Quarterback’s Wasted Movement Tips

By Capital QB’s Coach Ron Raymond
Date: January 25, 2012

The difference between a completed pass and an interception could be a Wasted Movement!

Generally mistakes are made because of several reasons; laziness, fatigue, lack of attention, improper fundamentals or wasted movements. In football, the Quarterback position is one with several moving mechanics, because if they aren’t passing the football, they might be handing it off to a running back. Therefore, it’s crucial for young players who want to learn the Quarterback position, avoid any “wasted movements” while learning the basic fundamental skills.

In fact, I’ve come up with a short list of “Wasted Movements” quarterbacks must try to avoid when directing their offense during practice or a game, because everything is based on timing and one wasted movement can throw off the entire play.

In reality, everything is based around timing and speed and a bad snap from center throws off the entire offense, because the Quarterback might have to reach for a bad snap, then the running back has to hesitate, the offensive line has to hold their man an extra second they might not have and a receiver might have to slow down or come back from his route.

As you can see, “Wasted Movements” have a domino effect and could lead to timing issues with the offense. Here are a few “Wasted Movements” quarterbacks need to be aware about and work on during practice.

1. Avoid False Steps: For right handed Quarterbacks, some have a tendency of moving their left foot forward after a snap from under center. QB’s are taught after a snap; they secure and settle the ball in their mid section, and then take an open pivot step with their Right foot, not the Left! The goal is to step back into the pocket, not forward, because false stepping leads to Centers and/or guards stepping on the Quarterbacks foot, which normally results in Quarterbacks falling down. Remember on a 3 step drop it’s Open, cross, plant and throw!
2. Early Separation Rule: Once a Quarterback has made the exchange from Center or from Shotgun, the goal is to keep both hands on the ball until you are ready to throw. You’re none throwing hand should be pushing/guiding the football to the set position and you shouldn’t separate until you’re ready to throw. By releasing you’re none throwing hand from the football too early, you will have a tendency to either dip or tap the ball, which equates to a wasted movement.
3. Don’t be Flat Footed: All athletes now when playing sports, you should always be in an athletic position, which means stay on the balls of your feet and bend your knees. Flat footed Quarterbacks are dead Quarterbacks! Not breathing dead, but dead in the water type thing, because if you are flat footed and need to escape the pocket, the first thing you will do eventually is bend your knees and run on the balls of your feet. That’s why it’s important to stay on the balls of your feet and get ready to sink the hips and explode from the pocket. Quarterbacks footwork is the most important aspects of mastering their skills and balance is another!

Hope you enjoyed this article, these are only three wasted movement tips I’ve introduced today, by improving on all three of these mechanical flaws, will improve your overall performance as a Quarterback. If you’re in the Ottawa region, I encourage all new comers to attend one of our basic training sessions which start on February 12th at Garneau High School and let us help you become a more efficient Quarterback in the future.

February 12th Clinic Details at [url]http://www.capitalqbs.com/programs_and_sessions.php

Sincerely,

Coach Ron Raymond