Football Toolbox

QB Footwork Mastery: Shuffle the Deck Drill for Accurate Throws On The Move

by

Aaron Pflugrad, Pass Game Coord, Michigan State

Watch the entire video, Drill to Skill: Building QB Mechanics on Glazier Drive.

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OVERVIEW This video demonstrates specialized quarterback footwork techniques focusing on making accurate throws while on the move. It covers two primary techniques: the “pop step” and the “toe punch fadeaway” – both designed to help quarterbacks stabilize their upper body when forced to move drastically out of the pocket.

POP STEP TECHNIQUE The pop step is executed when a quarterback needs to move to their left and still deliver an accurate throw. The footwork pattern is “right, left, left” which helps stabilize the upper body for accurate ball delivery. The video shows demonstrations of the technique at increasing speeds to simulate game situations, particularly when the quarterback is flushed from the pocket but still needs to make a throw downfield.

TOE PUNCH FADEAWAY TECHNIQUE This technique is used when a quarterback is moving to their right and needs to deliver an accurate throw. The key elements include:

  • “Pigeon toeing” the foot (planting the toe into the ground)
  • The opposite leg naturally swings up to help stabilize the upper body
  • Creates more power than a standard pass
  • Enables accurate off-platform throws when on the run

REAL-GAME APPLICATIONS The video includes multiple examples of these techniques being used in actual game situations:

  • Escaping pressure and delivering to checkdown receivers
  • Making throws while being flushed from the pocket
  • Converting broken plays into completions
  • Making accurate throws with defenders “barreling down”

IMPORTANCE FOR MODERN QBs In today’s game, quarterbacks must be able to deliver the football accurately while on the run. These techniques provide the mechanical foundation for consistently making these challenging throws under pressure.