Quarterback Drill Sitemap

Preface - It is surprising how many football games are actually lost by a foolish choice of plays. Yet the fundamental principles for the selection of plays, if taught properly to a quarterback who will practice hard and study off the field, are not difficult. The selection of plays is the determining factor in games between two teams that are evenly matched.

01. History Of Quarterback - While doing research on the history of quarter-backing, we found limited information on the origin of this position. The development of generalship opens up an entirely new and interesting field of thought.

The position of quarterback is of American origin. British Rugby, from which our game came, has halfbacks, three-quarterbacks, and fullbacks, but no quarterback, because a team does not have undisputed possession of the ball in scrimmage and there would be no place for a quarterback, who, in our original game, played a short distance behind the center.

02. Selection - The Quarterback is undoubtedly the most important man on the team. He is the playing coach who directs the offense. Therefore, his selection becomes one of the most important decisions the head coach must make.

In selecting a quarterback, these considerations are ranked in order of their importance. Perhaps this ranking may cause wonderment to many. Nevertheless, if they are possible, we select the quarterbacks with the following qualifications:

03. Training Quarterback - Locating the correct player for the position of quarterback, and then teaching him generalship, is usually the most difficult job we have to encounter. No quarterback in high school, college, or professional football with but a few years of experience can be expected to be a first-rate field general.

04. Generalship - In all of our research, over a period of several years, the finest article we have ever read on generalship was written by Frank Carideo. The purpose of Mr. Carideo's article was to outline the process by which a quarterback was trained at Notre Dame, under Knute Rockne. This course of quarterbacking was as exacting in many respects as any collegiate course.

05. Captain Manual - When the football coach selects his candidates for the position of quarterback, the first question which presents itself is: How can I teach these candidates my principles of generalship as quickly as possible? What is the most effective method?

06. Starting Count - The decision on what type of starting signals to use depends upon three items: (1) the head coach's belief, (2) the quarterback's experience and ability, and (3) the team's experience. There are many methods of starting signals that have been successfully employed. A brief listing of several methods of starting follows:

07. Quarterback Drills - At has been our belief that only a few coaches know how to train a quarterback. These drills will prove an excellent guide for obtaining a standard performance from quarterbacks. The drills within this chapter are neither complicated nor do they require a great deal of time. They should be so handled that they will occupy only that period allotted to group work in the early part of the season. Considerable stress should be laid upon getting the quarterback ready to handle his attack for the first game.

08. Forms And Charts - In general, most coaches keep some record during the game. However, all coaches can probably improve on their systems. The head coach should be provided with precise performance records, which will prove to be an invaluable source of information. There is no perfect chart or form—each one differs according to the particular ideas of the head coach.

09. Relations - Since the captain is usually elected soon after the season is completed, there is sufficient time to arrange a series of meetings with him. Much can be accomplished during the winter months with no rush or pressure.

Always treat his opinions and ideas with confidence and respect. This is essential when having a meeting of the entire squad. Any time the coach thinks the captain-quarterback is wrong, or out of order, he should correct him in a private conference. Here the player and coach can discuss the situation together for the mutual benefit of the team.

10. Running Game - Actually, there are six steps in every play call—and each step takes time.

"FIRST: Assemble the team in the huddle. That takes approximately three seconds.

"SECOND: Estimate the situation—figure the downs, the yards to go, the probable defense the opposition is going to throw at you. Three more seconds.

11. Passing Game - Once the first forward pass, in 1905, one of the most difficult problems of all is when to pass. Most coaches have inherited the philosophy of their former coaches regarding the use of the pass. Some believe that every time the ball is in the air, it is going to be intercepted. Still other coaches are completely happy only when they are throwing the ball around. It all depends upon your beliefs and what you want to develop. However, it is essential that the quarterback be carefully instructed in regard to the proper use of the pass. He must know the value of every type of pass and when to use that pass.

12. Kicking Game - The records will indicate that this is one phase of football where our teams usually excelled. It was with satisfaction that I came across this excellent statement on offensive kicking from Leroy N. Mills' book, Kicking the American Football: *

The kick—Greatest offensive play in football. The best passer in the game with the best receiver can be stopped, the best running play can be stopped, but a kick out of bounds cannot be stopped short of the point where it goes out.

13. Defense - Teach your quarterback that he must first have a complete knowledge of defensive football. Teach him the strengths and the weaknesses of the defensive alignments outlined in this chapter. Test him frequently to be sure he understands the theory of attacking various defenses. Only by obtaining his "degree" in defensive football can he expect to intelligently contribute to his team's offense. If the quarterback does not know and understand defensive football, his play calls are strictly a "hit or miss" proposition.

14. Generalship - Again we mention, it is surprising how many games are actually lost due to a poor choice of plays. If a quarterback knows his classification of plays, the rules governing his selection of plays by downs are not difficult. There is no excuse for a foolish choice of plays at any time.

15. Score + Time - JL he quarterback must learn to play at all times in relation to the score and the time. He must be allowed to do this on the practice field as much as possible. There are just three major rules to remember and all the others are ramifications. The three major rules are:

1. Your quarterback should play conservatively when ahead. He should keep the ball as long as he can without kicking.

16. Summary - All football authorities agree that of all the factors that make for success in games, the proper selection of plays is by far the most important. Poor choosing of plays will nullify the finest of team work and will eventually break down the highest morale. On the other hand, even a mediocre eleven will rise to unsuspected heights when directed by a brilliant quarterback.

THE END