QB MVP - Junior - Erich Berzinskas - U100 East, NJ 2010

Erich Berzinskas - 2010 Ultimate 100 Combine

Erich Berzinskas - Elite 11 - Ohio State University

Self-Diagnosing the Throwing Motion

Ninety nine percent of all throwing errors and bad balls can be attributed to one or more of four common but fixable problems. Teaching quarterbacks to understand and recognize which of these four problems they are prone to will help them self-diagnose and correct bad balls faster and easier.

Problem #1: Over Striding

Over striding (stepping out too far) makes it difficult to impossible for a quarterback to throw over his front foot. This causes the release point to be closer to the ear, turning the throw into a “push” that results in high and wide balls. Over-striding also makes it nearly impossible to follow through as the ball will release well before the hand and shoulders can do their work.

The Fix: 1. Practice throwing with feet parallel and 2. throwing with very short or no strides. Both will enable the body to follow over the front foot. This will help release the ball at a higher and more forward point, enable a smoother and better follow through resulting in tighter and more accurate spirals.

Problem #2: Locking/Squaring the Opposite Shoulder

Keeping the opposite shoulder in a locked or square position also causes the release point to be closer to the ear and will significantly impact velocity as the arm is now forced to throw with little to no shoulder and body help.

The Fix: Practice pushing the ball back with the opposite arm to where the front shoulder points at the target. This creates more natural should action enabling the QB to practice rotating his opposite shoulder back farther to allow a higher and more forward release point. Another effective drill to increase should rotation is to have the opposite hand reach behind on each throw as if to slap a hand directly behind the quarterback. Improving shoulder rotation immediately impacts ball velocity as well as accuracy.

Problem #3: Breath Holding

Breath holding is a surprisingly common yet often overlooked problem. Breath holding causes the chest area and shoulders to tighten, restricting the shoulders from rotating properly. This causes the same problems as locking and squaring the opposite shoulder.

The Fix: Practice exhaling on each and every throw, including warm-ups, practice and in games.

Problem #4: Follow Through

A proper follow through is more than a pretty hand motion after a throw; it is a natural and smooth deceleration of a successful should rotation and hand pronation (finishing with the index finger and thumb pointing downward – opposite a curve ball throw). It is nearly impossible to throw a spiral without a good follow through as the hand will have to push the ball rather than rifle it towards the target.

The Fix: Exaggerate good follow through motions on every throw, including warm-ups, practice and in games.

Throwing Motion Tip: Pushing the Ball Back

Pushing the football back to the ear: QB's must always think "chest-ear-throw" while throwing the football, keeping the elbows relaxed by the side, shoulder width apart, avoiding tension and strain throughout the upper body. Pushing the football back to ear at the start of the motion will allow for the opposite shoulder to face down field in a perpendicular position. This results in better shoulder rotation, generates a more consistent release point and adds more torque to the throw.

Throwing to Both Sides of the Football Field

Throwing the football to both sides of the field is extremely difficult to do without proper footwork. Many quarterbacks have the tendency to open up their front/lead foot and front shoulder to quickly when throwing to the arm side of the field. This can cause the body to be too far out ahead of the arm and throwing motion causing the QB to sail the football and lose accuracy. Quarterbacks also have the tendency to stay too closed while throwing to the opposite side of the field (not stepping at the target), causing them to throw the football across their body.

Proper footwork the end of each drop (3, 5, or 7) is the key to preventing these two common errors from happening at. On the final step of the drop, the Quarterback should angle his foot and body towards the side of the field he's intending on throwing to. This will prevent the QB from having to take an additional gather step to re-direct the body. This also gives the QB the opportunity to deliver the football quicker if need be, since he's already in a "ready" position to throw.

Points to focus on:

1. On the final "plant" step of the drop, angle the feet and body towards the side of the field you intend on throwing too.
2. Do NOT open your shoulder to quickly, QB's should be able to look on a straight line over the front shoulder at the target receiver.
3. The front/lead foot should be facing the side of the field you intend on throwing to.
4. Do not lose momentum; keep a forward lean on the final step and keep the feet moving (“crushing pebbles”) until you are ready to throw.
5. Do NOT throw across the body.

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