Transform Your QB’s Release Time with This Simple Footwork Technique & Drill

This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.

A quick release can be the difference between a completion and a sack, yet many struggle to teach this crucial skill effectively.

In this Video Minnesota Offensive Analyst Keegan O’Hara breaks down the Punch Plant technique – a game-changing footwork drill that has helped countless quarterbacks drastically reduce their release time while maintaining accuracy and power.  You will hear a discussion and see both practice and game videos.

The entire clinic is available on Glazier Drive at: QB Technique for Quick Game & Dropback.

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Coach O’Hara, discusses their offensive evolution from RPOs to quick game concepts, explaining that while RPOs are still effective for high school, Big 10 defenses have learned to combat them effectively. Their solution was to adapt NFL-style quick game concepts (sticks, arrows, slants) into their offense.

The main focus is teaching the “punch plant” footwork technique:

Initial Setup:

• QB starts with left foot forward, right foot back
• Right foot’s toe should be slightly behind the left foot’s heel
• Maintains balanced, athletic position
• Arms extended

The Technique:

1. First Movement: “Punch step” with the left foot moving back
2. Plant feet quickly to be ready to throw
3. If first read isn’t available, QB pushes back slightly for depth
4. Uses short, concise steps (“cutting grass” technique) when progressing through reads
5. Maintains consistent eye level throughout progressions

Key Teaching Points:

• Route depths with punch plant typically don’t exceed 6 yards
• Emphasizes rhythm and constant foot movement
• Quick release is essential – ball should be out in less than a second
• Practice should over-emphasize the push-back movement
• Technique works for both right and left side throws (slightly easier to left for right-handed QBs)

The transcript includes examples from both practice footage and game situations, featuring a quarterback named Max demonstrating proper execution of the technique while progressing through multiple reads.