Transcript Building a Better Full Back

Building a Better
DW Quarterback
1) Choosing a DW QB
2) DW QB Coaching Strategies
Some basic assumptions


You are coaching a DW football team
You run at least these 8 basic plays:
1- Power (Toss)
2- Trap
3- Counter
4- Sweep (Lead, Buck, Jet)
5- Wedge
6- G (Belly)
6- PA Pass (Toss action)
8- Straight Drop Back Pass
You have a limited number of available “ball carrying” athletes,
whatever that number is…AND… you have an even smaller
number of exceptional ball carrying athletes.

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You have limited available practice time .
Defining the position
What is a DW Quarterback’s job?

Understand the offense …not just his position.

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Handle the football securely and effectively

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Footwork / Posture/ Hand-eye coordination / Ball Control / Deception
Execute his assignments

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Play calling system- Know what those numbers and words
mean.
Adjustments- Know how to apply them.
Key assignments on every play- Know who is doing what.
Run effectively when called on to do so
Pass effectively when called on to do so
Block effectively when called on to do so
Communicate effectively with team mates.

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Have the respect of his team- Players will follow someone they
respect.
“Command” their attention- Be heard above the crowd.
Defining the position
A DW Quarterback’s job description might
read something like this:
DW QB- Intelligent, quick thinking, and agile athlete. Must enjoy, and be
willing to employ, extreme physical contact. Arm strength and throwing
skills highly desirable. Must have exceptional leadership and
communication skills. Must also have the ability to self-manage under
pressure. Exceptional size and/or 4.4 speed a big plus. Experience
preferred.
You probably won’t ever find a kid who naturally displays all of
these attributes.
….But you can find kids who have some or even many of them.
Choosing a DW QB
While these skills are universally desirable for DW QBs,
we should also remember that different coaches will
have different needs from their QBs.
Know which QB skills/talents are most important to you as the
coach. --- Do yourself a favor and write them down.

Know which of these QB skills you will be able to teach and which
ones you won’t.---Write these down too.

Usually because of insufficient available time or logistics there will be
something that we can’t or won’t be able to teach as coaches.

In terms of the QB position- For me these are usually arm strength, and
general coordination…the rest I can usually teach in the time I have
available.

Choosing a DW QB
So I know what abilities I’m looking for…and which of
these I can and can’t teach…now what?
Compare your list of most desirable QB qualities with your list
of QB skills that you won’t be able to teach…Do any of the
entries match?

NO Congratulations! You are one helluva good coach! Stop here
and put any kid you want at QB. :-)

YES You now have a great starting point for figuring out which kids to
consider for QB…
 The kids who display some natural ability in the areas you
won’t have time or capability to teach are probably your
best bets to consider for the DW quarterback position.

Choosing a DW QB
Why?
If you have a limited pool of ball carrier type athletes, and an even smaller pool of
gifted athletes, the odds are that the kids who would make the best QBs are also
the kids who make your best WBs and FBs…Most DW coaches will prefer to have
their top kids at WB and FB positions. In fact, some of us prefer our TE’s to be just
as good of athletes as our WBs and FBs…
Consider this -- When I look to fill out the starting ball carriers in my
offense (FB, QB, WBx2, & TEx2), I usually rank them something like this:
#1- FB
#2- A Back (Left Wing)
#3- C Back (Right Wing)
#4- QB
#5 & 6- TE’s
-OR-
#1- FB
#2- A Back (Left Wing)
#3- C Back (Right Wing)
#4- TE
#5- QB/TE
#6- TE/QB
As you can see, my best 3 or 4 athletes are usually used in other positions. This
invariably leads to a shortage of top athletes available for the QB position.
Choosing a DW QB
…Which usually means I’ll be teaching one of my
“average” kids how to be a QB… Hopefully a great QB.
But it’s much harder to develop a great QB out of an average
athlete than it is to develop one out of an excellent athlete…And it
really doesn’t help if my average kid lacks skills in areas I won’t
have the logistics to teach.
So of my average kids, the ones who display some natural ability
in the skills I consider most important and have the most difficulty
teaching are the ones that will show the most development as a
QB in my system.
For me this usually means my QB’s are athletes that are smart
and physically coordinated. They have decent arm strength , but
don’t always throw the best passes. They are usually slow or
short…or both.
Choosing a DW QB
A few things to consider:

DW quarterbacks are often slightly different types of athletes than
their I or Spread formation counterparts. This is not because the
system requires it, it’s because the system allows for it.
 The DW can be very successful with just an “average” athlete at QB-So long as he has some physical durability, some smarts, can throw the
ball a little, and can move on his feet.
 In the DW, the quarterback is part of a 4-back offense. Not looking at
him as such is an unnecessary limitation on yourself. It’s easy to get
stuck thinking that your QB is a handoff machine who will occasionally
throw a pass…but in this offense there are many, many simple ways to
involve him. *** Our unusual use of the QB is one of the things that
separates from the other offenses out there.
Choosing a DW QB
<DISCLAIMER>
None of this should be mistaken as an assumption that there is no benefit
to having a top athlete at QB …or that a DW coach should never seek to
have the best possible player at the QB position. On the contrary, if you
have enough top athletes available, by all means play one at QB.
This is simply an acknowledgement that in many cases you won’t have a
whole posse of stud athletes, nor will you be able to recruit your perfect
QB….In these cases there are ways to maximize what you can do with the
athletes you have.
Choosing a DW QB
In terms of the raw ability and physical and mental characteristics of
the players I like to use at QB, I usually look for the these:
My General Rules of Thumb when considering athletes for the QB position:
1- Rarely will I place my top athlete at QB…(unless I have an abundance of them)
2- Taller is better…but height never trumps ability.
3- Speed isn’t necessary…but it’s good to have.
4- Coordination is necessary.
5- Arm strength is great, but arm accuracy is greater.
6- Hitting is not optional. “Finesse” quarterbacks need not apply.
7- Brains are not optional. If you can’t think on your toes, you can’t play QB.
8- Attitude is everything. They MUST be coachable kids.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Ball Security / Footwork / Deception / Pitch Mechanics
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Ball Security
Job #1 for the QB on every single play is to secure the football! There
is no more important element of his execution than this. Without the
ball, we go nowhere.
A QB who manages to successfully secure every snap is
automatically a “good” ball handler…but it takes more than that to be
a great ball handler.
To be a great ball handler in the DW- The QB must combine ball
security with good footwork, agility, posture, timing, and deception.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Ball Security
Begins with the snap
Pre-Practice Snaps. This really is a MUST.
Prior to the start of every practice your QBs and Cs should get
together and perform at least 50 snaps. 25 with a QB pivot to the right,
and 25 with a pivot to the left. Every QB and C you have should go
through this.
If possible, have a coach (preferably you) stand in pitch
relationship with the QB and receive a pitch after every snap. Watch their
execution from the start of the cadence to end of the pivot.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Ball Security
Common errors to look for in snap mechanics. These often lead to muffed
snaps so try to eliminate them.
1) QB not placing his hands firmly against the C’s butt.
2) QB allowing his hands to separate when the ball contacts them (this one
happens a lot to younger players)
3) C lifting his butt too far as he delivers the snap.
4) Poor timing between QB and C. (late/early snap)
5) QB crowding the C
The is no better way to correct these problems than the copious use
of pre-practice snaps. You, your QBs, and your Cs should all get in
the habit of arriving a little bit early to practice.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Ball Security
Maximize Your OpportunitiesUse every individual or group drill and play repetition which would normally begin
with the QB receiving a snap as an opportunity to practice snap mechanics. Never
have your QB start from a “ball in hand” position. Whenever possible, have a
coach ‘snap’ the ball to him from a kneeling position to begin the rep.
We also need to remember that the QB is part of a 4 Back offense and
therefore needs all of the same ball security practice that you would put your
WBs and FBs through…In addition to the afore mentioned snap practice
routines.
Drills such as Handoff Lines, the Squeeze Drill, and The Strip Drill are just as
beneficial to QB’s as they are to WBs & FBs.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Footwork
More than being able to run
Good footwork requires balance and agility combined with solid pivot
mechanics. A QB can be slow but still have good feet. I will always work
to develop a QB’s footwork before his speed.
Footwork / Balance & Agility
Balance and agility are things I like to work on during team warm up
sessions …This saves precious practice time for individual or backfield
practice sessions later. If a kid needs more agility work than can be
delivered in this format, I usually won’t consider him for QB.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Footwork / Balance & Agility
My preferred way to build agility and coordination is through the use of
simple drills that require no special equipment, can be done quickly and
easily, and get excellent results with regular use. I like to open practice
sessions with this set:
Line Hops- Done on one foot. Right & Left then with both feet. (10 reps ea.)
Run Lines- Carioca, Side Shuffle, Backpedal, Hammer Hops
Controlled Lunges- Back straight, big strides, alternate legs, easy pace, hands
on hips. Forwards then backwards.
“Trippers”- Run lines. Players start in a backpedal, rotate to a run when the
whistle blows, then back to a backpedal it blows again…then back again, etc.
etc.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Footwork / Pivot Mechanics
Pivot mechanics play a big role in the QB’s footwork since 90% of our
plays begin with a full or half pivot.
Standard Stance- Balanced stance, feet slightly wider than shoulders,
toes pointed in (pigeon toed). Backside foot steps to 4 o’clock, pivot on the
toes/ball of the play side foot.
Alternate Stance- Unbalanced stance, feet slightly wider than shoulders,
back side foot staggered back slightly. Backside foot jab steps to 4 o’clock,
pivot on the toes/ball of the play side foot.
Regardless of which stance you use, the backside foot always steps
and the play side foot is always the pivot foot. Most of his weight should
be “pre-loaded” on the toes of his play side foot…
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Footwork / Pivot Mechanics
In general, the faster the pivot the better the play. You can
shave time off of the pivot with few simple coaching points
-The body always follows the eyes so get the head around to the desired path or ball
carrier immediately following the snap.
- R-e-a-c-h for that step…Insist on getting the backside foot all the way around to 4
o’clock.
- Pigeon toed stances make the pivot easier and faster.
- Pre load the body weight on the play side (pivot) foot.
- Align as far as possible from the C. Extend the arms into snap position.
<Pivot Mech clips here>
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Footwork / Posture
Posture has a lot to do with how good or bad a QB’s footwork is. Posture impacts the
QB’s ability to conceal the ball, to pivot, and to move with balance. Posture has an
impact on nearly every aspect of the QB’s job.
Knees Bent, Back Straight, Elbows in, Eyes Up- That’s the mantra in terms
of QB posture. I look for this form in all functions except perhaps the acts of
throwing or scrambling.
For me, posture is difficult to “drill”. I usually need one-on-one time with the QB
to teach it. I use pre practice snap sessions to work through the specifics of
maintaining correct posture during the snap and pivot.
Individual position practice sessions are the best place to work on proper
posture when executing various play actions. If individual practice time is not
available to you, backfield practice sessions (skellies) are probably the next
best thing.
<Posture clips here>
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Deception
Deception and ball concealment are significant parts of our game. To that
end, QB posture combined with ball handling play a key role in our ability to
deceive the defense.
Anytime the QB is not handing or passing the football, I want it securely
“seated”…The ball should be held against the groin, point down, elbows
in. This allows the QB the greatest opportunity to conceal the ball while
still being able to deliver it (hand, pitch, pass) quickly.
In fact, I often want the QB keep his hands in this position even if he
doesn’t have the ball.
Seating the ball is a simple and almost automatic function *if* you can
teach the correct posture to your QB. When the elbows are pulled in and
the knees bend, the ball naturally moves to the seated position.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Deception
Although the QB plays a large role in how we deceive defenses, he
rarely performs actual ball fakes. Most of the faking will be performed
by the other running backs.
Keeping the ball out of the defense’s sight is the QB’s primary goal in
terms of deception. Faking with it only shows them where the ball is.
If you ever do need to have your QB perform an actual play action
fake, have him either perform a simple “shoulder dip” -or- an empty
hand fake…But in either case, he should strive to keep the ball seated
and maintain posture.
<Deception clips here>
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Pitch Mechanics
Good pitch mechanics are an obvious requirement for the DW QB. It’s
important that he deliver a consistent and catchable pitch every time.
Pitch mechanics impact the ability to maintain good posture, the ability
to exercise good ball security, the ability to deceive the defense, and
the overall timing of the Power play.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Pitch Mechanics
A good pitch always starts with the ball in the seated position.
IMPORTANT- I spend a lot of time stressing the need to keep the
elbows in against the sides of the body during the pivot and pitch. This
provides certain benefits:
• Pitches are much more controlled. It’s hard to pitch it too high or too hard
when your arms are locked against your side.
• It’s easier to maintain good posture during the pivot.
• The QB’s opening becomes more consistent looking from play to play
which improves our deception.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Pitch Mechanics
Teaching proper pitch mechanics:
Belt ‘Em- Use an old football pants belt to wrap around your QB’s
arms and torso. This should strap his elbows into his sides. The
object is to force his pitches to come from about waist level.
-Have him perform several pitches to you from a stationary
position.
- Set him in ‘snap’ position with a ball in hand. Have him pivot
towards you and deliver a pitch.
- Tip The object here is to have him simply “let go” of the ball
during his pivot using a minimum of force from his arms to
propel the ball. The momentum from the pivot should be
sufficient to deliver a controlled pitch.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball Handling
Pitch Mechanics
Teaching proper pitch mechanics:
Seat, Pivot, and Pitch- Set him in ‘snap’ position to receive a snap
from a kneeling coach.
-Have him take the snap, seat the ball, and pivot towards you but
do not deliver a pitch, just keep the ball seated.
- Once he has that mastered - Have him perform the same operation. This time tell him to let
his momentum deliver the ball from the seated position to you in
a controlled pitch….Rinse and repeat as necessary.
<Pitch Mech clips here>
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Ball HandlingBall Security / Footwork / Deception / Pitch Mechanics
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Keeping it Real / Accuracy / The Supporting Cast / Play Structure / Drills
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Keeping It Real
 Teach a passing game that accommodates as many of your teams
strengths…and just as importantly their weakness’…as possible.
 Be dogged in your application of a limited passing playbook. Play
design and repetition are the keys to a DW’s passing success, not play
volume or diversity.
 Like the DW’s running game, it’s passing game is most effective when
methodically applied. Know what your cues for passing are and apply
them in game situations.
 Pass practice must be considered every bit as important as run practice.
If you spend 10 minutes a day perfecting the Power play, you ought to be
spending 10 minutes a day perfecting your best pass play also.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Keeping It Real
 Keep it age appropriate. Don’t try to teach 4 receiver reads, or how to
recognize inverted C2 to a 12 year old QB. Inversely, these are things
one would expect from a HS or College DW QB.
 Hands! Hands! Hands! IMO- It’s much easier to find a kid who can
pass consistently than it is to find a kid who can catch consistently. Find
and develop the kids who can catch early in the season and focus on
their development as receivers.
 It’s usually better to design a pass that consistently gets one kid open
than it is to design a pass that sometimes gets two kids open. The
younger the players, the more this is true. Youth QBs don’t often
successfully cycle through 2 or 3 downfield receivers so if #1 ain’t open,
teach them to run.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Accuracy
The ability to dependably throw the ball to a spot where the receiver can
catch it.
Generally, I try to develop my QB’s accuracy before his arm strength. My
goal is to have him consistently throw passes on target in the 0 - 25 yard
range. (Less for young kids, more for older kids)
I take three basic approaches to accomplishing this.
1- Play/Route choice and design.
2- Landmark passing
3- Focused use of drills and skellies that primarily emphasize the routes we
will be throwing to in games.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Accuracy
Play / Route choice and design
Every QB has some routes that he throws well and some that he doesn’t.
For example- Short QBs sometimes have difficulty seeing over the offensive line.
Which means they can have problems seeing receivers that cross the middle of
the defense….That makes it harder to throw Post, Seam, and Square In type
routes.
The solution (for me) is to use routes that work the edges of the defense
(Corner, Out, Fade, Fly, etc.) and to have the QB work from the edge of the
pocket using a semi or full roll out whenever possible.
The problems and solutions may be different for you, but the basic concept is
the same. Design the plays and routes you use around what your QB does
well…Don’t add more plays, tweak the ones you have.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Accuracy
Play / Route choice and design
There are many ways to run the play action pass off of the Power action.
The best choice is always the one that uses the routes that your QB throws the
best. If my QB is a big athlete with a good arm, I might run it with some kind of
middle Post/Smash route. If he throws accurately but not very far, I might use a lot
of rub routes. If he’s really slow I may use only semi roll outs…you get the picture.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Accuracy
Landmark Passing
When I speak of landmark passing I’m simply referring to the way I teach my QBs
and receivers to use defensive “targets” to determine the proper route spacing or
throwing lane. Using landmarks simplifies the QB’s job and improves our odds of
getting receivers open.
On most of the passes I use, I teach my QB’s to throw “to a spot” as opposed to
the receiver…Always aiming ahead of the receiver and to his outside or up field
shoulder depending on the route. This target area is the QB’s passing landmark.
I want my receivers to be able to “run to” these passes. The object is not to throw
30 yard laser shots to the receivers, it is to throw passes into spots that only our
receiver can get to.
Whenever possible, I have my receivers use a similar method of landmarking the
defense to determine their route spacing and aiming points.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Accuracy
Landmark Passing- QB
On any pass that is “going away” from the QB (Corner, Post, Seam, Fade, Deep Out,
Fly, etc) the pass is delivered to a spot ahead of, and to the outside or up field
shoulder of the receiver allowing him to “run to” the ball. X
X
Corner
QB
Post
QB
A landmark pass is delivered ahead and over the outside/up field shoulder of the receiver
<QB Landmark clips here>
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Accuracy
Landmark Passing- Receivers
Receivers will often use defensive landmarks also.
Example: When running Corner routes, I will frequently tell my WBs and TEs to
split the distance between the CB and the deepest man on their side of the field,
then arc their route through that midpoint.
S
S
B
B
E
T
N
B
T
“Landmark” Corner vs. C1
C
E
S
B
E
T
B
N
C
T
“Landmark” Corner vs. C2
E
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Accuracy
Landmark Passing- Receivers
Sometimes I will also landmark the defensive players themselves. Good examples
of this is when I use rub routes, or when I’m trying to occupy a defender with one
man in order to get a specific other man open behind him.
“Landmarking the S + a Landmark Corner
route” vs. C2
“Landmarking the CB and S” vs. C1
S
S
B
B
E
T
N
B
T
C
E
S
B
E
T
<Landmark Receiver clips here>
B
N
C
T
E
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Accuracy
Some closing thoughts on improving a QB’s accuracy
Focus your pass practice (receiver lines, pat-n-go, etc.) on the routes you
will be using in games…It is a waste of time to practice completing Post
and Drag routes if your circumstances prevent you from using them in
games.
Try not to add more pass plays to your playbook in order to accommodate
what any given QB can do. Instead, tweak your existing plays to suit the
abilities of your athlete…Just like in our running game, less is better.
Receivers!! - These kids can make a QB look great or awful. Receivers
have a lot to do with how “accurate” your QB is. The better you coach your
receivers, the better your QB will be.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
The Supporting Cast
Good play from the QB is completely dependant on
good play from his team mates.
Lineman that block poorly, receivers that don’t concentrate, and coaches
who make stupid decisions…These are the things that lead to a lot of
sacks, picks, and muffed exchanges that could have otherwise been
avoided.
Therefore it follows that if we expect our QB to perform, we must expect
everyone around him to perform to perform as well.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
The Supporting Cast
Offensive Line
Proper O-Line technique is a huge topic that is well outside the scope of
this presentation but it does merit a certain amount of discussion due to
it’s effect on the QB’s game.
IMO- The offensive line is the single biggest factor in determining
the success or failure of your passing game. The greatest QB in the
world can’t throw the ball (or even hand it off) if he has defenders
draped all over him.
My suggestion is always to use a minimum of pass protection schemes.
I personally use just 2 pass protection schemes for 95% of my pass
plays.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
The Supporting Cast
Offensive Line
There are at least two pass blocking schemes out there that mesh perfectly
with the DW’s play action based passing game.
• Hinge or Moving Pocket protection
• Bootleg protection
Every DW coach should find a way to employ at least one of these.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
The Supporting Cast
Offensive Line / Hinge Blocking
Play side blocks Gap-On-Reach. Back side hinges back- Each man gets
progressively deeper. Everyone works their man toward the backside of the
play. Backside TE is responsible for backside EMLOS. WB or FB is
responsible for play side EMLOS.
B
B
E
T
B
T
B
E
Backside WB picks up Play side DE.
Best w/ Full Roll Out
B
B
E
T
B
T
B
E
FB picks up Play side DE. Best w/
Semi Roll Out.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
The Supporting Cast
Offensive Line / Bootleg Blocking
Play side TE release if assigned a route, block down if not. Play side T blocks
down. Play side G pulls deep to play side for the EMLOS. Back side hinges
back- Everyone works their man toward the backside of the play. Backside
TE is responsible for backside EMLOS.
B
B
E T
B
T
E
B
Bootleg blocking should only be used with
a full Roll Out.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
The Supporting Cast
Receivers
As I mentioned earlier. I’ve always found it more difficult to find good
receivers than good QBs… It’s hard to teach a kid with terrible hands to
catch a ball with consistency.
For these reasons I focus intensely on finding kids who can catch as early
as possible in the pre-season. I never wait until I’m ready to install my first
pass play to start looking for (and teaching) my receivers.
Fortunately, it usually turns out that our best runners are some of our best
receivers too. If we can find 2 or 3 other kids that can be developed, we’ll
have a pretty good foundation for a receiver corps.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
The Supporting Cast
Receivers
You can usually expect to find a couple of kids with naturally good hands.
Then there’s usually another 6 or 7 or so that have average hands and
might develop into good receivers. From all of these kids I usually select
the best 6 or 8 kids. These kids are the ones I will focus my receiver
practice time on.
Youth Coach Caveat
At one time or another, we are all guilty of sending our MPRs w/
our receiver coach…Don’t Do It! Focus the receiver time only on the
kids you’re really going to throw the ball to. MPRs will only rob reps.
Instead of having your receiver coach baby sit them, send them to
another coach for tackling or blocking practice….As MPRs they
probably need that more than pass practice anyway :-)
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
The Supporting Cast
Coaching
If our expectation is that the QB perform to the requirements of our offense, then
it’s our job to create the circumstances that will allow him to do so. Adapt your
system to meet the abilities of your QB rather than having him adapt his abilities
to your system.
Every one of us has made a stupid coaching decision before…every one of us
will make more of them in the future. The trick is recognizing when you made
one… then trying not to make it again.
Be Prepared
- Know what it is you want to do.
- Know how you want to do it
- Know what it is that needs to be fixed when it doesn’t work.
- FILM IS YOUR BEST FRIEND…It sees every mistake, and reveals every bad
decision. Use it and learn from it.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Play Structure
Pass plays should be structured so that your QB has the highest possible
chance of throwing a pass with little or no defensive pressure to a receiver that is
open downfield….that’s the goal anyway.
When putting together a new play or tweaking an existing one, I try to stick to a
certain set of self imposed limitations. If later I discover that my athletes are
capable of performing above those limitations, I can adjust them upwards then.
Build confidence first…get fancy later.
A Few Examples:
- I never use less than 7 men in pass protection.
- I never like to give my QB more than 2 receiver options before I want him to
tuck and run. That does not mean I never use more than 2 receivers.
- I prefer Rub routes over Combo routes.
- Any “passing” formations I use must be able to also support at least the
Power, Trap, Wedge, and G plays.
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Drills
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Drill
Landmark Passing
This helps teach my QBs to be consistent with their ball placement.
Have your QB stand 5 yards behind an imaginary LOS.
Tell him to throw the ball as far as he can from there at
a 45˚ angle. Mark the spot where the ball first lands.
Repeat this with a throw straight up field. These are his
“max” distances.
Now- Move those markers 15 yards closer and have
him throw until he can can land several consecutive
balls (you pick the #) within a 1 yard radius of the
markers. Then move it 5 yards back and repeat the
exercise. Repeat until you have reached a distance that
is 5 yards less than his original max throw.
XInitial (max) distance
X 2nd Test Distance
X
X1st Test Distance
X
QB
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Drill
Pass Reaction
This is not a “route reading” drill. It is for teaching decisive reactions and quick delivery
-A QB and 2 receivers align on the LOS.
Receivers are numbered 1 and 2
-QB is assigned a play action (5 step drop,
semi or full roll out).
-Each receiver is given a different route.
-2nd QB or coach kneels opposite the QB to
deliver a ‘snap’
-On cadence, all three execute their
assignment.
-Just prior to the QB completing his play
action (1 or 2 steps remaining) the coach
calls out the route he wants the ball thrown
to.
-The QB should plant, set and deliver the
ball to the designated receiver.
“2!”
coach
QB
Rec 1
Rec 2
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Drill
Handoff lines
A simple and classic old drill. Just as beneficial to QBs as it is to running backs.
-2 single file lines of ball carriers face each
other, offset by 1 yard and about 5 yards
apart.
- The first runner in each line jogs toward
the opposite line. One carries a football.
-The two runners perform a handoff at the
midpoint between the two lines.
-As soon as the handoff occurs the lead
runner in the line facing the man with the
ball takes off.
-The exchange is repeated and the cycle
begins again.
X
X
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Drill
Passing Lines
Nothing beats repetition for teaching a QB how to complete any given pass.
-1 single file line of receivers with a QB on
the LOS. Coach or 2nd QB kneels opposite
to deliver the snap.
- On the QB’s cadence the first receiver in
the line runs the designated route.
- QB takes the snap, executes the correct
drop, and delivers the ball
-Have two QBs alternate throwing and
snapping.
- This focused time for just the routes you’ll
be using in your game.
coach
QB
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Drill
Hot box
A great quick release and timing drill. Great for QBs and receivers alike.
-1 single file line of 5 or 6 receivers spaced
about 2 yards apart
- 2 QBs facing the receivers and 10 yards
away. Each has a ball.
- The QBs randomly alternate who they
throw to, never throwing to the same guy
two times in a row.
-Once a receiver has caught a ball he must
immediately deliver it right back to one of
the QBs.
-Keep this at a brisk pace.
QB
QB
QB Coaching Strategies
Improving the QB’s Passing Game
Drill
Visualizing the ball’s movement
This is not really a drill but it is a handy way to teach
QBs how to handle the ball on any given play
Running & Blocking Drills
Everything I talked about in ‘04 Dallas Symposium applies here.
For coaching points and techniques for teaching your QB how to
run and block, see that presentation
Building a Better DW
Quarterback
www.The-Endzone.net
Questions or Comments:
[email protected]