Favorite QB Drills

The Passing Technique (by Wally English - former NFL QB Coach):

The passing techniques are next. Grasping and holding the ball is very important before the actual throwing takes place. We want our quarterback to cradle the ball at arm level - over the right breast area. After the snap, you bring the ball to your belt buckle and work it to this right breast area as you position yourself to throw (drop back or sprint action). As you bring the football to this position, adjust the laces to your throwing hand. You must hold the ball with your fingertips and allow an air pocket between the ball and the palm your hind. The fingertip control of the football is essential for good passers. The elbows should be in at the sides allowing the ball to be away from your chest (several inches, at least). Relax! You are now in the proper position to release the football.

Tell your quarterback to separate the ball from his left hand. The lower end of the football points backwards as you separate. This allows him to bring his elbow up over the top of his shoulder pad. Just tell him to get rid of his left hand naturally and to work above his shoulders. Make sure that he doesn't lower the football too much below his breast area. As he comes back to the throwing motion, he rotates his shoulders at the same time. The palm of the hand, the front toe of the lead foot, shoulders and hips will all face the target as he releases the football. Work for a smooth rhythm and snap your wrist as you throw and release the ball over the shoulders.

Note: demand that your quarterback throws with a purpose. Make sure that he uses a target above the receiver's shoulders. Make it a challenge to see how many times the receiver catches the ball above his shoulders. Playing catch properly is important in developing accuracy when throwing a football.

Releasing the football quickly requires intensity. We tell our quarterback to "short stroke" the football and roll your shoulders quickly. Remember that the tip of the index finger is the last thing that touches the football. Turn your hand and thumb down and out a little as you release the ball. Follow through by driving your chin past the front foot. There should be air below the back heel of your back leg as you follow through.

One thing that helps our quarterback with this follow through is to use the "imaginary line" principal, particularly to help develop accuracy. An "imaginary line" is one that extends from you to the target. The left foot should land on the left side of this line and the right foot on the right. The body will be squared up properly if this is done. Drop your throwing hand naturally as you release the ball - usually this hand will end up somewhere around the inside of the lead leg as you complete the throwing action.

Footwork

Footwork is essential in completing the proper passing technique. Upon reaching the set position in throwing, the quarterback will close his feet (gathered) so that they will be under him. This will prevent over-striding. Tell him to keep his feet moving and be in a coiled position (knees bent slightly) ready to uncoil.

Note: allow the quarterback to take a hitch step if time allows. There is more accuracy to a football that's thrown this way. Don't lock your knees because the ball will travel nose down when thrown. Be flexible and relax.

Quick Release

Developing the quick release is the most difficult technique to teach. Everything must be put together now. Pointing the ball backwards; rolling the shoulders; concentrating on the target (not the flight of the ball; feet; snapping your wrist; the follow through; etc.)

Drop Back Technique The most popular type of pass is the drop back technique. Timing and being able to recognize coverages are important after you have mastered the basic fundamentals. Whether you use a 3, 5, 7 or deeper type of drop back pass, the most important thing is to set up as quickly as you can and keep your feet under you. Taking five short quick steps with your feet under you can be more effective than taking three long steps.

Good balance is a necessity to perform well when throwing. There is better mobility and control with the quick short steps as compared to the long. Allow your quarterback to do what he is best it. Basically, you want to keep your head down field as you drop back. You want your quarterback to be able to see the width of the field (53 1/3 yards). This is a must to be able to throw good drop back patterns.

Setting up to throw quickly must be worked on every day. You cannot simply go through the motions in practice. Drop your tail a little as you begin movement and gain momentum from the snap of the ball. Push off your anchor foot and reach back 130 degrees and keep your eyes down field. Sprint back to your desired depth as fast as you can. In the last two steps of the drop back, start to shift your weight forward. There are other types of techniques used - some quarterbacks use the "back peddle", combination steps, roll out, sprint out, or play action.

Play Action Pass

The play action pass is probably the most popular style used today. In the play action pass, you must first sell the run. The more you freeze the secondary (linebackers, especially) the better the completion percentage. In the play action pass, the quarterback hides the ball until the last possible instant.


Drills

Work with receivers as much as you can. The more he throws, the better your QB will be. Here are some suggestions for basic drills that should improve your quarterback:

1. Goal post drill Line up QBs 10 yards from goal post - throw ball as close as you can to cross bar. Helps you get your arm up and over
2. Quick release drill Coach positions himself facing two or more QBs. He has them take their drops and throw when he (coach) drops his hand. You will see immediately who has the quickest release
3. Open man drill Coach stands behind QB and designates one of the four receivers to catch the ball. When QB is ready to throw, receiver raises his hand and QB throws immediately. This drill forces QBs to look downfield.
4. One-on-one drill Throw all patterns here - outs, ins, post, flags, fly, curls, etc.