5-Step Drop

The 5-step passing game consists of much longer developing pass plays and deeper routes than the quick, 3-step game. The routes that accompany a 5-step drop are skinny/deep posts, comebacks, deep-outs, streaks, digs, curls, out-and-ups, etc.

For the 5-step drop, the quarterback will be adding an additional two-steps (one cross over and one big step) from the 3-step. On the final big step, the QB must plant with the back foot and shuffle forward slightly with a gather step to gain momentum and get a hair closer to the line of scrimmage. The QB needs to be at least 7-yards deep, no longer, no shorter. On most 5-step drops, there will be a wait because the receiver needs a little more time to get into the route. While waiting, the QB must keep the feet moving (as if "crushing pebbles"). This keeps the QB from becoming flat-footed which kills momentum and technique. It also gives the QB the ability to deliver a quality throw to both sides of the field because his feet will be in the proper ready position to step wherever needed (right or left). Avoid getting too close to the line of scrimmage. The lineman will be creating a pocket, which the QB should be delivering from.

Points to focus on:

1. Proper depth of the 5-step drop (7-yards).
2. Drop on a STRAIGHT line, do not drift to the right or left (end up in the arms of a DE).
3. Stare down field or away from your receivers at all times. QBs should be able to recognize defensive back movements and coverages and use peripheral vision to see receivers.
4. Big step - crossover - big step - crossover - big step - plant on final step and shuffle forwards.
5. Shuffle forwards but still try to keep as much depth as possible.
6. Keep the feet moving - "crushing pebbles".
7. Deliver the football.

Throwing the Long Ball

Focus on a few main points when throwing the long ball:

1. Exhale before you throw, releasing any tension and tightness in the upper body.
2. Create slight momentum (small shuffle steps forward) going towards your target. Beware - Even though you need momentum forward, try not to take too much depth away from your drop; try to stay as far away from the line of scrimmage as possible.
3. Short stride, allowing yourself to get over the front foot.
4. High release, in front of your body (as if your throwing over a bar).
5. Finish by following through all the way to your hip - don't be afraid to over-exaggerate.

DO NOT muscle the throw, stay smooth and let it fly.

Throwing on the Run

Throwing on the run may be one of toughest things to do as a quarterback. A quarterback's accuracy decreases dramatically while throwing on the run however it is a strategy that can really opens up offensive options and stress a defense.

The quarterback needs to place great emphasis on depth while rolling out, especially to the side opposite of his throwing arm. Depth will help the quarterback to achieve proper shoulder rotation, left shoulder facing down field (right handed QB) or right shoulder facing down field (left handed QB). Pull the opposite shoulder out of the way while throwing so you get the proper throwing rotation and release the football out in front. Quarterback's need to OVER emphasize the follow through after throwing, and continue to run AT the target. This will make the throw much, much more accurate and pretty.

Note: If a defensive end or linebacker shoots downfield in a contain position, try to set up and throw rather than try and get around him. Eyes should be down field recognizing where the defensive backs are in relation to receiver routes.

Focus On:

1. Proper depth, always looking down field.
2. Opposite shoulder facing UP field.
3. Pull the opposite shoulder out of the way while throwing, so you get the proper throwing rotation, releasing the football out in front.
4. Emphasis on follow through.
5. Continue to run AT target for accuracy.
6. Run FULL SPEED, slowing down will cause your body to be out in front of your arm.

Throwing the Fade

Quick notes on throwing the fade ball:

1. Do NOT over stride, always take a short, controlled stride while throwing.
2. Pretend you are throwing over a bar, release the ball out in front of your body, and emphasize a long, proper follow through (hand finishing at the inside of opposite hip).
3. Do NOT muscle the football, keep the upper body relaxed and let if fly.
4. Following through is going to give the football the proper "drop in" motion.
5. Do not throw at the receiver, lead him, dropping the ball in over the shoulder closest to the sideline.
6. Throw the ball from the numbers and out, anything inside the numbers gives the safety an opportunity to come over top and make a play.
   

Note #1 on Dropping Back - Looking Down Field

Quarterbacks commonly stare at the ground while dropping back (3-5-7 and even rolling out). This is a terrible habit because it prevents the Quarterback from looking down field and seeing what's going on in front of him (defensive coverages and shifts, receivers routes, blitzes, etc.).

Quarterbacks: Always look down field...Stare at Safeties is a great habit – making it difficult to determine which side or what pattern you are throwing too.

1. While dropping back, stare at the defender and force him to make decision on who or where to cover.
2. If it's a run play, stare at safety before the snap of the ball, don't give anything away.
3. Make your read and deliver.

3-Step Drop

3-step drops are normally high percentage pass plays. Routes are much quicker and much shorter than 5-step routes. It's critical for the QB to deliver the football at the proper moment because receivers are only open for a short time during the quickly developing patterns.

3-Step Drop:

• Big step with lead foot, staying on a straight line.
• Crossover step, as far as possible.
• Big step, balancing weight as you land.

On the final step, quarterbacks shoulder be balanced (with a slight lean towards their target) and ready to deliver the football. Never take a shuffle step forward at the conclusion of the drop because it is crucial to get as far back from the line of scrimmage as possible. 3-step drops should ideally be 5 yards deep to prevent any collision with offensive lineman and provide room to step and throw. Quarterbacks should count in their heads as you take your drop - think 1-2-3-balance and throw. Think quick and make sure you get your depth.

Holding the Football While Dropping Back

Over and over again I see Quarterback's drop the football from under the chin to the stomach prior to throwing the football.

I'm a firm believer in keeping the football up under the chin at all times, whether your dropping back, rolling out or simply having a catch.

The quarterback also needs to keep both hands on the football, for ball protection and to keep proper throwing mechanics (proper rotation, proper balance of shoulders and proper arm momentum).

Finally, this technique makes you look like a real quarterback!!

Elite Football Network using Boomja Technology!

Readers,

Elite Football Network - EFN -- http://football.boomja.com.  

I made using Boomja technology (the internet organization project). It's great stuff.  You can check out Boomja at www.boomja.com.  It's still in the works but has loads of content up already... so check it out!! 

You can create your own subject directory -- it's free.

Thanks!

The Quarterback Blog Live Once Again!

Quarterback Blog Supporters,

The Quarterback Blog is live once again.  New, fresh content will now be be posted weekly detailing skills, drills, everything and anything dealing with quarterbacks.  

I apologize for the dry spell of quarterback content.  I was fininishing up my last semester of college abroad in London, England.  I'm now an official graduate of the University of Delaware.

While I was overseas, I trained quarterbacks from all over England. Believe it or not, American football is thriving across the pond and is growing rapidly.  There are nearly 50 University teams throughout the country as well as adult, youth and junior leagues.

Check out the British American Football league websites:

• British American Football League (BAFL)
  
• British Universities American Football League (BUAFL)

Best Regards,

Evan Bowen
Quarterback Coach

Grooming a Quarterback

BlueandGold.com Article Link

by TOMPAGNA
Staff

Great teachers employ different methods. Once they find a successful pattern they adopt it until something even better appears. There are those who attempt to have you see the “whole tree,” and others explore “each leaf” before a summation exists. Grooming a quarterback is a bit of each. Though there are individual parts to learn, none of the parts function alone. That makes it very logical to teach each part separately but in conjunction with all the others.

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The Pigskin Pass Benefiting Special Olympics Delaware and Maryland

Each year there are over 360,000 student-athletes who are given the opportunity to compete in the NCAA athletic programs. Student-athletes, like us, are given a chance to achieve personal and athletic success through our participation. Having these experiences changes our lives and gives us the confidence to succeed.

Special Olympics provides the same opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities; embodying and encouraging them through the spirit of athletics. In an effort to increase awareness and raise funds for these extraordinary individuals, the Student Athlete Advisory Councils from Towson University and the University of Delaware will host the Third Annual Pigskin Pass. Information for the 2008 event coming soon.

Help support Special Olympics Programs by making a contribution that will help off-set the cost to the participants in the 16 different sports as well as provide experiences that will positively change their lives. Contributions, of any size, will make a difference, and can easily be made online at http://www.pigskinpass.com/ or by mail.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of making a contribution toward this worthy cause. As student-athletes we have a unique opportunity to accomplish goals both in the classroom and on the playing field. Your support will encourage Special Olympic athletes to reach their goals and achieve success through these inspiring programs.

• P.A.W.S. (Proud Athletes Who Serve)
• Student-Athlete Advisory Committee - Towson University
• Student-Athlete Advisory Council - University of Delaware

www.pigskinpass.com

The Quarterback Stance

Click Here to go to Quarterbacking 101 Site

• Head - the head is straight up.
• Eyes - focused straight ahead.
• Shoulders - slightly in front of the hips.
• Arms - extended forward under the center's backside.
• Hand - placed on top of each other with the palms in, throwing hand on top, fingers spread with the middle finger placed on the center's pant seam. Pressing the hands into the center's backside is the signal the quarterback is comfortable and ready for the exchange.
• Back - arched.
• Waist - slightly bent.
• Knees - comfortably flexed to the point that the ball can easily be exchanged with the center. In practice without a center, use a 45 degree bend.
• Feet - shoulder width apart, toes pointing straight ahead.

Click Here to go to Quarterbacking 101 Site