Step by Step

About Step by Step

We’re going to get specific. “down and dirty”. Explain why we do it. That can be and most likely will be tedious for a QB They would just love to “pick up the ball and toss it around” As coaches we need to break down each element of the QB position, not for our sake, but for our QB’s sake. We want to teach him these elements at practice because during game we want him to be able to CORRECT HIMSELF. That’s our goal as coaches. The results can be amazing.

Center – QB Exchange

• QB’s feet - shoulder width apart – no unnecessary weight shifts • Knees bent comfortably and hips sunk comfortably to allow QB can get his hands under center. Fingertips should be able to brush knees. • Back Straight • Feet can be in a slight stagger with foot opposite throwing hand staggered slightly. Feet should be slightly “pigeon toed” –weight distribution, pivoting, prevents false steps, minimizes center stepping on the QBs foot. • Stand as tall as the center allows • Arms and shoulders bent slightly • Eyes looking downfield and side to side – Wide vision

Stance

Slight Stagger

Wide Vision – Eyes downfield

45 deg.

45 deg.

Back straight through hips

• Throwing hand on top and parallel to the ground • Fingers spread and strong – not tense • Fingers placed against Center’s butt – index finger on “brown spot” • Knuckles of top hand must apply pressure – let the center know you are there. Use bottom hand to press up against top – eliminates potential for separation. • Hand extends under center up to the heel of the hand

Center-QB Exchange

Hands – Top hand

Note the top hand position

Center-QB Exchange

•QB hands together at the palms • Non-throwing hand below and at about right angle to the throwing hand with thumbs set so the knuckle of the top hand is in the crease between the knuckle and base of the bottom hand’s thumb – “offset position” – QB gets center of the ball in his throwing hand. • Center should snap the ball straight upwards at a 45 degree angle to the top hand of the QB. The center will have to rotate the ball so that the laces are on the fingers of the QB’s throwing hand. Have your young center reach up and shake hands with QB’s top hand. That is exactly where he will snap the ball to.

Hands (continued)

Hands

• QB slightly “rides” the center – arms move slightly forward. This is accomplished by dropping the hips slightly downward at the snap. Hands close on the ball when the ball hits his top hand • Once received the bottom hand closes and the ball is immediately raised (“seated”) to the stomach level of the QB on the first step. QB’s elbows remain tight to his body.

Center-QB Exchange

Hands (continued)

Note ball position – QB has closed his hands

• If this is a handoff it is perfectly acceptable to seat the ball on the QB’s midsection.

• However, if it is a pass the ball should be brought to a position 3” away the chest plate on the second step with the points of the ball facing up to the sky and down to the ground

Center-QB Exchange

Hands (continued)

Ball seated in the midsection for handoff

Handoff

• Pivot can be direct or reverse – this is up to the coaches discretion. • Tell your QBs, “Let your eyes control your feet”. QB must get his head around to see the back, set the first step, and finally adjust his steps to the backs. • It is ABSOLUTELY the QB’s responsibility to insure the ball is in the backs “pocket”. The QB is the “dealer”. Look the ball into the pocket! • Keep the ball close to your body until you are ready to make the handoff •Get as much depth as possible

Great Focus – eyes lead

feet

Both hands secure ball

Pad level low

Handoff (continued)

• Drill handoffs S-L-O-W-L-Y… step by step until the back and QB are meshing properly. • Exchange comes with the same foot as the “give” hand –so on plays to the right it’s the left foot and both hands. On plays to the left it’s the right foot and both hands. • This gives maximum reach and balance • Once the ball is in the “basket” and as the RB begins to cradle the ball the QB removes his hand closest to the RB. Then he removes his front hand. Don’t lock the elbow of the give hand. •Open shoulder to the back… “open the gate” • CARRY OUT ALL FAKES AFTER THE HANDOFF

Play to the left – right foot

Note the hands after the handoff – Left hand at midsection with right hand extended – advanced follow though to set up a fake play action or boot to the right

Open shoulder – “open the gate”

Hand to the hip flexor- sets up

play action

Fake Handoff

• Everything must look exactly the same as a handoff – speed, steps, depth • Keys are eyes and shoulder position. • Eyes: must look the ball into the basket just as if it were a handoff • Shoulders must dip as if the ball will really be handed off • Ball should be placed in the backs basket but pulled out before hitting the back’s stomach

Focus same as run

Both hands secure

ball

Fake Handoff (cont.)

• Back should close on the ball and maintain both hands and arms as If he had the ball continuing at full speed to the line of scrimmage

• We teach tempo on the fake handoff: Fast to the back, slowly through the fake to sell it, fast to proper passing depth and position

• This fast, slow, fast momentum is worth taking time to instruct and youth QB’s find this concept somewhat difficult.

Note the pad levels of the QB and RB as the

RB closes in on the fake.

Front/give hand remains extended, ball brought back to right hip flexor (play action). Three points of contact: hands, wrist, hip flexor. On Boot to left ball goes to left hip flexor (vise

versa on boot to right).

Toss

• QB seats ball after the exchange • Reserve pivot - Toss right, the right foot becomes the pivot foot, vice versa to left. • On toss to right QB moves left foot directly about 200 degrees of the QB’s starting position under Center, vice versa to left. • It is better that the QB open his hips too far than not enough

Open hips

Toss (cont.)

• Head and eyes lock onto target first, body will follow • Pivot on play side foot (for right toss, right foot). Pull opposite leg directly through – not swung. • Prior to release the football should be at the upper right thigh (toss right), knees bent, both elbow extended down. • Toss ball so that RB can catch it in stride. Aiming point is outside shoulder of the back. Follow one step toward RB. Carry out boot fake.

Pitch

• Pitchout looks like a one hand basketball pass • Ball is seated at chest plate and gripped just like a pass • Step toward running back, extend hand toward target, follow through and finish with thumb down • Continue to run toward back for a step or two. Do not stop short. • Expect hit – be athletic Pitch looks like a

one hand basketball pass

Goal: Coach High Performance Mechanics

Deliver the ball to the receiver with consistency and accuracy •What does a QB need to do to accomplish that: 1. Accuracy depends upon spin/rotation of the ball – tight spiral 2. Accuracy depends on forward momentum - speed of the ball going toward the receiver 3. Accuracy depends upon using aerodynamics – tip of the ball elevated at the release point Next we will examine the key techniques/concepts to develop a successful QB 1. Pre-pass: Grip & Wrist Cock 2. Pass: Accelerate (Drive & Turn) - Elevate - Extend

The Grip - Finger Side

• Fore finger is placed about one inch from the top of the ball with the “line” of the first knuckle aligned on the seam of the ball. The forefinger is the last to leave the ball and this placement allows the forefinger to “flex” at the first knuckle departing extra spin to the ball. • PREFERENCES: Middle finger resting on the top of the laces. For players with smaller hands the middle finger can move back toward the rear tip of the ball. The ring finger is placed across the laces comfortably. If the pinkie finger reaches the laces it should be placed in between the laces. There is a tendency of some to place the pinkie finger on or across a lace… this may under stress cause a slight downward pull on the ball affective the flight of the ball • Football should be held with fingertips with a secure grip – not overly tight

The Grip - Thumb Side

• The most important aspect of the grip is that the thumb and second finger of the throwing hand are an equal distance from the top of the football creating a natural pocket between the palm and the ball – if you could stick a pin through the ball beginning in the nail of your middle finger the pin should penetrate the ball and come out the nail of your thumb. •This will guarantee that you will have 1) air between the ball and the palm of your hand and 2) the ball will be nose up at the 90 degree release point.

The Grip - Wrist

• The wrist position imparts strength to the finger tip and grip. This gives greater control to the release of the ball.

• Do NOT allow a wrist “curl” it weakens the grip on the ball and forces the nose of the ball down. When “curling” the wrist the tendons are “cut” off and finger pressure is greatly reduced.

• Do employ a wrist “cock”. To demonstrate this to your QB hold your arm out

straight and kick the leading edge of the ball away from you so it sits at about a 45 degree angle from your hand. You will see a slight crease in the skin near your wrist.

• A proper wrist cock will actually increase the distance the hand turns at the release of the ball. This imparts greater spin to the ball.

Passing

Pass essentials: 1. Tip of ball elevated 2. Wrist Cocked 3. Palm Pocket 4. Throwing elbow leads

All these conditions must be in place prior to reaching the 90 degree zero/neutral point in order to have any chance of making a consistent and accurate pass. To do this the QB must master three body elements: 1. Thumb on ball – pre-pass 2. Wrist cock – pre-pass 3. Elbow

Pre-Pass Position – During Drop & Settle

• Ball is at breast bone about 3-4 inches away • Points of the ball are pointed skyward and to the ground (approximately) • Elbows comfortable at your side • Shoulder of non-throwing arm pointed toward target • Head up eyes downfield • QB on the balls of his feet, knees slightly bent – athletic stance. • Feet are about shoulder width apart

Notice Grip

Initiation Point – Wrist Cock

• Ball PUSHED back to rear shoulder by non throwing hand – “Initiation point”

• Elbow of the throwing arm

is up and away from the body – this also assist in a proper wrist cock

• Wrist cocked – bottom tip

of the ball kicked out at 45 degree angle

• These moves are all done PRE-PASS

45 degrees

Throwing Motion – Push Technique

• Shoulder about parallel to the ground. Lead shoulder pointed toward receiver. • Feet begin initially shoulder width apart. QB on the balls of his feet. • PUSH – PULL Technique: Push the point to the “initiation point”. The throwing elbow is away from the body, the wrist is cocked. •Hip rotate (coil) slightly – at this point the ball should be at ear level

.

Elbow above shoulder level

Throwing Motion DRIVE - TURN - ELEVATE

• Short stride with lead foot – like a boxer throwing a jab. Land on the balls of your feet, never the heel. Use the “hinge” to gain momentum. The “hinge” is the movement of the front foot towards the back and then into the jab step. • This step initiates the throwing motion and happens just prior to and triggers the core turning. • DRIVE off the back leg through the front leg onto the front foot!! • Step just off and ahead of the target so that your belt buckle is right on the target at finish.

Belt buckle pointed to receiver

Left Arm pulls through

• Fire the abs – TURN vigorously toward target. • Non-throwing arm and upper body now pulls through as you lead with the elbow of your non- throwing arm – tell the kids to break glass with their non-throwing elbow. • As the non-throwing elbow fires the coaching point is to have your QB focus on getting the elbow of the throwing arm ELEVATED. Forget the ball. • This happens in one fluid motion

High elbow position places throwing arm in neutral slot – no stress on the shoulder, and increased accuracy on the pass

Non-throwing elbow is bent through the full range of the motion

Throwing Motion DRIVE - TURN – ELEVATE (cont.)

Throwing Motion (cont.)

• Elbow of throwing arm snaps downward vigorously leading the throw. Imagine having a horizontal piece of glass in the front and the throwing elbow will smash through the glass • The throwing hand wrist is snapped downward/pronated so that the thumb and index finger finish pointing down and the pinkie finger pointing up – like a basketball bounce pass. Fingers should “roll” off the ball. • FOLLOW THROUGH: throwing hand at inside opposite pocket. Throwing shoulder comes through and ends up pointing at the target. Back foot comes through like the QB is going to get the ball from the receiver

Elbow “breaks glass”

• As mentioned earlier the throwing elbow must be above the shoulder – otherwise it is impossible for the elbow to “lead” the wrist into the throw. Get elbow to Neutral/Zero

position - similar position to doing a triceps extension with a weight.

This is about 45 degrees up,

out, and forward of the shoulder line.

At this position there is no

strain on the shoulder joint. This insures we are in the

proper position to deliver the ball.

This motion occurs after the torso turns .

Throwing Motion Elevate-Collapse-Extend Notion of Elevate

Elbow above shoulder level

Throwing Motion Elevate-Collapse-Extend Notion of Collapse

Fold the arm • By increasing the angle of

the hand in relation to the shoulder plain you load the tricep and build up muscle strength/energy.

• This stored energy is what

we want to release as we deliver the ball.

• Collapse of the arm after

the torso turn • Proper arm collapse will

have the ball gliding by the ear on the throw. “throwing the ball from the ear”.

Tricep extension powers the ball

Angle where the arm was at initial collapse

Torso has turned

Throwing Motion Elevate-Collapse-Extend Notion of Extend

Fire the Tricep • All the motion of the body

is released through the tricep

• High shoulder position

allows the tricep to EXTEND imparting energy and forward momentum to the ball

• We cannot fire the tricep

unless we get the shoulder to the zero position

• When the tricep fires it

“carries” the wrist to the target . Elbow leads wrist through throw.

Tricep extension powers the ball

Finish position: • Upright • Should be able to see

the palm of the throwing hand. If you see the side or back of the hand it means the QB “slashed” across the ball.

• Non throwing arm ends

up behind the QB • Back foot “ideally”

(depends on pressure) comes through and towards target

Throwing Motion Finishing

Throwing Motion – Self Correction Coaching Points

Two major potential issues: 1. Elbow 2. Wrist Elbow: • Dropping below the

shoulder causes the wrist to cup and the QB to “slash” across the ball resulting in passes consistently below the shoulder level of the receiver.

Wrist: • Firing too early results in

consistent ball wobble – reduced spin on the ball

Summary: The Elements of High Performance Mechanics

Accelerate -Elevate-Extend

Accelerate off the Push – Drive & Turn 1. Short jab step – land on ball of front foot – initiates the ”firing” sequence of the

throwing motion 2. Drive off of back leg through front leg 3. Vigorously turn abs/core towards target – belt buckle on target – POWER PLANT Elevate on Turn – Elbow over shoulder 1. Get to Zero/Neutral position with wrist properly cocked Extend on Release – Load up triceps 1. Elbow leads wrist through throw 2. Triceps extend before wrist is fired

Three Step Drop

• QB must drop on “midline” to gain maximum depth and eliminate lateral drift • First Step: separation step – QB should strive to gain as much depth as possible – as much as his legs and athletic ability will allow • QB should get his head downfield immediately – chin snaps to non throwing shoulder • Second Step – Crossover step – sets up last step keep bulk of weight on front leg as you take third step • Third Step – Settling step – on the ball of your foot - stay within the framework of your body

Plant on third step and throw

Great grip Shoulder pointed toward target

Short jab step

Three Step Drop (cont.)

• No hitch steps allowed, QB must hit third step, settle, hinge, take his 6 inch jab step, and throw • Should expect 3.5 -4 yards of depth from younger QBs. This depth should be increased for older youth players to 4.5 -5 yards. • Should get to pre-pass position in about 1.7-1.9 sec. • Should deliver ball in about 2.4 -2.6 seconds • NO ONE OPEN – RUN • Always try to escape pass rush up into pocket and not out around

Ball carried at breast bone while dropping back

Five Step Drop

• QB must drop on “midline” to gain maximum depth and eliminate lateral drift • First Three Step: depth steps – Separation/Crossover/Crossover. QB should strive to gain as much depth as possible – as much as his legs and athletic ability will allow • QB should get his head downfield immediately – chin snaps to non throwing shoulder • Fourth Step – sets up last step keep bulk of weight on front leg as you take fifth step • Fifth Step – on the ball of your foot - stay within the framework of your body •Settle/shuffle Step up in direction of the target – deliver the ball

Great grip Shoulder pointed toward target

Short jab step

Throwing on the Run

• For Play action – everything has got to look like run. Let your eyes lead your feet, dip your shoulders at the mesh point, place ball in RB’s basket and remove – SELL IT. • Ball must go to a position 3-4 inch from the QB breast plate, while keeping both hands on the ball, swing shoulders/arms to maintain speed and balance

Run downhill towards receiver

Throwing on the Run (cont.)

• Gain depth – 6.5 - 7 yards from line of scrimmage • Turn hips and run downhill toward receiver • Chop your steps down while bringing your chest up – straighten up. • Righty QB throw off right foot • After pass continue to follow through by running towards receiver as if to get the ball back from him

• Strive to groove proper muscle memory by the progressive teaching of the passing mechanics using the drills (to follow)

• Each movement leads into the next to form one smooth, seamless, and repeatable delivery of the football to the target

• Strive to teach self correction – it will be your greatest ally on the football field.

Muscle Memory Development

Quick Hands 1) Squeeze ball drill (quick drop and regrip) 2) Behind the back (basketball drill) 3) Figure 8 (through the legs) 4) Figure 8 10 yard walk forward and back 5) Between the legs drop and catch

Side Straddle over Line Each QB lines up at yardage

marker Starting with both feet together Jump back and forth over line Repeat 20 times Then on right foot only Jump back and forth over line Then on left foot only Jump back and forth over line 10 reps each for single foot

Alternate Foot Shuffle/Dancer Each QB lines up at yardage marker

Starting on left foot hop over line landing on right foot

Fire two quick steps (left then right)

Then quickly while standing on your right foot hop over line to your left foot

Fire two quick steps (right then left)

Repeat for a count of 20 reps

2

3

1

4

5 6 7

Box Straddle Each QB lines up at

yardage marker Starting with both feet

together hop in the form of a box

Repeat 20 times Then hop on right foot

only for 20 reps Then left foot only for 20

reps

The first several drills will take a pair of QBs and have them face each other from some distance apart. They are not in a normal pass position but rather set such that they are looking directly at each other with their shoulders parallel to each other

One Knee facing receiver Dominant knee down Lift ball up from ground as if

taking a snap to Pre-pass position. Cock wrist.

Push ball to ear maintain contact on ball with both hands focusing on trunk torque – “show a little back number”

Make the pass focusing on driving (Pull) non throwing elbow past ribs

Make sure the throwing elbow is at shoulder level or slightly higher on pass

Freeze on finish with throwing hand to inside opposite leg, thumb pointing to ground, and off hand behind. Focus on pinpoint accuracy

High Release facing receiver Dominant knee down

Pick ball up from ground with fingertips of throwing hand only. Cock wrist while placing the ball on the ground.

Extend ball straight overhead

Throw with arm straight

Finish with thumb to crotch, and off hand behind

Focus on high release and vertical accuracy; bisect center of body of target

Sitting facing receiver Sitting down Ball at pre-pass position. Push

to initiation point. Wrist cocked Push ball focusing on trunk

torque – “show a little back number”

Throw straight overhead focusing on driving non throwing elbow past ribs

Finish with throwing hand to inside thigh of opposite leg, thumb down, and off hand behind

Focus on vertical accuracy; bisect center of body of target

Standing, Feet Parallel facing receiver Push ball to initiation point with

non throwing hand. Cock wrist.

Torso twist

Elevate throwing shoulder

Throw straight overhead focusing on driving non-throwing elbow past ribs and driving throwing elbow down

Freeze on finish throwing hand to inside opposite leg, thumb down, and off hand behind

Focus on pinpoint accuracy

EXTEND DRILL: Standing, Feet Parallel facing receiver No torso turn.

Elevate throwing shoulder – wrist cocked.

Have receiver point to one eye, switch eye with each repetition

Throw straight overhead focusing on driving the wrist directly at the target (eye). Freeze wrist in space after it is pronated.

Elbow stays in neutral position – do not drive elbow to target

Focus on pinpoint accuracy

VERTICAL EXTEND DRILL: Standing, Feet Parallel Each QB can do this drill alone

Tilt head back throw ball above head

Focusing on driving the wrist through the ball. Fire tricep first then wrist.

We want the ball to come down at our face – too far in front or behind we fired the wrist too soon.

EXTEND DRILL - Last 6 Inches: Standing, Feet Parallel facing receiver No torso turn.

Elevate throwing shoulder – wrist cocked.

Extend arm to nearly full extension – tricep nearly extended

Wrist will be inside elbow set at 45 degrees – this is important. We need the hand to be able to rotate up and into the ball.

Fire and pronate wrist to target

Focus on the timing between tricep and wrist – tricep has fired, wrist is next

EXTEND DRILL – Drop Extend: Standing, Feet Parallel facing receiver Start same as the Last 6 Inches

drill

Drop hand back on to the shoulder line ball by ear.

Throw ball with high release

Focus on the timing between tricep and wrist – tricep has fired, wrist is next

Goal is to tie together the sense of extending the wrist past the elbow with the extension of the tricep. Build acceleration with the tricep then fire the wrist.

EXTEND DRILL – Under the Chin: Standing, Feet Parallel facing receiver No torso turn.

Place ball directly under the chin (not touching) Wrist lined up directly over the elbow (like free throw)

Extend tricep, then fire wrist. Gain elevation with arm. Hit receiver in forehead – only acceptable target: hand turns much better at height

Be patient let the wrist get out before the elbow before firing the wrist. Feel the fore finger and middle finger leave the ball together. Wobbly ball means wrist fired to soon.

Standing, Opposite Foot Forward facing receiver Heel to toe stagger facing receiver

Push ball to initiation point. Cock wrist. Focus on trunk torque – “show a little back number”

Throw straight overhead focusing on driving non-throwing elbow past ribs

Freeze on finish throwing hand to inside opposite leg, thumb down, and off hand behind

Focus on pinpoint accuracy

Bounce to Throw Start with feet parallel facing the receiver

Ball in pre-pass position

Jump/Bounce to normal passing position

Push ball to “initiation point”. Cock wrist.

Continue to push ball to ear focusing on trunk torque – “show a little back number”

Jap Step

Throw straight overhead focusing on driving non-throwing elbow past ribs

Freeze on finish throwing hand to opposite pocket, thumb down, follow through with back leg

Focus on pinpoint accuracy

Rapid Toss 2 QBs line up 10 yards apart

#1 with balls jogs at #2 as he backpedals, and throws to the chin

They then switch and #2 runs at #1

Catch, gather, and release ball as quickly as possible

5-10 reps each

3 Step Drop and Plant 1st step is kick step (reading)

2nd step is cross over under control - lead with heel, get weight under control

3rd step is plant directly under rear shoulder - landing on toes gives a quicker weight transfer for a quicker release

Throwing left or right - Plant with rear foot angled about 45 degrees left or right depending on which direction throwing ball

During the drop the QB should hold ball in center of chest and rock naturally from arm pit to arm pit.

Do not separate front hand from ball too early (before your weight is properly directed off the drive of your legs). Doing so will create accuracy issues

kick

3.5 - 4

yards

Three Step Drop & Pass Try to use lines on the field •QBs facing each other 7-10 yards apart straddling a yard line one of the QB’s will start the drill with a ball. •Simulate snap by taking ball in non-passing hand and “snapping” the ball to passing hand •Ball to Pre-pass position •Take three step drop •Deliver pass no hitch steps •Add throw to right/left – back foot position Coach: watch to make sure QB finishes with back foot on line – no drifting. Make sure they deliver the ball as soon as they hit the third step no false steps.

Z Drop Drill 3 and/or 5 Step Try to use lines on the field .

3/5 step drop 3/5 step drop

Sprint

Sprint

• Set up cones at depth to accommodate your QB (4 -4.5 for 3 step, 5-5.5 for 5 step)

• Take 3 or 5 step drop • Settle on last step • Sprint diagonally to

opposite cone • Take 3 or 5 step drop • Settle on last step • Sprint diagonally to

opposite cone.

Coach/QB Relationship

• Mutual trust –especially with younger players • Good communications. Clear explanations – clear expectations. • Technique corrections: 1. one or two issues at a

time at most 2. Only at practice – no

technique corrections at a game

3. Don’t confuse the QB – that’s on the coach

“Focus and Extend” – game suggestion to QB.

“A Quarterback is like a tea bag, you don’t know what you have until you put it in hot water” …Sam Rutigliano

Coach/QB Relationship (cont.)

What should coaches look for:

• Athlete – but this is not

as important as intangibles

• Self discipline – puts in the time

• Confident in himself and his teammates

• Pride • Mental toughness • Leader • Focus while having FUN