Quarterbacks who excel in both passing and running can transform a team’s offensive capabilities. These dual-threat players keep defenses on their toes, creating opportunities and making game-changing plays. This guide presents six dynamic passing and running drills using The Premier XL Rebounder by All Ball Pro. These exercises are crafted to sharpen a quarterback’s skills in both areas, helping them become more effective playmakers and leaders on the field.
Pocket Presence Drill
Pocket presence is a crucial skill for any quarterback. It involves the ability to sense pressure, move within the pocket, and maintain composure while scanning the field for open receivers. The Premier XL Rebounder can be an excellent tool for developing this skill.
To set up the drill, position the rebounder to simulate the offensive line, with a designated area behind it representing the pocket. The quarterback starts behind the rebounder and practices moving within this simulated pocket.
Key aspects to focus on during this drill include:
- Footwork: Emphasize quick, short steps to maintain balance and readiness to throw.
- Field vision: Encourage the quarterback to keep their eyes downfield, scanning for potential targets.
- Body positioning: Maintain a balanced stance with the ball held high and ready to throw.
- Pressure awareness: Use cones or assistants to simulate incoming rushers, forcing the quarterback to adjust their position.
- Decision-making: Incorporate targets at various distances, prompting the quarterback to make quick decisions about where to throw.
- Escape routes: Practice identifying and using escape routes when pressure becomes too intense.
As quarterbacks become more comfortable with the drill, increase the complexity by adding more simulated rushers or reducing the size of the pocket. This progression helps develop the ability to remain calm and effective even in challenging situations.
Remember, great pocket presence isn’t just about avoiding sacks—it’s about maximizing every opportunity to make a play. Encourage quarterbacks to always be looking for chances to step up and make throws, even as they’re evading pressure.
Quick Release Drill
A quick release is a quarterback’s secret weapon against aggressive defenses. It allows them to get the ball out before pressure arrives and can often catch defenders off-guard. The Premier XL Rebounder is an ideal tool for honing this skill.
Set up the rebounder as a target, with different sections marked for various types of throws (high, low, left, right). The quarterback should stand at an appropriate distance based on the type of throw being practiced.
Key elements to emphasize in this drill:
- Compact motion: Focus on a tight, efficient throwing motion that minimizes wasted movement.
- Ball positioning: Keep the ball high and ready to throw at all times.
- Footwork: Practice throws from various stances—feet set, on the move, off-balance.
- Accuracy: Despite the focus on speed, maintain a strong emphasis on hitting the target consistently.
- Arm slot variations: Practice releasing the ball from different arm angles to prepare for in-game situations where a standard release might not be possible.
- Timing: Use a stopwatch to measure release times, encouraging constant improvement.
To progress the drill, gradually increase the distance to the rebounder or add movement before the throw. You can also incorporate defensive players who try to deflect the pass, forcing the quarterback to find throwing lanes quickly.
Remember, a quick release isn’t just about arm speed—it’s about the entire process from decision-making to ball delivery. Encourage quarterbacks to read the defense (or simulated defense) quickly and get the ball out decisively.
Rollout Passing Drill
Rollout passing is a valuable skill that allows quarterbacks to extend plays and create opportunities outside the pocket. It requires a combination of mobility, accuracy while on the move, and field vision. The Premier XL Rebounder can be a great asset in developing these skills.
To set up the drill, position the rebounder at an angle, simulating a moving target. The quarterback will practice rolling out to both the left and right before making throws.
Key points to focus on during this drill:
- Footwork: Emphasize proper technique when rolling out, maintaining balance and readiness to throw.
- Squaring up: Practice quickly squaring the shoulders to the target before throwing.
- Throwing on the run: Work on accuracy while moving at various speeds.
- Field vision: Encourage keeping eyes downfield throughout the rollout.
- Arm angles: Practice throwing from different arm slots as the rollout may prevent a standard throwing motion.
- Decision-making: Incorporate “defenders” to force the quarterback to decide between throwing and running.
As quarterbacks become more proficient, increase the difficulty by adding obstacles to navigate during the rollout or by varying the distance and angle of the target. You can also simulate a collapsing pocket to force quicker decisions.
It’s important to practice rollouts to both the left and right sides, even if the quarterback has a strong preference. In game situations, they may need to roll out in either direction based on the pressure.
Read Option Drill
The read option has become a staple in many offensive playbooks, particularly for teams with mobile quarterbacks. This play requires quick decision-making based on the movements of key defensive players. While traditionally practiced with live defenders, The Premier XL Rebounder can be used to simulate this scenario effectively.
Set up the rebounder to represent the defensive end or outside linebacker that the quarterback will be reading. Use different colored targets on the rebounder to represent different defensive actions.
Key aspects to focus on in this drill:
- Pre-snap read: Practice identifying the defensive alignment before the play begins.
- Mesh point technique: Work on a smooth exchange (or fake exchange) with the running back.
- Reading the “defender”: Quickly identify which target on the rebounder lights up and react accordingly.
- Decision-making speed: Emphasize making and acting on the decision as quickly as possible.
- Ball security: Whether keeping or handing off, maintain proper ball security throughout the play.
- Selling the fake: If keeping the ball, practice selling the handoff to hold the defender.
To progress the drill, increase the speed at which the targets on the rebounder change, forcing faster decisions. You can also add additional “read” players, simulating more complex option plays.
Remember, the key to an effective read option is decisiveness. Once the read is made, the quarterback needs to fully commit to their decision, whether it’s handing off or keeping the ball.
Scramble Drill
The ability to make plays when the original plan breaks down is what separates good quarterbacks from great ones. The scramble drill helps quarterbacks develop the skills to evade pressure, keep plays alive, and find open receivers on the move. The Premier XL Rebounder can be an excellent tool for practicing these scenarios.
Set up the rebounder with multiple target areas representing receivers at different depths and areas of the field. Use cones or bags to create a simulated pass rush that the quarterback must evade.
Key elements to emphasize in this drill:
- Pocket awareness: Practice feeling pressure and identifying escape routes.
- Ball security: Keep two hands on the ball while moving in the pocket.
- Eyes downfield: Resist the urge to look at the rush, keeping eyes on potential targets.
- Throw on the run: Work on accuracy while throwing from unconventional positions and angles.
- Know when to run: If no receivers are open, practice tucking the ball and gaining yardage on the ground.
- Sliding: Practice proper sliding technique to avoid unnecessary hits.
As quarterbacks become more comfortable, increase the complexity of the simulated rush and add coverage players to make finding open receivers more challenging. You can also set a time limit for each rep to simulate the urgency of a real game situation.
It’s crucial to emphasize that scrambling should be a last resort. The primary goal should always be to find an open receiver and deliver an accurate pass. Running should only happen when no passing options are available.
Ball Security Drill
Protecting the football is paramount for any player, but especially for quarterbacks who handle the ball on every offensive play. Fumbles and interceptions can quickly change the momentum of a game. The Premier XL Rebounder can be used to create a challenging environment for practicing ball security.
Set up the rebounder to return balls rapidly, simulating a chaotic pocket situation. The quarterback must catch each returned ball while maintaining proper ball security technique.
Key points to focus on during this drill:
- High and tight: Keep the ball high on the chest and tucked tightly against the body.
- Points of pressure: Emphasize the five points of pressure – fingertips, palm, forearm, bicep, and chest.
- Two hands in traffic: Practice quickly getting two hands on the ball when pressure is near.
- Ball position while throwing: Work on keeping the ball in the proper position until the very moment of release.
- Recovery: If a ball is knocked loose, practice quick recovery techniques.
- Movement: Incorporate different movements (drops, rollouts, scrambles) while maintaining ball security.
To increase difficulty, add defensive players who attempt to strip the ball or bat down passes. You can also increase the speed and unpredictability of the rebounder returns.
Remember, ball security is not just a physical skill—it’s a mindset. Emphasize the importance of valuing possession of the ball at all times, in all situations.
By incorporating these six dynamic drills using All Ball Pro Rebounders, quarterbacks can significantly improve their passing and running skills. These exercises help develop the versatility and confidence needed to excel in any situation, making quarterbacks invaluable assets to their teams. Consistent practice with these drills will lead to improved performance on the field, helping quarterbacks lead their teams to victory.