This post is part 2 of Quarterback Fundamentals. Click here to read: Quarterback Fundamentals Part 1
As mentioned previously, many different ingredients are necessary in the make-up of a quarterback, it is usually the degree of ability as a passer that separates the “average” quarterback from the really great one. This may be puzzling to some people since there are many athletes who can throw a football a long ways with a nice spiral but, there is a tremendous difference, however, between a “Thrower” and a “Passer”.
If an athlete really has the desire to become a “Passer”, it has been proven beyond all doubt that he can strengthen his passing arm and improve both his distance and his accuracy, providing he is willing to make the effort that is necessary for this improvement. Below you will find fundamental techniques a quarterback should master are listed below:
Gripping the Football:
The hand is placed so that the grip is on the back third of the ball with the little finger being within about a half inch from the mid-point of the ball. The grip should be made primarily with the finger tips although the palm of the hand may be slightly touching the ball. The first three fingers (little finger, ring finger, and middle finger) should be evenly spaced. The index finger takes a wider spread than the other fingers and at more of an angle back toward the point of the ball. The index finger is the controlling is the controlling factor and should be the last finger to leave the football as it is released. This helps to keep the nose of the ball up which makes for a “Softer” pass to catch. The thumb should almost make a right angle to the index finger, and should rest on the other side of the ball.
Getting Ready To Throw The Ball:
The sooner the quarterback can get set to throw the more time he will have to look over the field. Therefore, it becomes important for a quarterback to take the ball from the center and move to the position where he is going to set up and throw just as rapidly as he possible can while still maintaining his balance. It is best no matter what the depth of the quarterback’s pass set is, use as few steps as possible (avoid the common mistake of taking a false step forward when pushing back away from the center or from the gun.)
When the quarterback reaches the spot from where he is going to pass from he should stand as erect as possible just prior to making the actual throw. This enables him to get a good view of the field, the pattern of the defense, and the position of his potential receivers. The quarterback’s feet should be fairly close together with his weight forward on the balls of his feet, instead of back on the heels, so, the quarterback will be in a position to shift his weight properly as he makes his delivery. This also furnishes him with the balance in any direction if it is necessary to set up in the “Pocket” of his protection, or to suddenly take off and run if his receivers are covered.
The quarterback should stand with his feet relatively close together because this makes it easier to step forward with his lead foot as he makes his throw. As the quarterback starts to throw, nearly all his weight should be on his right foot if he is right handed and off his left foot if left handed. As a right handed quarterback sets to throw, he should take a stride of about 16 inches with his left foot in the direction of the receiver. As the ball leaves the quarterback’s hand, it is helpful if he forms the habit of dragging his near foot forward until it comes almost parallel with the forward foot. This will also put him in a position to react in any direction and dodge any hard rush.
As the quarterback sets to throw, the ball should be held in both hands, level with and a few inches to the side of the right ear if right handed. Two hands should be kept on the ball for as long ass possible for two important reasons:
1) If the quarterback gets hit from the blind side there is far less chance of a fumble with two hands than there would be if you set with the ball in one hand with the non-passing arm out in front or down to the side.
2) The quarterback can make a much better fake when passing if he has both hands on the ball. This enables him to draw the ball back and really bring it forward sharply in a passing motion by “pumping” it forward into his non-passing hand, thus, these are key points to remember and emphasize when setting your drills.
The Throwing Motion
Just prior to throwing, the right shoulder should be cocked back, but the ball should dip slightly as it is drawn back. Avoid the bad habit of “Winding Up” by swinging the ball down to the waist level before deciding to throw. This tips off the quarterbacks intentions when throwing and it takes much longer to deliveer the ball. While delivering the ball, exaggerate throw the elbow out in front of the body so that the point of the ball will stay up. This will enable the ball to carry further and makes for a softer pass to catch. The quarterback should use considerable amount of wrist snap by drawing the fingers and the hand inward and downward or even slightly outside. It is this snap that provides the spiral necessary in a well thrown pass.
Rather than ever throwing the ball wildly or out of control and hoping that it might come down in the arms of one of his teammates , a quarterback should remember that four things take priority whenever he goes back to pass:
1. Complete The Pass – obviously , the quarterback should stay in the pocket and deliver the ball to an open receiver if at all possible, design drills that will help the quarterback feel the pocket when stepping up to throw.
2. Run – If the quarterback’s receivers are cover the quarterback should take off on his own and try to fight his way back tto the L.O.S. Design drills that teaches the quarterback to scramble to his left and then to his right.
3. Waste The ball – If all of the quarterbacks receivers are covered and it is impossible for him to run, try to safely waste the ball rather then take a big loss. If the quarterback throws over the head of a receiver running down the sideline, or at the feet of a nearby receiver, there is little danger of a throw being intercepted or the officials throwing a flag for deliberately throwing the ball away.
4. Take The Loss – This is the final option and should only be used as a last resort when you don’t have time to locate your receivers or to run the ball or even waste throwing the ball wildly and taking the chance of an interception.
Before all things mentioned in the preceding paragraphs can be remembered, a quarterback must have considerable experience under game or scrimmage conditions (repetition is the key to learning). One of my coaches told me along time ago that if you want to condition a learned
response or technique you need to do it at least 16 times a day during practice sessions.
The quarterback must become accustomed to looking down the field at three, four, and possible five receivers on any given throw, while defenders are trying to get a piece of him. Although these things can be accomplished during the season, there are a great many drills an individual can do on his own, or just with one other person to catch the ball. If you use the drills illustrated in this manual a few times each week a quarterback can strengthen his throwing arm and improve his passing abilities.
About the Author of this post:
Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience. He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches. He has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series. Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.