A critical deficiency that many young quarterbacks currently lack is proper footwork. Proper footwork is needed when dropping back and setting up in a position to throw the ball effectively as well as getting to the proper spot for hand-offs and pitches in the running game. Many GREAT Quarterbacks like Peyton Manning, Troy Aikman, Joe Montana, and John Elway have realized that being a dominate QB is much more than just having a strong arm. For that reason, in much of their personal training and off season preparation, they will design many workouts exclusively devoted to footwork.
Whether it be a 5 step drop, 3 step drop or 1 step drop proper footwork is a the foundation for having any success on the play. Young players and youth coaches tend to pay no attention at all to the footwork aspect, but the player that truly wants to reach an elite level should be focusing on drop back techniques from a young age. Tons of players can run back and chunk a ball down field, but proper footwork allows the quarterback to have good timing and release angles to complete passes skillfully.
Watch the pro game. Watch the college game. Truly study the quarterbacks and their drop backs. Don't just watch the game….be a student of the game. Look at their footwork and body positioning. Then go work on yours. Set up cones. Work on repetition. Focus on your footwork.
Developing proper technique and footwork will not only put the quarterback well ahead in the development game, it will also put him that much farther along when they reach higher levels whre footwork is emphasized. While others are struggling learning proper technique, you will be far ahead and that much closer to winning the starting job.
by
Shane Barrow