Quarterback play is, of course, critical to a team’s success. Therefore developing great fundamentals at that position is something that all coaches must work on. Throwing mechanics, footwork, accuracy/power, and decision making are just a few of the fundamentals that must be developed in your quarterbacks.
In the video below Coach Kevin Gilbride, widely regarded as an excellent developer of quarterbacks, demonstrates a couple of footwork drills that he has utilized in working with quarterbacks. Coach Gilbride has over 20 yrs of experience in the NFL as a Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator. Coach Gilbride is a two-time Super Bowl Champion as the Offensive Coordinator of the New York Giants.
The clip is just a sample of a complete training program for quarterbacks. For more information about the DVD that this clip came from click the link Drills for Coaching the Quarterback
The YouTube video has sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site.
Quarterbacks are not lucky enough to always have a clean pocket. The defense will win some of their battles up front. QB’s must be able to move and adjust the position while maintaining a strong narrow base as this will help to make their release quicker and more accurate. Coach Gilbride states that must be trained to be confident with their feet and keep their eyes trained downfield.
Here he demonstrates two drills that he calls “Elways”. In the first drill the QB will make a simple 5 step drop and at the top of the drop a coach (standing at the line of scrimmage) will simply point right or left. The QB will then take on quick step in that direction, re-establish his narrow base and fire the ball accurately to a stationary receiver.
The second drill requires the QB to begin is drop and on the coaches signal will move up, back, right and left until given another direction by the coach. After just a couple movements the coach instructs the QB to throw. He must quickly establish his narrow base and execute a strong accurate pass with correct fundamentals to a stationary receiver.
Simple but effective drill to train the QB to move within the pocket while maintaining a proper base that allows him to throw quickly and accurately.