Quarterbacking 101
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By Greg Bach Quarterbacking 101: College coaches share their secrets When your quarterback steps to the line of scrimmage he’s got a play to execute, spectator noise to block out and defenders to deal with. But exactly how well have you prepared him for the pressures and challenges that accompany the position? Check out these tips, courtesy of Division I quarterback coaches across the country, to help your player squeeze the most out of his ability on game day. Quarterbacking a youth football team requires all sorts of skills: MAINTAIN POSITIVE BODY LANGUAGE – ALWAYS executing handoffs and pitches, reading defenses, mak- All players make mistakes during games; it’s just that a ing accurate throws and dodging defenders craving quarterback’s miscues are more magnified since the ball those big hits. is in his hands. As a youth coach you know that how successful teams So when the mistakes come – whether it’s a bobbled are moving the ball hinges a great deal on your young snap, errant pass or interception – don’t send negative player behind center. signals to the youngster when he comes to the sidelines. The more skilled and confident your quarterback is “As a coach, if your initial reaction and body lan- the greater likelihood your team will be celebrating fre- guage is visibly negative, the quarterback will instantly quent trips to the end zone this season. believe he let you down and is less likely to play with Conversely, if his confidence sinks with every errant confidence that is needed for the rest of the game,” pass, or taking hits is taking the fun out of the game for says Nick Rolovich, the offensive coordinator and quar- him, your offense will sputter and the youngster’s expe- terback coach at the University of Nevada. “June Jones rience will be a miserable one. always used the phrase, ‘One snap and clear.’ I always SportingKid checked in with Division I college quarterback enjoyed hearing it as a player, but coaches also need to coaches across the country to get their take on what you can lead in that way. You can’t change the past, but you can do to help your young quarterbacks stay positive, focused learn from it and let the mistake enhance your future and perform to the best of their ability on game days. possibilities for success.” Keep these tips in mind this season to help turn your Adds Tim Lester, the quarterbacks coach at Syracuse quarterback into a player who has fun, embraces com- University: “Young players especially will be very affected petition and drives defenses crazy. by the immediate reaction of their coach. I stay very calm.” Lincoln Riley Nick Rolovich Tim Lester 20 FALL 2014 www.nays.org FOCUS ON FOOTWORK “I would ask him who his favorite quarterback of all- A youngster’s feet are just as important as his arm. If time is and then show him how many interceptions that he isn’t able to move around the pocket effectively his player has thrown,” Riley says. “Interceptions happen chances for success decrease dramatically. for every quarterback but what is most important is how “Young quarterbacks need to be taught how to effec- you handle them.” tively move in the pocket while still being ready to throw,” says Lincoln Riley, East Carolina’s offensive coordinator LET’S BE HONEST – GETTING HIT CAN HURT and quarterback coach. “Footwork drills using cones or Young players put their trust in you – so don’t short- ladders or simply coaching commands will improve this. change them. This is especially true when it comes to Great footwork is always a quarterback’s best friend. Take taking hits in the pocket while attempting passes. Peyton Manning; he’s not the fastest QB around, but he “Be honest, this game is hard,” Rolovich says. “You will has great footwork that allows him to avoid defenders.” get hit. You might as well make the plays you can while you are getting hit. Promise him that if he panics, there PROTECTION PRINCIPLES is almost zero chance of being successful.” Football is the ultimate team game. If the offensive line isn’t able to do their job, the quarterback won’t be able to either. Rolovich knows this as well as anyone. As “ Young quarterbacks the starting quarterback at Hawaii during his playing days he threw for a school-record eight need to be taught how touchdowns against a fourth-ranked Brigham Young University team – because his offensive line gave him time to throw. He says it’s impor- to effectively move in tant to talk to your quarterback about his pro- tection and that they are going to do their best the pocket while still to keep defenders away from him. “I’m a positive teacher,” says Rolovich. “I being ready to throw.” believe showing the quarterback how he is being protected by the offensive line and – Lincoln Riley, East Carolina’s offensive coordinator and quarterback coach convince him that they will do their best to protect him always helps.” “Young quarterbacks must be taught that taking hits is part of the game,” adds Riley. “Football is a contact BE A CALMING INFLUENCE sport, and nothing fires up an offense more than seeing Young players coming to the sideline after throwing an their quarterback stand in there and take a hit while de- interception or missing a wide open receiver on third livering a great pass.” down are going to be disappointed and upset, so they don’t need a coach who is going to berate them and make FORGET THE PAST, FOCUS ON THE PRESENT them feel even worse than they already do. Youngsters tend to dwell on the bad plays, which in- Instead, they need a coach to dial down the decibel creases the odds that one bad play will snowball into levels and talk to them in a relaxed manner. several more throughout the game. “I always try to calm them down,” says Lester, who ranked “You have to be very mentally tough and resilient to fifth in NCAA history in passing yards (11,299) when he closed play this position,” Riley says. “Always play the next play out his collegiate playing career in 2000 for Western Michigan. as doing this will help you overcome your bad plays and “Talk through the play with them and tell them where they you get back on a roll. No one is immune to bad plays. made the mistake so we can correct it and move on. You must The best players just don’t dwell on them and are totally keep him upbeat. That same player could have an opportu- ready for the next play.” nity to throw a game-winning touchdown in the same game so you want his head clear when the opportunity arises.” SIDELINE THE SCREAMING “Yelling hasn’t been something I feel has led to suc- POINT TO THE PROS cess,” Rolovich says. “Most kids, I have found, truly Even the game’s greatest quarterbacks of all-time have want to be good.” struggled and played poorly at times, so use examples to You can help them become good, or even great – all remind youngsters of that. without losing your voice in the process. www.nays.org FALL 2014 21.