BUILDING A QUARTERBACK FROM THE GROUND UP
Quarterback is the most unique position in all of football. It is played with athletic arrogance and quick decision – making. QB performance plays a major influence on the outcome of a game. No other position demands such a burden of accountability, mental toughness, or the ability to pass the football with superior accuracy.
What common attributes do many of the successful Quarterbacks in the game today possess?
The natural ability of the Quarterback is often times of less importance than the mental requirements. However, the more physical skills he possesses, the better chance a QB has of becoming a “Championship” player. I believe you build the physical skills of a Quarterback from the ground up, whether he is a High School Freshman or a Rookie in the NFL.
Footwork is critical to a QB’s success. He needs to have proper balance and rhythm with his feet, hips and shoulders – along with proper placement of the lead (front) foot as he sets his platform (stance arrow) to deliver the football. Jumping rope helps footwork and balance, but this agility exercise must be practiced on a regular basis ( 3 sets of 60 second repetitions). Working on footwork should be a major goal of the off-season and summer work-outs. Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh, when he first worked with the great Joe Montana, would focus on QB footwork without even using a football. This type of drill sharpens a QB’s readiness to “Throw with his Feet First”….
Another QB attribute is “Superior Accuracy” in a QB’s passing skill. Delivering the ball to a defined area onto the Receiver’s body allowing him to gain additional yardage after the catch. This is “Superior Accuracy”. This type of passing skill requires numerous repetitions and can be initiated with every warm-up pass. Each warm-up throw begins with the QB taking a rhythm step (cross-over) with his eyes focused on a defined target (Strike Point) attached to the Receiver’s body prior to his delivery and hitting the Strike Point with each warm-up pass. This Strike Point target can be the Receiver’s chest, right shoulder, helmet, neckline or left numeral on the jersey. The QB is coached to focus his eyes on the defined “Strike Point” before his throwing action begins and continues to track the designated target with his eyes as the ball is caught by the Receiver.
When a Quarterback strives to improve his accuracy, he gives his offense the chance to possess the ball on drives that generate points.
The Quarterback position carries a high volume of specific skills needed for success. The ability of a Quarterback to get his team into the End Zone underscores the QB position more than any other. And the more physical skills a QB owns, the better chance he gives his offense the opportunity to score and his team to WIN.
