback Fundamentals: The Grip

Quarterback Fundamentals: Throwing Motion

The eyes initiate the throwing motion by seeking out and locking on to a target. Passing accuracy begins with the eyes and the rest of the body follows.
Young QBs have a tendency of pulling their head when they throwthis results in the pulling of the body away from the target and loss of vision of the target!

Every pass (even when warming up) should be thrown to a target.

Make the target smalldont aim for the person in general, aim for a specific point on their body (i.e. throwing to receiver with #8 jersey, aim for the middle of the number). Aim small, miss small.

The first common mistake made in the throwing motion is winding up to throw the ball. In baseball, a player will tend to drop the ball down and circularly windup to throw the ball. This motion should not be applied to the throwing of a football. To help prevent this, the ball should be held high at the chest level and should never drop below this level. From the chest position, the ball will cock/load up and away (no lower than the shoulder and no higher than the head). The wrist should be cocked at all times (wrinkles will appear at the wrist joint when it is cocked properly). The second common mistake made is cranking the ball. In baseball, a pitcher shows the ball to 2nd Base prior to pushing forward and releasing the ball. Many younger quarterbacks attempt to repeat this motion when throwing a football resulting in cranking the ball. The nose of the ball is facing forward and as the back is cocked/loaded back it should remain pointed towards the target (do not crank the ball).

Quarterback Fundamentals: Throwing Motion

The passing elbow should never drop below shoulder height. Also, the passing elbow should be thrown out in front of the body during release. The non-throwing hand should be used to support and protect the ball until the clocking/loading step. At that moment, the off hand comes off the ball and the arm is pull down and through. This pulling movement of the away arm creates a natural weight shift towards target. The hips are an important, and often unappreciated, part of throwing the football. As the quarterback pushes off his back foot, he wants to emphasize throwing his hips into the pass. Throwing accurately requires a passer to be square to his target when the ball is release point your pelvis to your target. Feet are the MOST IMPORTANT part of a quarterbacks release. A quarterback should always be on the balls of his feet, never flat-footed. When the throwing motion begins, the passer pushes off his back foot and steps towards his target. This step should be short and compact as well as being slightly off away from the throwing arm side. Over striding will result in high balls and locked hips which leads to a decrease in velocity.

Quarterback Fundamentals: Throwing Motion

Bad: Cranking

Quarterback Fundamentals: Release

Most young quarterbacks usually develop as strong armed baseball players, but it is important to understand that these two throws having different mechanics. A baseball throw has a long armed motion and is released out in front of the eyes. The football should be a short arm motion and is released above the ear. From the cocked/loaded position, the ball will come forward and snapped forward. The snap is achieved by drawing the fingers and the hand sharply downward and inward as the ball is released (the palm will face out away from the body). In index finger is the guide for the ball and the last finger to leave the ball. Upon release, the index finger will have a downward flicking motion (flicking a bugger from the finger). When the ball is released, the index finger should be pointed directly at the target with the thumb down and to the inside of the palm. When the ball is released, it the nose of the ball should be down allowing the ball to cut through the air and elements. When the ball is thrown with the nose up, the ball is more easily affect by wind rather than cutting through the wind. You want to throw the ball downward over the clothesline. The stride prior to release should be short with a slight bend in the front knee. A long stride and/or too much bend in front leg make it extremely difficult to release the ball high.

Quarterback Fundamentals: Follow Through

A proper and consistent follow through is important in consistent passing. After the ball has been released, the palm of the throwing hand is pointed downward and out (the palm facing away from the body).
A key difference between a football and baseball throw is that in football, the arm does not cross the body but is brought to the near hip as it decelerates.

The throwing arm foot (right hander-right foot) should drag forward to a point where it is squared off with the front foot. This will as result in the hips following through. A quarterback wants to complete his throw with his weight coming forward. Just like a boxer punches through his opponent, a quarterback wants to throw through his target.

Quarterback Fundamentals: Follow Through

Quarterback Fundamentals: Common Passing Problems

Throwing with a windup:
This usually results from carrying the ball too low initially, or from developing the habit of dropping the ball to begin the throwing motion (via baseball). It can never be over stressed that throwing the football correctly and accurately begins with proper footwork. Whenever it is possible, a complete follow through to the target should be executed. This causes a quarterback to throw across his body. A good passer must develop touch and recognize what type of throw is needed. Here is a basic rule on leading the receiverThrow the outs, out; and throw the deep routes, deep! A quarterback must develop a keen sense of timing. The old adage, he who hesitates is lost applies perfectly to the quarterbacks. Normally, if a quarterback tries to put too much into the throw he has a tendency of twisting the wrist rather than snapping it forward. This prevents a quarterback from staying on top of the ball. When the elbow goes down, the ball goes down as well. Too big of a stride locks the hips which dramatically decreases a passers power, and forces an arm only throw. It also usually causes the ball to sail.

Throwing off balance:

Not following through: Not stepping in the direction of the throw: No knowing HOW to throwhard, soft, high, or low: No Knowing WHERE to throw: Not knowing WHEN to throw:

Loss of Spiral:

Dropping the elbow:

Over striding:

Quarterback Fundamentals: Drop Back Pass

The straight drop back has the quarterback fronting out with his first step from 12 oclock to 6 oclock. The second step is a cross-over (left foot over the right for righthander). The length of the second step depends on the type of drop; however, some things are universal no matter the length of the drop. In the drop, the quarterbacks feet and shoulders should be facing the sideline, 90-degree angle from the line of scrimmage. He should never over rotate and face his shoulders away from the line nor should his toes be pointing away from the line of scrimmage this will make it more difficult to view down field and tougher to set and throw. The quarterbacks hands/arms and the football should stay in rhythm with the feet and should be used in a swaying motion to help the quarterback drop quickly and smoothly.
To not use the ball would be like watching a sprinter run with his arms hanging at his sides. On the first step, the ball should be seated and then brought to middle-right of the quarterbacks chest. On the second step, the ball will move to the quarterbacks middle-left of his chest. This movement should continue the rest of the drop. Key point on this movement is for the quarterback to keep the ball inside of his chestit should not get outside the middle of either pectoral. When this occurs, the movement becomes too big and can hinder the quarterbacks ability to get into a ready-to-throw position.

Upon reaching the final step in the drop, the quarterback wants to make sure it is a small stepa balance step. This will avoid a lunging motion brought on by a big last step which will result in a change of eye level (which can affect the read and the throw) and a shift in weight back which is anti-productive since the quarterback wants to have weight going forward to throw the ball. Upon reaching the final step, the quarterback then wants to gather himself by hitching up. This movement refers to the quarterback stepping back towards the line of scrimmage with his back foot. Sometimes this is referred to as gathering himself.

Quarterback Fundamentals: Drop Back Pass

When the quarterback knows he is throwing away from his throwing side (right-hander throwing to his left), as he drops he should force his hips slightly open to the target (as if someone was pulling at his hips). This will help avoid the quarterback from swinging open to make the throw. Another key is to step back (off the linear line) with his last step in the drop to help open his hips to the target. The biggest key to any drop back pass is to be QUICKHurry the feet, not the arm! The sooner a quarterback can get back and set up, the more time he has to make a read and delver a throw! Too many quarterbacks run with their eyesthis refers to slowing down their feet because their eyes and brain are translating a lot of data as they drop. The drop needs to remain the same (quick feet and fast drop) regardless of how much thinking the quarterback is doing!

QB Drop
1-Step 3-Step 5-Step

Steps
BIG--Gather BIG--Little--Little--Gather
Step, Crossover, Step, Hitchup

QB Depth
2-3 Yards 5 Yards 7 Yards

Type of Pass Route

Short (Stays, Stops, Screens, Quick Fades, etc.) Short (Slant, Out, Seem, Fade, etc.)

BIG--Big--Big--Little--Little--Gather
Step, Crossover, Step, Crossover, Step, Hitchup

Intermediate: (Curl, Out, Quick Post, etc.) Deep: (Flag, Post, In, Comeback, etc.) Deep (Flag, Post, In, Comeback, etc.)

7-Step

BIG--Big--Big--Big--Big--Little--Little--Gather
Step, Crossover, Step, Crossover, Step, Crossover, Step, Hitchup

9-10 Yards

Quarterback Fundamentals: Drop Back Pass

Quarterback Fundamentals: Drop Back Pass

Quarterback Fundamentals: Half Roll (Gap Pass)

This pass action is designed to move the quarterback to a set up position seven yards deep behind the offensive tackle. Initially, the half roll may give the defense the impression that the quarterback is sprinting out to the corner. After five steps he pulls up into a set position similar to a pocket pass. The quarterback can deliver the ball front side or back against the flow of linebackers and defensive backs who have reacted to the sprint action. This type of pass can be extremely helpful when:
The quarterback is smaller and yet a talented passer. Moving him slightly out of the pocket area can improve his vision of the field. The quarterback does not possess exceptional arm strength making out patterns tot eh wide side of the field difficult to complete. The defensive pass rushers are pinning their ears back and anticipating the quarterback set up position. This slight change of pace can redirect and slow down defenders. The half roll has the quarterback fronting out with his first step from 12 oclock to 6 oclock (to let backs clear). After the first, the remaining steps are in a running style (no crossover). The second step is at a 45-degree angle and the remaining three steps are at that same angle (resulting in a fishhook like roll).
Rolling to QBs throwing side: Hitch Up after fifth step (at seven yards). Rolling away from QBs throwing side: as the fifth step is reached, he must quickly shift his feet and whip his shoulders and hips around in order to be in the throwing position (often called a hop around. The quarterback should focus on pulling his throwing elbow back to get his body turned and his feet should glide over the groundleaving the ground (jumping) takes the quarterback away from being able to deliver the ball quickly.

Footwork:

Quarterback Fundamentals: Sprint Out

This pass action is designed to move the quarterback quickly outside where he can attack the perimeter of the defense with a run/pass option. When sprinting out, the quarterback needs to gain proper depth (7-8 yards) and width (outside the edge of the defense) as quickly as possible. Once the quarterback clears the defense, he then works to get up field and on a line with his receiver. A common mistake is to run horizontally to the line of scrimmage and toward the sideline. This causes the quarterback to never really be a run threat and forces throws to be delivered across the quarterbacks body, which inevitably leads to problems. If a quarterback is ever in doubt about whether to throw or run, he should always run. Hesitation leads to interceptions. This type of pass can be extremely helpful when:
The quarterback is smaller and yet a talented passer. Moving him slightly out of the pocket area can improve his vision of the field. The quarterback does not possess exceptional arm strength making out patterns tot eh wide side of the field difficult to complete. The defensive pass rushers are pinning their ears back and anticipating the quarterback set up position. This slight change of pace can redirect and slow down defenders. The half roll has the quarterback fronting out with his first step from 12 oclock to 6 oclock (to let backs clear). After the first, the remaining steps are in a running style (no crossover). The second step is at a 45-degree angle and the remaining three steps are at that same angle (resulting in a fishhook like roll).
Rolling to QBs throwing side: Hitch Up after fifth step (at seven yards). Rolling away from QBs throwing side: as the fifth step is reached, he must quickly shift his feet and whip his shoulders and hips around in order to be in the throwing position (often called a hop around. The quarterback should focus on pulling his throwing elbow back to get his body turned and his feet should glide over the groundleaving the ground (jumping) takes the quarterback away from being able to deliver the ball quickly.

Footwork:

Quarterback Fundamentals: Sprint Out

Quarterback Ball Handling Drills

Quarterback Ball Handling Drills

Ball Slap Drill:
Procedure: QB hold football in his hand and slap the ball with an open hand, going from hand to hand. Objective: To improve tactile feel for the football and to wake up hands.

Grip Drop Drill: (One Minute)

Procedure: Hold ball at waist level with one hand and bring ball up 6 to 8 inches and let go of ball completely. Then regrip it. Don't slap at ball, but squeeze it. Alternate right and left hand. Increase speed as you get better Objective: To improve hand strength and tactile feel for the football.

Grip Lock Drill: (One Minute)

Procedure: Hold ball at chest level with two hands. Let go with the left and swing the ball to the right. Turn palm out with thumb facing down and lock elbow at full extension. Bring ball back to starting position and exchange ball from left hand as fast as possible. Do the same with the left arm. Increase speed as you get better Objective: To improve hand strength and tactile feel for the football.

Globetrotter Drill:
Procedure: QB passes the ball around his body from hand to hand without looking at ball (around each leg, figure 8s between legs, around torso, around head, etc.). Objective: To improve tactile feel for the football.

Quarterback Agility Drills

Legend For All Drills

Shuffle Straight Drop Back
1-Step, 3-Step, 5-Step, 7-Step

WR

Cone

Trash Can Forward Sprint Step-Up/Step-Back Thrown Ball

Sweep Pitch/Option Pitch

Tackling Dummy

Coach

Hand Shield

Quarterback

Quarterbacks Feet

Back Peddle

Quarterback Agility Drills

Side Step

Zig-Zag

High Knee

Bunny Hops

Quarterback Agility Drills

Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag
Right Foot Right Foot

Agility Bag

Right Foot

Start
Left Foot

Left Foot

Left Foot

One Foot Agility Drill

Procedure: Bags are one yard apart. Start with shoulders and feet pointing down field, step over the bags placing one foot between each bag. Keep shoulders pointing down field and keep ball in throwing position at all times.

Quarterback Agility Drills

Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag
Right Foot Right Foot Right Foot Right Foot Right Foot

Start
Left Foot

Left Foot

Left Foot

Left Foot

Left Foot

Two Feet Agility Drill:

Procedure: Bags are one yard apart. Start with shoulders and feet pointing down field. Step over the bags placing two feet between each bag. Keep shoulders pointing down field. Keep the ball in throwing position at all times.

Quarterback Agility Drills

Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag

Start

Sideways Shuffle Drill:

Procedure: Face the coach and shuffle over top the bags (when going left, lead with left foot). Make sure to have good knee bend and keep feet under armpits with good balance.

Quarterback Agility Drills

Sideways Pitter-Patter Drill:

Procedure: Face away from the coach next to a bag. The quarter back will step over the bag, as if avoiding a rusher. He will always step with his throwing foot and then pitter-patter on the new side of the back then step back with his throwing foot.

Quarterback Agility Drills

Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag

Shuffle Drill:

Start

Procedure: Start with a 5 step drop. Shuffle to the right through the bag and then shuffle to the left. Keep head up and eyes down field with the ball in throwing position at all times. Shuffle back the other direction.

Quarterback Agility Drills

Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag Start

Bag Drop Drill:

Procedure: Start with a 5 step drop. Shuffle to the right keeping shoulders pointing down field. Run forward keeping shoulders pointed down field and the ball in a throwing position at all times. Shuffle over and then do another drop back.

Quarterback Agility Drills

Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag Start

Bag Drop Throwing Drill:

Procedure: Start with a 5 step drop. Shuffle to the right keeping shoulders pointing down field. Step up thru the bag keeping shoulders pointing down field. Keep the ball in throwing position at all times. When the coach shows his hands, the QB must deliver the ball as quickly as possible with his feet under him.

Quarterback Agility Drills

Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag
Right Foot

Start
Left Foot

Right Foot

Left Foot

Right Foot

Agility Bag

Left Foot

Right Foot

Bag Drop Drill:

Procedure: Bags are one yard apart. Start with shoulders and feet pointing down field (back to bags), start drop with front out and then crossover next bag continue drops through bags. Keep shoulders pointing down field and keep ball in throwing position at all times.

Quarterback Agility Drills

Coach Agility Bag Agility Bag Agility Bag
Right Foot

Start
Left Foot

Right Foot

Left Foot

Right Foot

Agility Bag

Left Foot

Right Foot

Bag Drop Throwing Drill:

Procedure: Bags are one yard apart. Start with shoulders and feet pointing down field (back to bags), start drop with front out and then crossover next bag continue drops through bags. Keep shoulders pointing down field and keep ball in throwing position at all times. At the end of the bags, hitch up and deliver a pass to the coach who is five yards in front of the bags.

Quarterback Drills
Box Z-Drops:
Procedure: Put cones in a box formation. Have quarterback(s) line up to the outside of the cone. Take a proper 5-step drop and then on the hitch-up, slide left to the next cone. Then sprint forward to the next cone and then slide right. Continue drill to finish the boxes.

Start

Quarterback Drills

Legend For All Drills

Shuffle Straight Drop Back
1-Step, 3-Step, 5-Step, 7-Step

WR

Cone

Trash Can Forward Sprint Step-Up/Step-Back Thrown Ball

Sweep Pitch/Option Pitch

Tackling Dummy

Coach

Hand Shield

Quarterback

Quarterbacks Feet

Back Peddle

Quarterback Drills
Window Drill:
Procedure: QB will get his grip and hold it up in front of his face, he should be able to see his target (in-between his palm and the ball). Objective: To ensure a fundamentally sound grip with fingertips.

Quarterback Drills
Grip Test
Procedure: Players line up in a semi-circle and drop the ball in front of them. On coaches command, they quickly pick up the ball and grip it with both hands. The coach walks around to check grip. Coaching Points: Identify five things: proper finger spacing, one to three fingers across the laces, thumb supplying leverage, forefinger rests at 45 degrees to the back point of the ball, and light between the palm and the ball see daylight between the palm of the hand and the ball. Objective: Practice adjusting the hand to hold the football correctly.

COACH

Quarterback Drills
Hand position snapping
Use only throwing hand

Ball secure snapping

Seek and secure ball and pull it in towards stomach

Pre-snap Stance
Shoulders slightly over hips

Slight bend at waist Slight bend in the knees Feet no wider than hips

Quarterback Drills
QB Stance Line Drill
Procedure: Players line up on a line approximately 4 yards apart (you can use cones to space them). Start out by demonstrating the attributes of a good QB stance. Then without the ball, ask them to take position and hold, while the coach walks around and critiques performance. The coach will then say to relax, and the players can drop their hands. Repeat this several times and then insert a ball and perform the drill the same way. Coaching Points:
Feet narrower than the shoulders (even with the armpits) Comfortably bend at the knees and waist Shoulders slightly over hips with chest up Index finger of the throwing hand positioned in the crotch of the buttocks Major thumb knuckle of the non-throwing hand along side the thumb knuckle of the throwing hand and loosely hang it to the side Eyes looking forward with a straight back

back flat, knees bent, arms flexed, slight stagger to stance. Objective: Practice getting into the proper stance and receiving the football.

4 Yards

4 Yards

4 Yards

Quarterback Drills
QB Hand Exchange Line Drill
Procedure: Players line up on a line approximately 4 yards apart (you can use cones to space them) with two QBs at each cone. Start out by demonstrating the attributes of a good QB stance. One QB on one knee and holds one hand parallel to ground to simulate centers butt; other QB assumes good stance, back flat, knees bent, arms flexed, slight stagger to stance. On cadence, center snaps ball into QBs hands and QB takes good solid first step seating the ball. Objective: To ensure a fundamentally sound QB-Center Exchange. To practice and instill muscle memory to always seat football upon snap.
4 Yards 4 Yards 4 Yards

Quarterback Drills
QB Center Exchange Line Drill
Procedure: Players line up on a line approximately 4 yards apart (you can use cones to space them) with a QB and a center at each cone. Start out by demonstrating the attributes of a good QB stance. QB assumes good stance behind the center, back flat, knees bent, arms flexed, slight stagger to stance. On cadence, center snaps ball into QBs hands and QB takes good solid first step seating the ball. After several snaps, QBs should rotate clockwise to adjust to a knew center and continue practicing the fundamentals Objective: To ensure a fundamentally sound QB-Center Exchange. To practice and instill muscle memory to always seat football upon snap.

4 Yards

4 Yards

4 Yards

Quarterback Drills
Towel Step Drill:
Procedure: Place a towel 2-3 yards behind the QBs feet. Quarterback should take a snap from center stepping to 6 oclock over the towel. All pass drops require this big first step. Objective: Allows player to focus a big first step away from center and seating the football.

Quarterback Drills
Clock Drill
Procedure: Players line up on a yardline and the out of bounds line with their backs to the fieldthis is to use the yardline straddling them as a landmark for their steps. Go through the footwork (different handoffs, sprint outs, etc.) one step at a time on the coachs command. The clock is the referencein his stance he is at the very top center of a clock face with his feet on the 1 and 2 of 12 oclock. You can go to one group and insert trash cans (for line spacing) and RB Example 45 Man:
FIRST STEP: QB steps with left foot at 7:00. SECOND STEP: QB steps with right foot at 7:00 and steps past first step. THIRD STEP: QB steps with left foot with a deeper angle and presents the ball to the RB. FOURTH STEP: QB steps with right foot past the third step and hands the ball of (3-4 yards deep over the guard) riding with his hands. FIFTH STEP: QB reverses out on a boot course.

11 10 9 8 7

12

1 2 3 4 5

2 Yard
Step 1 3.5 yards
7:00

5 Yards

Step 2

5 Yards
Step 3 Step 4

Objective: To ensure proper footwork and hand/arm placements. To practice and instill muscle memory to the different mesh points.

Step 5

Quarterback Drills
Pitch Drill:
Procedure: Standing 7-8 yards apart and staggered by 3-5 yards from a partner, QB #1 reverse pivots and pitches the ball to QB #2. QB #2 then turns around and he goes through his pitch steps to pitch back to QB #1. The pitch should be to the front shoulder of the other quarterback. Then switch the stagger to simulate a pitch the other direction. Objective: To emphasize/practice the QB throwing on the runin particular off the correct foot. Also to practice proper upright throwing mechanics and emphasize proper hip rotation and pelvis pointing.

Quarterback Drills

Standing Option Pitch Drill:

Procedure: Each QB will stand 6 yards apart, facing opposite sidelines, one will have a ball. The ball will be held tight to the QB chest with both hands. The QB will step and pitch to his partner, the partner will do the same. Each QB will do 25 each with one and then they will face the opposite sideline and get in another 25 with the other hand.

Quarterback Drills

Running Option Pitch Drill:

Procedure: Each QB will stand 5 yards apart, one will have a ball. The ball will be held tight to the QB chest with both hands. Each QB will run straight down the line alternating the pitch. The QB receiving the ball should stay a yard behind the other QB. Then return back down the yard line doing the same.

Quarterback Drills
Throwing Stance Line Drill
Procedure: Players line up on a line approxmiatly 4 yards apart (you can use cones to space them). Start out by demonstrating the attributes of a good throwing stance: Ball is chest high 1-3 inches from the breast bone, Elbows comfortably at your side, Shoulders always over hips, Push ball backward with front hand, Two hands on the ball and hold it like an egg, Keep back knee inside ankle, Chin over shoulder, and Head and eyes up looking down field. Objective: Evenly spread out QBs so coach can quickly walk around and check players throwing stance.
4 Yards 4 Yards 4 Yards

Quarterback Drills
Indian Style Drill:
Procedure: QB will sit Indian Style about five yards away from his partner. With the ball in the proper position, he will softly throw the ball to his partner. Objective: Allows player to focus in on the release and rotation of the ball since distance and velocity are not concerns.

Towel Drill:
Procedure: Quarterback will hold a bath towel in his hand with the excess coming out the back of his grip. He should go through the proper motion with the wrist coming down and out. The excess part of the towel will follow through out away from the body if the player has the proper mechanics. Objective: To ensure proper release movement. If the player is following through like a baseball, the excess of the towel will his thigh. If his wrist is not coming down and OUT, the excess part of the towel will not come down and away from the body. If the player is cranking or dropping the shoulder/elbow, the excess of the towel will whip during the throw rather than just hanging behind the throwing hand.

Quarterback Drills
Wall/Fence Drill:
Procedure: Quarterback, with a ball in his hand at proper starting position, will put his back about 6 from a wall/Fence (or coach can hold up pad). He will cock/load back making sure that the back of the ball does not hit the wall. The off arm, once it comes of the ball, should slap the wall. The drill can involve the throwing action or an actual pass (with target 7-10 yards away). If drill is being done on the practice field, a coach or fellow player can hold up his hands or hold a bag in place of the wall. Objective: To make sure he is not dropping the ball (if player drops the ball windup, the ball will hit the wall. The drill also keeps him from cranking the ball since the ball would hit the wall if the player were cranking. This drill creates a quick release, follow through with shoulder rotation, and eventually an increase in arm strength.

F E N C E/WALL

Throw the ball forward

Step with front foot

Quarterback Warm-Up Drills

Knee Drills
Ball Flick Drill:
Procedure: Each QB will kneel down on the their throwing side knee 3 yards apart. Start with the ball in throwing hand and arm extended straight up in the air. QB wants to flick the ball to the other QB with the wrist and hand. Concentrate on the index finger leaving the ball last.

One Knee Drill (Wrong Knee Down):

Procedure: Kneel on one knee (throwing side knee down) with the ball on the ground about a foot in front of the knee that is down. Using only your passing hand, grip the ball and lift it from the ground to the cocked/loaded position. Throw the ball with the proper mechanics focusing on accuracy. Start 8-10 yards from target and increase the distance gradually.

One Knee Drill:

Procedure: Kneel on one knee (throwing side knee down) with the ball on the ground about a foot in front of the knee that is down. Using only your passing hand, grip the ball and lift it from the ground to the cocked/loaded position. Throw the ball with the proper mechanics focusing on accuracy. Start 8-10 yards from target and increase the distance gradually.

Quarterback Warm-Up Drills

Knee Drills
Keep most of the ball inside back elbow

Keep ball above elbows and shoulders

Rotate 90 Degrees

Rotate 90 Degrees

Rotate 90 Degrees

Right knee down

Left knee down

Both knees down

Quarterback Warm-Up Drills

Ten Yard Throws:
Opposite Foot Forward:
Procedure: With a heal to toe stagger, throw the ball to your partner. Throw the ball with the proper mechanics focusing on accuracy.

Feet Together:
Procedure: With both feet together, throw the ball to your partner. Throw the ball with the proper mechanics focusing on accuracy.

Quarterback Warm-Up Drills

Ten Yard Throws:
Rotation:
Procedure: He will then turn, realigning himself 90 degrees towards his throwing arm (so if he was facing target downfield, he now has his body facing the sideling). He will get on the balls of his feet and rise to his toes pointing his pelvis at his target and delivering the ball with proper mechanics. After a set number of throws, the quarterback will then turn his body towards the other sideline (a much tougher throw). He now needs to once again get on the balls of his fee and rise to his toes. Simultaneously, he will rotate his upper body (exaggerating as if someone were pulling his throwing elbow and hip) pointing his pelvis at his target and delivering the ball with proper mechanics. Objective: To practice proper upright throwing mechanics and to emphasize proper hip rotation and pelvis pointing.

Quarterback Warm-Up Drills

Long Toss
Procedure: Two QBs approximately 25 yds apart (longer if stronger arms). Adjust plane of shoulders with front shoulder slightly higher. Start with arching throws trying to drop the ball into a trash can focusing on making sure nose of football is coming down. Work into more line drive throws, cutting through the wind with the nose of the football still down. Objective: To increase arm strength and practice keeping the nose of the football down during longer throws.

Quarterback Drills
Drop Sprints:
Procedure: Put quarterback(s) at a yard marker on the sideline with their backs facing the field. They will drop as fast as they can using proper mechanics (feet and shoulders parallel to end zone keeping front shoulder pointing down the field) while staying straight in the drop (remaining on the line) all the way to the hash. Objective: To practice quick, crisp drops without worrying about the number of steps.

Quarterback Drills
Footwork Drop Drill:
Procedure: Place QBs on sideline on a yard line. Go through the different footwork for run and pass plays. Start slow (first step, second step, etc.) and then half-speed and then full speed. Picture shows drop sequence doing this drill. Objective: To build understanding and muscles memory of all aspects of footwork.

Quarterback Drills
Clothes-Line/Net/Goal Post Drill:
Procedure: Standing 15 yards from a partner, the quarterback will rise up on his toes and release the ball to his target. The drill can be done by having the quarterback imagine throwing over a clothes line, a coach can hold something up in front of the QB (bag, hands, broom, etc.), throwing over a net, throwing over the upright of a goal post, etc.forcing him to throw over the clothes line. This drill goes in phases. Phase One is to have the quarterback stand with his feet stationary about 15 yards from his target. The quarterback will rise up on his toes and release the ball to his target. The Second Phase is to have the quarterback repeat the drill but take a step to throw. The Third Phase is to have the quarterback take a drop and then throw. Objective: To emphasize/practice the QB to keep the nose of the ball down in order to keep the throw from floating and allow it to cut through the elements. As well as to emphasize/practice getting the ball over the outstretched arms of the defensive linemen and over the heads of linebackers.

Quarterback Drills

Trash Can Drill:

Procedure: Start with a QB under receive a snap from another QB. Place a trash can at various spots down field. QB will take a 3 or 5 step drop and try to put the ball in the trash can indicated by the coach or at random. Can run on both sides for maximum reps.

Quarterback Drills
Attack Drill:
Procedure: Standing 10 yards from a partner, quarterback #1 will jog towards quarterback #2, who is back pedaling, and throw the ball with correct form. Once quarterback #2 catches the ball and sets, he jogs towards quarterback #1 who is now backpedaling. Objective: To emphasize/practice the QB throwing on the runin particular off the correct foot.

Quarterback Drills
Circular Attack Drill:
Procedure: Standing 10 yards from a partner, quarterback #1 will jog in a circle around quarterback #2 who is stationary but will pivot so he is always facing his partner. Quarterback #1 will step towards his partner and step and deliver the ballhe should try and get 4-6 throws in one time around and then switch directions he is circling. Then the two quarterbacks switch positions. Objective: To emphasize/practice the QB throwing on the runin particular off the correct foot. Also to practice proper upright throwing mechanics and emphasize proper hip rotation and pelvis pointing.

Quarterback Drills
Sprint Drill:
Procedure: Standing 10 yards apart and staggered by 5 yards from a partner, quarterback #1 sprint towards quarterback #2 is jogging parallel. Throw should be to the front shoulder of the receiver. Go both ways and then the two quarterbacks switch positions. Objective: To emphasize/practice the QB throwing on the runin particular off the correct foot. Also to practice proper upright throwing mechanics and emphasize proper hip rotation and pelvis pointing.

Quarterback Drills
Circular Sprint Drill:
Procedure: Using three quarterbacks, set up two quarterbacks 15 yards apart diagonally. The third quarterback will be the passer. He sprints out behind the LOS and moves down toward his target. Using proper following through he throws the ball to the other quarterback. Once each quarterback has gone twice, reverse that that they are sprinting out the other way. Objective: Simulates good footwork and throws and stresses to the quarterback to chase down his throw.

Quarterback Drills

Down the Line Drill:

Procedure: Each QB will stand 10 yards apart, one will have a ball. The QBs will start jogging down the line keeping the ball in throwing position. The QB will throw the ball to his partner, by getting his shoulders and hips pointed at the other QB. Then return back down the yard line doing the same. Objective:

Quarterback Drills
Box Drops:
Procedure: Put cones in a box formation. Have quarterback(s) line up to the outside of the cone. Take proper drops around the square3-step drop=5 yards; 5-step drop=7 yards. Objective: Obtain multiple quality practice drops in a organized manner in which the coach can watch all the QBs.

Quarterback Drills
Box Z-Drops:
Procedure: Put cones in a box formation. Have quarterback(s) line up to the outside of the cone. Take a proper 5-step drop and then on the hitch-up, plant and sprint diagonally up to the left front cone. Then take another 4-step drop and on the hitch-up, sprint diagonally to the right front cone. Objective:

Quarterback Drills
M-Drill
Procedure: Place QBs 10 yards apart and staggered. Have QB #1 (in upper-right) take his drop (3, 5, 7, etc.) and throw to QB #2. Repeat until the ball gets to QB #4 and then just reverse it throwing back until it gets to QB #4. Can change drops, can rotate QBs to all positions, etc. Objective: Obtain multiple quality practice drops in a organized manner and short period of timebut still require ball thrown. in which the coach can watch all the QBs.

Quarterback Drills
Multiple M-Drill
Procedure: Same as MDrill except mix up the drops and rotate QBs through all the drops. Set up cones if you need to work depth and steps of the different drops. Objective: Obtain multiple quality practice drops in a organized manner and short period of timebut still require ball thrown.

Quarterback Drills
Partner Drops
Procedure: Two lines of QBs offset and 5 yards apart. Perform desired drop and throw to partner. When throwing away from throwing arm, be sure to force open hips and have final step slightly back to open up. Objective: To get high quality and quantity reps while still having to deliver ball. Focus on footwork and ball delivery. 3 Step Drop and Throw (right and left)

Quarterback Drills
Weave Drill:
Procedure: QB takes a 5 step drop then shuffles through bags with ball cocked in throwing position. He leads with back foot so can step and throw quickly. On command, delivers ball to receiver (other QB) as quickly and accurately as possible, using great form. Objective: To simulate a game type scramble. This will force QB to keep the ball up and have proper fundamentals while still trying to attack down field.

Quarterback Drills
Shuffle Drill:
Procedure: QB takes a 5step drop then shuffle feet. The coach will point in a direction (left, right, back, forward) and the quarterback will take steps in that direction (leading with his throwing foot) and then shuffling until the coach gives his next command. The drill can be finished with a throw to the coach on command or sprinting towards the line of scrimmage. Objective: To emphasis footwork while helping to create pocket awareness and field vision.

Quarterback Drills
Wave Drill:
Procedure: QB takes a 5 step drop then takes single steps in pocket left, right, forward and backward on coachs verbal or hand command. After about 3-4 single steps, on coachs command, sprints out to point outside tackle box, sets up and hits receiver with great form and accuracy. Objective: To emphasis footwork while looking down field and prepared to throw accurate pass.

Quarterback Drills
Re-Set Drill:
Procedure: QB takes a 5 step drop then takes single steps in pocket left, right, forward and backward on coachs verbal or hand command. After about 3-4 single steps, on coachs command, sprints out to point outside tackle box, sets up and hits receiver with great form and accuracy. Objective: To emphasis footwork while looking down field and prepared to throw accurate pass.
Scramble Right Shuffle Forward Scramble Left Re-Set Deeper Duck Under

Step Up Step Back

5-Step Drop Throw

Quarterback Drills
Avoid Drill:
Procedure: QB takes a 5 step drop. When he reaches plant step, coach throws a hand shield at his midsection. QB should take quick, short evasive action to avoid shield then deliver pass left or right depending on which receiver puts up his hands. Objective: To emphasis footwork while looking down field and prepared to throw accurate pass.

Quarterback Drills
Scramble Drill:
Procedure: QB takes a 5 step drop. When he reaches plant step, he sprints forward around the agility bag. Once upon the bag, QB takes another drop behind the cone. Then the QB goes around the cone and attacks the coach and throws on the run. Objective: To emphasis footwork while looking down field and prepared to throw accurate pass.

Quarterback Drills
Read Drill:
Procedure: 3 receivers 15 yds deep and 15 yds apart. QB takes a 5 step drop. The coach is behind the QB and points to one of receivers to show hands. QB should adjust feet and throw to designated receiver. Objective: Keeping eyes down field and reacting to open receiver.

Quarterback Drills
Windows Drill:
Procedure: 3 defenders at LB depth 5 yards apart. 1 receiver aligned at one end behind defenders. QB takes a 5 step drop. On plant step, receiver will start across, and 3 defenders take one giant step left or right at random, creating natural windows. QB should adjust feet and throw to receiver in best window Objective: Identifying and throwing to openings in the defense.

Quarterback Drills

C R

C R

QB QB QB QB

Route Rep Drill:

Procedure: With a center or another QB, each QB takes a snap and takes proper depth (depending on the route) will throw a pass. He then rotates to the right. Can throw all the routes with all the drops Objective: To put everything together (C/QB exchange, drops, throw) and includes working on QB and Receiver timing.

Quarterback Specific Strength Exercises

Quarterback Specific Strength Exercises

General Work Out
Quickness Work
Jump rope for speed Hop over a cone for speed Backpedal for speed for 10 yards Carioca for 10 yards Run short sprints for 20 yards Run stairs, run in sand, or run in a pool.

General Work Out

Strength Training
Speed squats 8 x 3 Deadlifts 3 x 10 Pulldowns 3 x 10 Bench presses 3 x 6 Push presses 2 x 8 Incline presses 3 x 12 Shoulder raises 3 x 10 Pullovers 3 x 10 Front deltoid raises 3 x 10 Straight-leg deadlifts 3 x 10 Hang cleans 3 x 8 Calf raises 3 x 10 Shoulder presses 3 x 10 Hip extensions 2 x 8

Quarterback Specific Strength Exercises

Internal/External Rotation:
This exercise will be done using a thera-band or tubing with handles. Grab the band with one hand with your elbow pinned to your side. Internal rotation consists of pulling the band towards your body, and external rotation consists of pulling the band away from your body.

Quarterback Specific Strength Exercises

90-degree Internal/External Rotation:
This exercise will be done using a thera-band or tubing with handles. Grab the band with one hand, and raise your arm in the air forming a 90-dregree angle. Internal rotation consists of pulling the band down towards the ground, and external rotation consists of pulling the band back behind your head.

Quarterback Specific Strength Exercises

Crossover:
This exercise will be done using a theraband or tubing with handles. Attach the band to something that is a few inches off the ground. Using your left arm first, start with the band near your right hip. Keeping your arm straight for the whole movement, pull the band across your body until your arm is completely extended above your head on your left side. After completing the prescribed number of repetitions, start the band near your left hip and pull the band across your body until your arm is completely extended on the right side of your head. After completing repetitions with your left arm, perform the same two exercises with your right arm.

Quarterback Specific Strength Exercises

Alternating Later/Front Raises
Start by holding a dumbbell in each hand. Raise one dumbbell directly to the side and the other directly to the front simultaneously. Rotate your arms while holding this position and then return to the starting position. Repeat but switching which arm goes to the side and which arm goes to the front. After completing this sequence, that is one, do 10.

Quarterback Specific Strength Exercises

Tricep Pushdowns
Perform 10 Tricep Pushdowns keeping elbows tight to ribs Decrease weight 10 to 15 pounds; immediately perform 10 more reps Decrease weight 10 to 15 pounds; immediately perform 10 more reps Sets/Reps: 2x10+10+10

Dumbbell Bench Press

Lie with back on bench; hold dumbbells near front of shoulders Keeping elbows tight to ribs, drive dumbbells to ceiling until arms are straight Lower dumbbells to start position with control; repeat for specified reps Sets/Reps: 4x6

Quarterback Specific Strength Exercises

Overhead Plyometrics
This exercise is ideally performed with a weighted medicine or plyometric ball, but a basketball may be substituted. Face an open wall with your feet square and about 3-4 inches away from the wall. Raise your arm to the passing position overhead. Keeping the elbow fixed in space, quickly "bounce" the ball against the wall, using only the palm of the hand to support the weight of the ball. After striking the wall, the ball should rebound into your palm and cause the hand and forearm to recoil slightly (externally rotate). Remember to keep the elbow still, and quickly return the ball to wall (internally rotate). Perform 3 sets of 50 bounces against the wall. Begin with a medicine ball weighing about 4-6 pounds and progress as strength increases.

Overhead Medicine Ball Tosses With Partner

Athlete is seated on the floor with legs extended in front, while partner faces and mirrors seated position so that feet are separated by a few inches. Starting position is both hands supporting the medicine ball behind the head with elbows bent. The thrower executes a 2hand overhead pass by extending the elbows fully and following through with wrists. The receiver catches the ball with both hands overhead. The force of the throw should take the receiver's hands behind the head into the starting position. Throwers should aim just above partner's head level. Progress exercise to 3 sets of 20 passes or to slight fatigue.

Quarterback Specific Strength Exercises

Trunk Rotation Medicine Ball Tosses With Partner
Athletes begin in a seated position as previously described. The thrower begins with both hands supporting the medicine ball outside the hip with shoulders and upper trunk rotated to that side. The thrower executes a 2-hand chest press as shoulders and upper trunk are rotated back to a neutral position upon release. The receiver catches the ball with both hands at or slightly below chest level. The force of the throw should rotate the receiver's shoulders and upper trunk opposite the thrower's starting position. Progress exercise to 3 sets of 20 passes or to slight fatigue. Alternate the side of rotation after each set.

Quarterback Specific Strength Exercises

Russian Twist
Sit on ground with knees bent and heels just off floor Holding med ball at chest, rotate left until ball touches floor outside left hip Rotate right until ball touches floor outside right hip Repeat in controlled manner for specified reps

Reading Defenses: Pre-Snap

Reading Defenses: Pre-Snap Read

Hustle in and out of the huddle to gain as much pre-snap time as possible in order to look over the defense and make decisions. Get under centerif the defense is going to shift, they will do it after the QB is under center. In shotgunget set quickly to simulate quick snap in order to force defense to make their shift. This 8-10 window is essential in getting the offense in the right play and giving the QB an opportunity to know what he is going to do with the ball. Make sure all wide receivers are "covered down", with a defender in close proximity. If not, you have an Uncovered Throw opportunity. If running play, mentally rehearse your steps to the hand-off. If passing play, locate your read player, but don't STARE at him.

Reading Defenses: Pre-Snap ReadAudibles

It is just as valuable to audible OUT of a bad play as it is to audible IN to a big play Never try to be too smart at the expense of the teams aggressiveness and confidencesome times you need to rely on your teams preparedness and ability to overcome the defense Take the gimmies in the quick passing game when they are thereespecially on 1st and 2nd down Be prepared to use dummy audibles

Reading Defenses: Pre-Snap ReadFronts

Front Seven
Front seven alignmentwhat are they in (5-2, 4-3, etc.), do they have any tendencies based on their alignment? Get in the habit of identifying the front. 5-2
Strong Safety is back

5-3
Strong Safety is up

4-3
Strong Safety is back

4-4
Strong Safety is up

Reading Defenses: Pre-Snap ReadFronts

5-25-3

Reading Defenses: Pre-Snap ReadFronts

4-34-4

Reading Defenses: Pre-Snap ReadCoverages

Identify the coverages using the following numerical terms:
Cover 0 - Man - man by all LBs, Corners and Safeties. (expect a multiple blitz in zero coverage) Cover 1 - Man Free - man by both Corners and the LBs but the Free Safety is in a zone coverage. Cover 2 - Two Deep Zone - SS and FS are both deep and the Corners & LBs are in a zone coverage. Cover 3 - Three Deep Zone - both Corners and the FS are deep with zone coverage underneath. Cover 3Squat - Robber A cover 3 shell with the SS squatting in the seam / hook area. Cover 4 Quarters Coverage or Four Deep Zone - a corner and a safety cover of the deep field to the strength and the other corner covering the other . Cover 5 - Two Deep Man Under Deep zone by the Safeties and Man by the LBs and the Corners.

Reading Defenses: Pre-Snap ReadCoverages

To tell the difference between these coverages we will use a phrase call "Box D.E.A.", which stands for Men in the Box, Depth of corners, Eyes of the Defensive Backs, and Alignment of Defensive Backs.
Men in the BoxHow many Safeties are in the box? Depth of cornersHow deep are the Corners? Eyes of the Defensive BacksWhere are the eyes of DBs: on QB or Receivers. Alignment of Defensive BacksHow are DBs aligned: inside, head up, or outside shade.

This is a pre-snap read that can, and most likely will, change after the snap of the ball.
Look for the best side to read.
Number of defenders vs. Number of blockers/receivers.

Know where all the routs are going to be run Look for possible blitzesknow where your hot routes are! At this point, the QB should have a pretty good idea of where he is going to go with the ball!

Reading Defenses: Pre-Snap ReadCoverages

BOX: The Box is tackle to tackle, 10 yards from the L.O.S. and back. But it can shift right or left depending on whether the ball is in the middle of the field or on the hashes.
If there is a safety in the box, then you know that the defense is either 1, 3, or 3 Squat. If there is not a safety in the box, the defense is either 0, 2, 4, or 5.
BOX 10 5

Reading Defenses: Pre-Snap ReadCoverages

Safety Indicators

No Safeties

One Safety

Two Safeties

CBs inside with eyes on WR Cover 0 (Expect Blitz)

CBs inside with eyes on WR Cover 1

CBs outside with eyes on QB Cover 3

CBs shallow with eyes on QB Cover 2

CBs deeper with eyes on QB Cover 4

Cover 0 - Man - man by all LBs, Corners and Safeties. (expect a multiple blitz in zero coverage) Cover 1 - Man Free - man by both Corners and the LBs but the Free Safety is in a zone coverage. Cover 2 - Two Deep Zone - SS and FS are both deep and the Corners & LBs are in a zone coverage. Cover 3 - Three Deep Zone - both Corners and the FS are deep with zone coverage underneath. Cover 3Squat - Robber A cover 3 shell with the SS squatting in the seam / hook area. Cover 4 - Four Deep Zone - a corner and a safety cover of the deep field to the strength and the other corner covering the other . Cover 5 - Two Deep Man Under Deep zone by the Safeties and Man by the LBs and the Corners.

Reading Defenses: Pre-Snap ReadCoverages

DEPTH: If the corners are 7 or more yards deep their coverage, it is most likely a type of zone. EYES: If the DBs eyes are on the quarterback, it is most likely a type of zone coverage. ALIGNMENT: An outside alignment by the DBs on a receiver points to zone coverage. DEPTH: If the corners are within 6 yards it is most likely a type of man coverage. EYES: If the DBs have their eyes on the receiver, it is most likely some type of man coverage. ALIGNMENT: An inside or head-up alignment by the DBs points to man.

BOX 10 7 5 5

Reading Defenses: Post-SnapCoverages

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap Read

Quickly confirm or correct your pre-snap suspicions. Check for coverage changes (defense trying to disguise coverage). If there was a blitz threat, is it coming or was it a threat. See how the play develops, reduce field to the read areacant read whole field so dial in a specific read. Realize you are making the final decision on where to go with the ball on your way backnot at the end of the drop.

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

Deep Left Deep Middle Deep Right

Left Flat

Left Curl

Left Hook

Right Hook

Right Curl

Right Flat

Pass Zones

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

Cover 0 - Man - man by all LBs, Corners and Safeties. (Expect a multiple blitz in zero coverage)

10 5

Strengths
Pass Rush
Can Rush Six

Weaknesses
No Underneath Help
Crossing Routes Breaking Routes Pick Routes

Tight Coverage Good Run Support

Nobody in the middle of the fielddeep post route

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

C FS E T

B N

B T E SS

Cover 0 vs. Spread

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

Cover 1 - Man Free - man by both Corners and the $/LBs but the Free Safety is in a zone coverage.

FS 10 5

Strengths
Help in Deep Middle Tight Coverage Good Run Support to SS Can Rush Five

Weaknesses
No Underneath Help
Crossing Routes Breaking Routes Pick Routes

Play Action Passes Out Routes

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

FS B T N B T SS E

Cover 1 vs. Pro

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

FS B T B T

SS

Cover 1 vs. Spread

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

FS B E T B T E B

SS

Cover 1 vs. Trips-Split

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

Cover 2 - Two Deep Zone - $ and FS are both deep and the Corners & LBs are in a zone coverage.

10 5

Strengths
Five Underneath Coverage Ability to disrupt timing of outside receivers with jam Can Rush Four Flat Areas

Weakness
Deep Coverages
Fade Area Deep Middle

Strong-Side Curl Run Support Off-Tackle

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

FS B T B N T B E C SS

Cover 2 vs. Pro

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

FS B C B E T T E SS

Cover 2 vs. Spread

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

FS B C B

SS

Cover 2 vs. Trips-Split

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

Cover 3 - Three Deep Zone - Both Corners and the FS are deep with zone coverage underneath.

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FS

Strengths
Three-Deep Secondary Four Man Rush Run Support to StrongSide

Weaknesses
Weak-side Curl/Flat Strong-Side Curl Limited Fronts Flood Routes Run Support Away from Strong-Side Dig Routes (In Routes) Four Verticals

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

FS C B T B N B T SS E C

Cover 3 vs. Pro

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

FS C B E B T B T SS E C

Cover 3 vs. Spread

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

FS C E C B T B T E B SS

Cover 3 vs. Trips-Split

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

Cover 4 Quarters or Four Deep Zone Each DB covers of the field; Safety and Corner together cover
of the field.

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S T R E N G T H S 1 .F o u r d e e p c o v e r a g e . 2 .R u n s u p p o r tf r o m s a f e t ie s . 3 .A b ilt y t o d o u b le c o v e r o u t s id e r e c e iv e r s . 4 .A lo w s c o r n e r s t o p la y a g g r e s iv e t e c h n iq u e o n o u t s id e r e c e iv e r s b e c a u s e t h e y h a v e h e lp o v e r t h e t o p f r o m s a f e t ie s . W E A K N E S S E S 1 .F la tc o v e r a g e . 2 .S a f e t ie s a r e v e r y s u s c e p t ib le t o p la y a c t io n . 3 .D o u b le c o v e r a g e o n # 1 c a n b e n u lif ie d b y h a v in g # 2 a ta c k t h e c o v e r a g e o fs a f e t y .

Strengths
Four Deep Coverage Run Support from Safeties Ability to Double Outside Receivers Allows corners to play aggressive technique on outside receivers because they have help over-thetop the top in the middle

Weaknesses
Flat Coverage Safeties are very susceptible to play-action Double coverage on #1 can be nullified by having #2 attack the coverage of safety.

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

FS C B T B N T B E SS C

Cover 4 vs. Pro

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

FS C B E T B T E SS C

Cover 4 vs. Spread

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

FS C E T B T E B

SS C B

Cover 4 vs. Trips-Split

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

COVER 5 - Two Deep Man Under Deep zone by the Safeties and Man by the LBs and the Corners.

10 5

Reading Defenses: Post-Snap ReadCoverages

REMEMBER!!!! These are only pre-snap reads. A pre-snap read may indicate a certain coverage only to have it change right after the snap of the ball. Changes in coverage are performed by a rotation in the secondary coverage personnel. A common coverage change-up is to align in a cover 2 and rotate to a cover 3Squat. As the quarterback takes his drop, he needs to keep his eyes down field and recognize any alignment changes after the snap of the ball. Movement of the Free Safety and Strong Safety are usually the best indicators.

Cover 3 Squat - Robber A cover 3 shell with the SS squatting in the seam / hook area.

10 5