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QB Training
I am going to start a great debate by saying “Why
isn’t their any Canadian Quarterbacks in the
CFL?” I am sure there are many opinions out there
whether true or not but I firmly believe there is no
one answers to all of this but we as coaches need to
do a better job of instructing young Quarterbacks.
This is not only at the high school level but more between the ages of 8-13 years
old. This is when a child can develop not only physically but mentally as well.
What can we do?
In my five part series on Quarterback development
over the upcoming weeks I will go over:
1. Qualities of a Good Quarterback Part 1
2. Qualities of a Good Quarterback Part 2
3. Drops- Drills and Technique
4. Throwing Mechanics Part 1
5. Throwing Mechanics Part 2
Many people believe a good quarterback is one who
can just throw the furthest. Don’t laugh, I was
at an all-star camp and was asked by the head coach
to have the Quarterbacks just drop and throw as far
as they could. They choose their starting Quarterback
from this one drill!
What are some things that I look for when
I choose a Quarterback?
1. Mental and Physical Toughness -
QB’s seem to get all the glory when things are
going well but they also take much of the grief when
a team is not performing to par- . I want to see a
QB’s reaction after throwing an interception
or throwing a few bad balls. How do they react and
overcome this? The great quarterbacks are able to come
right back and lead their team down the field and forget
what just happened. Can the Quarterback stand back
there and throw the perfect ball and wait to the last
second knowing he will be hit? Over the years I have
played with some great Quarterbacks and watched numerous
others. The one characteristic that is common to all
is that they will take the hit for the team. There
is no better way to gain the respect of teammates than
this. Lets be honest, football is a physical game and
most Quarterbacks are untouchable during practice while
everyone else are full contact! Not only do you receive
the respect from your team but the opponent will then
know whatever we do we cannot rattle this guy.
2. Does he have some athletic ability? -
There are going to be numerous times in a game when
things breakdown such as WR falling down or someone
didn’t pick up that safety blitz when a QB will
need to improvise and create. Seldom does a Quarterback
just drop back and throw without any external factors
such as lineman in his face. This is why I have my
young Quarterbacks practice throwing off balance and
in awkward positions at times. Don’t’ get
me wrong, our Quarterbacks practice the proper mechanics
of throwing at least 95% of the time during camps but
I like to prepare them to throw when things breakdown.
True athletic ability is not just running a great 40
yard dash. I basically want a Quarterback who can create
some more time in the pocket. A good example would
be the Hall of Farmer Dan Marino. Dan probably needed
a sun dial to time his forty he could avoid rushes
with the little movements in the pocket and throw darts
all over the field.
3. Manage a Game – Quarterbacks
such as Tom Brady are truly great managers on the football
field. Good QB’s take what the defense gives
them, rarely force throws and ultimately make good
decisions. Good managers exude confidence which spills
over to every other player on his team. More and more
coaches understand that the Quarterback does not need
them to singly win the game on their own. They can
surround the QB with good talent and have the QB distribute
the ball to the playmakers.
Larry Jusdanis, SST Director
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