Just because the season is over, it doesn’t mean there isn’t any work left to be done. Quarterbacks who want to be among the elite and best of the best know quarterback training is a never ending task. The off season is the time where you need to review the past season performance and begin working on the things you are weak at and enhance the areas you are good at.
THE BASIC NECESSITIES FOR A YOUNG QB
The basic necessities for a young QB revolve around a few important themes:
- A) Base
- B) Ball Security and Eyes
- C) Drops and Camera Discipline
- D) Phone Booth
- E) Accuracy
BASE
Nothing happens without a Quarterback’s “Base”. The picture below displays the essentials of what it means to distribute power with a solid base underneath you. This example is of a famous boxer ready to deliver a blow by first making sure his feet are underneath him, knees slightly bent, and ready to transition his weight and power from his plant foot to the target in front of him, his opponent.
QB DRILLS TO BUILD BASE
We work tirelessly with our QBs to build them from the ground up, and it all starts with a great Base. Great footwork is essential to being a great passer. It’s the main ingredient that results in great power. See for yourself:
QB DRILLS TO BUILD BALL SECURITY AND EYES
A Quarterback’s job is to thrive in the pocket and can be made easier with Ball protection emphasized by front hand pressure. The same way we emphasize Base, we include other things to coach and correct in our Base Drills. Take a look:
QB DRILLS TO BUILD DROPS AND CAMERA DISCIPLINE
In every phase of a QB’s drops (3, 5, and 7 step), there must be consistency across the board. Each drop is matched with a concept. Practicing those drops along with where the QB should be setting up their target is critical. Nothing promotes that better than proper camera angles. Take a look:
THE PHONE BOOTH
What do we mean by “The Phone Booth”? That refers to the 3 by 3 foot area your QB has to master to be successful. Subtle movement while keeping your eyes upfield is essential to developing P3 (Pocket Presence, Poise, & Patience)
WHERE SHOULD I THROW THE BALL?
Every ball has a landmark. We teach our QBs to throw with a purpose and a landmark in mind. Accuracy can be stressed and developed in drill work.
Hitch: WRs face to outside shoulder
Slant: Upfield shoulder or numbers
Quick Out: Upfield shoulder to low and away from defender
Fade: Upfield shoulder to outside
Seam: Upfield shoulder; trajectory depends on coverage
Curl: WR’s face to top of numbers
Comeback: Outside shoulder before breakout of stem
Post: Upfield shoulder; trajectory depends on coverage
Swing/Bubbles: Upfield shoulder to face
Dig/Crosser (Shallow Cross): Upfield shoulder, slightly in front
Corner: Cover 2: Outside shoulder; medium trajectory to green grass. Cover 1/3 outside shoulder, high trajectory
DRILLS TO SUPPORT ACCURACY
The drills to support accuracy vary. What we teach our QBs each day is not only how to throw to a landmark but also how to finish throws with the use of cameras. Beyond reading coverages, accuracy is the difference between a TD pass and an interception. Take a look:
STEPS TO PRODUCE CONSISTENCY
Every position coach should develop a routine with their players. QBs are like machines that need to be programmed; they must have a routine or regiment daily. These are keys that we focus on to produce daily success. These are the triggers that are used to help what they do become muscle memory.
CUE: Eyes, Cameras, Feet, Finish
ROUTINE: Daily Drills working eye placement, consistent feet and base
REWARD: Successful Execution and Completion
THERE IS STILL WORK TO BE DONE
The quarterback position is arguably the most glamorous and important in football. Playing quarterback is not easy. It takes special athletic ability but requires an enormous amount of training. Hours need to be spent on the field, but where can young prospective QBs learn how to play when there is no game being played or when practice is over? The Quarterback Equalizer is the perfect solution for players who need and want additional quarterback training during the off season.