QB/RECEIVER TIMING (RHYTHM):

"7 on 7": Setting the clock at 4.0 seconds is totally UNACCEPTABLE! It is unrealistic, and creates too many BAD HABITS!

A) 3 STEP DROP: Although we strive to get the ball out in 1.3 on TIMING routes (Hitch, etc), we set the clock at 1.8 (to allow for non-timing routes such and Slant & Fade). NOTE: There is usually a .5 difference.

B) 5 STEP DROP: Although we strive to get the ball out in 1.8 on TIMING routes (Out, etc.), we set the clock at 2.3 (to allow for non-timing routes such as the Curl). NOTE: There is usually a .5 difference.

PS: We feel the QB should complete at LEAST 70% of his passes in "7 vs. 7" (no pass rush).

DEVELOPING “TIMING” IN YOUR PASS OFFENSE

by Bill Mountjoy (Life Member AFCA)

Following are quotes from a Sid Gillman QB Manual (“Father of the Modern Passing Game”):

TIMING OF PASS:

1. The timing of the delivery is essential. It is the single most important item to successful passing.

2. Each route has it’s own distinct timing. As routes and patterns are developed on the field, the exact point of delivery will be emphasized.

3. Take mental notes on the field on timing of the throw.

4. If you cannot co-ordinate eye and arm to get the ball at it’s intended spot properly and on time, you are not a passer.

5. Keeping the ball in both hands and chest high is part of the answer.

6. Generally speaking, the proper timing of any pass is putting the ball in the air before, or as the receiver goes into his final break.

7. If you wait until the receiver is well into his final move, you are too late.


With the above firmly in mind, how do you go about DEVELOPING that timing? The following research from two of the best passing game minds (who followed Gillman's thinking) come to mind.


A) Howard Schnellenberger: Is a retired American football coach with long service at both the professional and college levels. He held head coaching positions with the National Football League's Baltimore Colts and in college for the University of Miami, University of Oklahoma, University of Louisville and Florida Atlantic University. He won a national championship with Miami in 1983. Schnellenberger also worked extensively as an assistant coach at the college and pro levels, including as part of the staff of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins.

Schnellenberger says the following: “If you give a receiver a second to get started. He can get a yard for every tenth of a second after that. If a guy is going to run a five yard out, he can get down there and break in 1.5. If he runs a ten yard yard out, he can do it in 2.0. If he runs a 15 yard comeback, he can do that in 2.5.

The Quarterback (examples are from Under-The-Center, but can be timed up to fit into Pistol and Gun sets up as well):

1. The QB is taught to throw a 3 step drop pass in 1.3 (this times out well with the 5 yard out because he can release the ball before the receiver breaks in 1.5).

2. The QB is taught to throw a 5 step drop pass in 1.8 (this times out well with the 10 yard out because he can release the ball before the receiver breaks in 2.0).

3. The QB is taught to throw a 7 step drop pass in 2.3 (this times out well with the 15 yard comeback (because he can release the ball before the receiver breaks in 2.5).


We tie the above thinking in with the following information we received from Bobby Bowden (at Florida State U.):


B) Bobby Bowden: is a retired American football coach. Bowden is best known for coaching the Florida State Seminoles football team from the 1976 to 2009 seasons.

During his time at Florida State, Bowden led FSU to an Associated Press and Coaches Poll National Title in 1993 and a BCS National Championship in 1999, as well as twelve Atlantic Coast Conference championships since FSU joined the conference in 1991. After a difficult 2009 season and amid questioning fans, Bowden stepped down, just weeks after his 80th birthday. He was allowed to make his final coaching appearance in the 2010 Gator Bowl game on January 1, 2010, with a 33–21 victory over his former program, West Virginia. His final career record to 389–129–4.

Bowden taught the following: “The Golden Rule for Rhythm Passing to us is that the QB must be set two steps before the receiver makes his final break”. Everything is taught on steps. When you grade the film the next day you can count. For example: “Hey WR, the QB is taking 3 steps, and I told you to take 5 steps and you took 7, no wonder the rhythm wasn't there”.

Conclusion: Combining “Coaching Points” from these great passing game “minds” has enabled us to develop our own passing game.


billmountjoy@yahoo.com

Mastering Passing And Routes

2 CHIEFS' TDs IN SUPER BOWL 2023 (from our very effective "RUB" SERIES) = ATTACHED:

Eagles could not deal with this use of motion!

“GRASS, ANGLES & NUMBERS”:

This is what modern offensive coaches HARP on. Here are some examples:

#1. GRASS (AKA: “SPACING”): They want the ball on the perimeter in the open field. They want the advantage of “GRASS”. IMO the best way to get this is QUICK SCREENS to WR's.

#2. ANGLES: This is a simple principle you have to consider. For one example, it is easier for the offensive guard to down block on the 1-technique than it is to try to reach block the 3-technique defender. This is one good reason we need our GAP SCHEME (in addition to our ZONE SCHEME) because it gives us good blocking ANGLES.

#3. NUMBERS: With NUMBERS you must consider three areas. We need to count the number of players in the “box” (area from tackle to tackle and five yards deep). We need to know the numbers to the right and left of the football. We need to know the number of defenders in the secondary defending the pass.

CONCLUSION: We chart all these things from scouting an opponent, and film work on them. We train our Quarterbacks to recognize this, and also assign coaches in the press box to chart this at the game.