Developing a Quarterback

As a former Canadian Quarterback, I understand and appreciate what young QB’s are dealing with these days. I remember telling people I was going to become a professional QB and their usual response was “play slot back or full back”. Now that statement made me work harder! I firmly believe Canadian QB’s are not getting a fair chance because they are not being developed properly. With this article SST is taking a different approach. Here’s a plan, including what an athlete needs to know to be a better quarterback, not just through strength and conditioning, but through skills training.

Develop proper throwing mechanics including:

• Correct grip
• Proper wrist position
• Throwing elbow height
• Lead elbow
• Delivery
• The throw
• Lead foot placement
• Follow through

Drops:
Whenever I’m at a QB Camp or Combine I see the quarterbacks warming up by standing 10-15 yards apart throwing the ball. Is this how the throw is done in a game? Practice throws with your drops. If you don’t have a partner to throw to, just DROP! Practice your drops until they become instinctive.

Some coaching points SST would like to pass on (no pun intended) are:

Drops should look the same every time except for the depth. This is the key to success on every passing play.

• Different drops must be used for different patterns
• We preach 'get back and set-up as fast as possible'
• Keep your head looking downfield at all times.
• PERFORM LOTS OF QUALITY REPS!

I could write a page of comments for each of the points mentioned above, but for the purpose of this article we will keep it short and simple. These are just some of the things I look at when analyzing a QB. As a QB you must be your harshest critic. During practice make sure you are doing the little things such as following through and leading with your lead elbow.

Here are a few problems, each with a solution. Remember, you don’t have to be perfect, but you must strive to be your personal best every time.

Ball Wobbles
Potential problems and solutions:
Trying too hard - take a little off the throw
Improper grip - palm is on ball - Check grip and THUMB!
Wrist action - lazy snap - concentrate on wrist drills for snapping
Dropping elbow - work on keeping the elbow high
Too much pressure on ball - be sure your grip is even, using all fingers

Ball is too High
Potential problems and solutions:
Throwing off back foot - practice full weight transfer
Releasing ball too high - hold on to the ball a little longer
Shorter throws - keep front shoulder down slightly
Not clearing with lead elbow - push and pull - concentrate on follow through
Locking front knee and landing on heel - play lower and keep knees flexed

The bottom line is every coach will have his or her theories on how to throw the ball and what it takes to be a better quarterback. All SST wants to pass along is that you should work on the fundamentals of the game. Learn how to pass the ball, not just throw it. Work on your drops, it may seem boring at first, but will definitely prove to be an ally in the future. Remember, Michael Jordan became the best NBA player not by winning dunk contests but rather making the clutch jump shots (sound fundamentals) which he practiced every day.

Larry Jusdanis, SST Director