QB Pocket Awareness

Analyze the CAUSE of the problem. Is the protection giving too much in the MIDDLE (encouraging him to try to escape outside)? Is he holding the ball too long? Is he clear in his reads &/or progressions? ANY of these may be forcing him to bail!


SOME of the things you can do (like anything else - you have to committ TIME to it):

Work vs blitz live each week (team pass offense session). Work twice as much vs blitz as opponent blitzes. If they blitz 25% - have scouting team blitz 50%.

When you scrimmage TEAM pass offense - do only pass/screen/draw. Script about 30 plays in a 30 minute session. TELL scouting team to "lay their ears back & come". If they are up there reading run - you won't get a good look.

Use firm protection with the Center & 2 Guards - taking their men on ON THE LOS, so the QB can step up on a small reset step forward IF necessary (the tackles can give a LITTLE more ground vs wide edge rushers). Tell the QB to "be like Tom Brady" - dropback - stick the back foot in the ground - step up & throw (ALL moves should be UP in the pocket - not around). Do NOT set the QB up too deep - (at the bottom of the message are our instructions for QB's setting up), as this facilitates him "bailing outside too soon".

IF your QB has "nervous feet" - use 7 & 8 man pro RATHER than 5 & 6 man pro. This is IMPORTANT!

TIME the QB so you can be sure that he isn't holding the ball too long (times vary depending on if it's a TIMING route, or a MANUEVER route). NEXT TO PROTECTION - QB/RECEIVER TIMING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE PASSING GAME!!!!! If you wish to discuss "timing" in more detail - phone me at 804-740-4479.

3 step drops = QB should set up in .8, and throw (depending on the pass) anywhere from 1.3 (hitch) to 1.8 (fade), etc. 2.0 = TOO LATE in the 3 step game.

5 step drops = set up in 1.3 & throw (depending on pass) anywhere from 2.0 (12 yd out) to maybe 2.4 or 2.5 (curl), etc. 2.8 = TOO LATE in the 5 step game.

Stand behind the secondary & look into the QB's EYES to make sure he isn't:

1) Watching the rush, as opposed to looking downfield at either a "key" or a progression read.

2) Reading properly (EITHER a particular defender, OR, a correct progression of receivers).



PS: QB CROSS STEP FOOTWORK IN DROPPING BACK

1. Pivot on the left foot and take a long step back toward the set-up spot with the right foot. Then use cross-over action to the set-up spot.

2. The set-up will vary according to the pass called and will be determined by the number of steps you take. Starting with the right foot, you will take 3 or 5 steps and “Stop”, “ready” to pass. You must have stopped and be ready to pass before the receiver makes his final break (on at LEAST 2 steps more than the QB took).

3. Open your shoulders at an angle NOT TO EXCEED 90 degrees to the LOS and look straight down the field, seeing your reads as you go back. Know where you are going with the ball by the time you reach the set-up spot. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE QB TO KEEP HIS SHOULDERS AT A RIGHT ANGLE TO LOS, AND HIS FOREHEAD PARALLEL TO THE LOS SO HE CAN SEE THE FIELD.

4. The ball must be held chest high and with two hands. Always be ready to unload the ball quickly.

5. Step in the “Ready” position without any resetting so you can pass immediately if necessary. (A small reset step may be taken on a 5 step drop).

6. THREE STEP DROP (“QUICK DROP”):
A. The 3 step drop is a 1 + 2 step drop, with 1 full stride and 2 short gathering strides – planting on the third step and throw. Always stop with short steps and come to balance before throwing.
B. It is coordinated with the quick passing game. Receivers run 5 step breaks.
C. Think in terms of the set-up spot being 3 to 4 yards deep.

7. FIVE STEP DROP
A. The 5 step drop is a 3 + 2 step drop, with 3 full strides and 2 short gathering strides to plant on the fifth step. Always stop with short steps and come to balance before throwing.
B. Plant and throw on the fifth step on timing routes. If the pattern needs more time, bounce and allow it to develop – then throw. Receivers run at least a 7 step break.
C. Think in terms of the set-up spot being 5-6 yards deep.

make sure he steps up in the pocket and doesn't drift. Coach Campbell

Teach your QB to ALWAYS STAY WITHIN THE INSIDE LEG OF HIS GUARDS WHEN DROPPING BACK. IF HE GETS OUTSIDE OF THIS ON HIS DROP, IT IS HIS FAULT IF HE GETS SACKED, NOT THE OL!

Teach him how to hitch step properly and to make sure that the hitch steps are always FORWARD AND NOT OUT AROUND when attempting to hit a check down receiver, or any receiver for that matter.

Get him a copy of the tape made by Bill Walsh and Joe Montana last year or so and have him really sit down and digest it, not just skim over it. It makes these points ABUNDANTLY CLEAR! It does not mention the staying within the guards inside leg, I got that a long time ago from Bill curry when he was coaching in the Div.1-A college ranks.

Coach Easton

THE DRILL POSTED ABOVE BY qb school is very drill I have used for 40 years or more! I, however do not rush just one DEand always rush two. My reasoning is that if you only rush one, your QB then turns drill into a sprintout and not a hitch drill that it is intended to be. Just my opinion as always.

Coach Easton-TIGER ONE

Make sure your QB understands that if he does not drop straight back (imaginary line) and gets outside of the inside leg of his guards, AND HE GETS SACKED, it is his fault, not the o lines! Have him utilize the jump rope, the dots and ladder drills to get his feet quicker every day!!!

Coach Easton-TIGER ONE

Hey Bill,

Here is a drill I have used for long years to facilitate my above post: From the LOS, take two cones back to the desired drop depth for 3 step drop and 5 step drop respectively, wide enough to simulate the inside leg of both guards. Stand across the LOS and watch the QB's feet. THE INSTANT HE STARTS TO DRIFT OFF OF AN IMAGINARY STRAIGHT BACK LINE IN HIS DROP, BLOW YOUR WHISTLE AND MAKE THE QB FREEZE INSTANTLY. HAVE HIM THEN LOOK AT THIS FEET AND SEE WHERE HE IS STARTING TO DRIFT.
He then starts to see where he is going wrong and reps will correct this error he has been making. DO NOT ALLOW HIM TO GET OUTSIDE THE CONES BEFORE STOPPING HIM, BUT RATHER STOP HIM ON HIS FIRST WRONG STEP. The major cause of drifting, is the swinging of the leg that causes the hips to turn out. HAVE HIM CONCENTRATE ON STEPPING WITH HIS FEET, NOT SWINGING THEM.

Coach Easton-TIGER ONE