Post on 15-Apr-2017
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