It seems like, more than any time I can ever recall, that many of the governing bodies in our game are as uncertain of the short-term future of football as anyone else. The decisions that get made in the next several weeks will impact us all for the upcoming season – and likely well beyond. Great Coaches plan for the unexpected, and your Quarterbacks need that at this moment in time. With all of that in mind, here is one man’s blueprint for must-do’s for Quarterbacks leading into the summer months of 2020:
1. Video Recording, Evaluation & Correction – The absence of a spring filled with coach/player interaction can be especially hard on Quarterback development. QB’s should consider shooting video of themselves doing pass drops and, if possible, throws to specific routes that are part of your offensive system. Provide that video to your position coach to get some critique and guidance re: what needs to be improved and adjusted.
2. Don’t Ignore Mobility – We have addressed this point in previous posts, but it is worth a re-emphasis. Most QBs are already far along with a home strength program and are trying to make time to throw semi-regularly to some extent. An important aspect of physical preparation that can easily be overlooked right now, however, is an athlete’s readiness to perform routine movements, including deceleration, change of direction, and come-to-balance, once back in a team practice setting. Plan for this in advance through regular mobility work. A helpful mobility flow program, which takes about 10 minutes or so to perform, is found here: https://youtu.be/iK8u93HmQlg
3. Improving Your In-Season Scouting – Now is the perfect time to get better at studying upcoming opponent film. Ask your position coach for opponent film (2019 film, obviously) and evaluate each team in three main areas: scheme (what fronts and coverage they play), alignment (who lines up where and when), personnel (who the best and worst players are – and what matchups can be favorable or shoud be avoided). Doing this in-depth exercise now will improve your own in-season preparedness and will impress your coaching staff with the initiative you are taking.
4. Prepare Yourself for Stressful Situations – Most QBs can use some time and energy spent on things they can improve upon – especially those scenarios that are meant to disrupt, distract, and confuse Quarterbacks. What is your (your’s personally and your team’s) best set of solutions for blitz pressure and man coverages? Come up with answers now, in consultation with your coaching staff. For ideas, check out this presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U94pamUvQAg&t=93s
5. Organize & Lead – Every team is meeting with their position groups, coaches, etc. Quarterbacks, however, should be taking initiative beyond that of a typical player on the roster. Consider organizing meetings among skill units to go over concepts or O-Line groups to review pass protection, etc. Remote communication should not be a barrier to a QB’s ability to lead a program.
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