Mastering the Pocket: QB Drills to Become Elite

The right QB drills will have you in your bag and performing on the field. From touch passes to throwing on the run, the best quarterback drills can drastically improve your quarterback play.

Improving accuracy and footwork to developing pocket awareness and improvisational abilities, these drills cover essential skills for success. Whether you’re a young quarterback or a seasoned pro, incorporating these drills into your training will elevate your game.

My Top 5 QB Drills

Understanding the basic footwork to your 3-step and 5-step drops will before will make these drills that much easier. 

Perfect the basics first and continue improving on rhythm, timing and throwing motions.

Here are my top effective quarterback drills for this off season.

1. Figure Eight

The figure eight drill in football is a commonly used agility drill that helps improve footwork, change of direction, and overall agility. It involves weaving through a set of cones or markers in a figure eight pattern. Here’s how to perform the figure eight drill:

• Place cones or markers in a figure eight pattern on the ground, approximately 5-10 yards apart or two cones about 2-3 yards apart
• Begin by standing next to one of the cones at the start of the figure eight pattern with knees bent and feet shoulder width apart
• Keeping your head and eyes up hitch through the cones and shuffle back 
• Continue weaving through and as your partner flashes their hands, set up and deliver the ball

The figure eight drill can be incorporated into your football training regimen as part of a warm-up, agility-focused workout, or skill development session. 

Regular practice of this drill can improve your ability to change direction quickly, evade defenders, and enhance your overall agility on the football field.

2. Trash Can Drill

The trash can drill in football is a popular drill used to improve accuracy and touch when throwing the ball. It involves throwing the football into a trash can or target placed at a distance. Here’s how to perform the trash can drill:

• Place a trash can or a large target in the corner of the endzone
• Start from under center and go through a step, 3-step, or 5-step drop depending on your distance
• Concentrate on aiming for the center of the trash can or target.
• Follow through with your throwing motion, allowing your arm to extend fully in the direction of the target.

Remember, the trash can drill is not only about accuracy but also about developing proper throwing mechanics. 

Focus on maintaining good form and follow through on each throw. 

Regularly incorporating this drill into your training routine can help enhance your accuracy and improve your ability to place the ball where you want it.

3. Hitch Hitch Throw or Go 

This drill is one of my favorites and is designed to keep your head in the chaos of the pocket and make in game decisions. Young quarterbacks have a tendency to take off and look for holes at the line of scrimmage instead of seeing their open receiver. 

• Start by positioning a linebacker 5 yard and receiver 10-15 yard behind him from the ball
• From under center we are going to do a 5 step drop with two hitches
• Then you are going to run towards the line of scrimmage
• As you approach the line, the linebacker will either run towards you or drop back into coverage and cover the receiver
• If the linebacker comes up to stop you that’s a throw, if he drops in coverage that’s a go

This drill is designed to make fast decisions and replicate in game scenarios.

4. Gauntlet Drill

Throwing without laces is huge especially for quick passes and screens. Quick game is all about timing and the fast you can get the ball out the better. This drill requires at least a few people and at least three footballs. 

• Have a center with all the footballs and your receiver(s) about 10-20 yards
• The center will feed you a ball and you have to throw each ball with no laces until there’s no more footballs left

This drill is perfect to help you get comfortable with throwing the ball with no laces. 

5. Yo-Yo Drill

Also known as the circle drill, depending where your from. This drill is designed to help with throwing on the run to a moving target. The following drill will involve two quarterbacks.

• Put a cone or marker in the center of the field
• Both quarterbacks will need to line up 10 yards from the cone
• Each QB will run around the cone in a circle while continuously throwing the ball
• Focus on separating your bottom half from your top half 
• Flip it and go left as well. 

This drill is ideal for warming up to get your legs and arm loose. 

FAQ:

How do I get better at QB?

Becoming a better quarterback requires a combination of practice, dedication, and a focus on key aspects of the position. Here are some essential tips to help you improve your skills as a quarterback:

1. Study the Game:
   • Watch professional quarterbacks and analyze their techniques, decision-making, and leadership skills.
   • Study game film of both successful plays and mistakes to understand different situations and strategies.
2. Master the Fundamentals:
   • Develop proper throwing mechanics, footwork, and body positioning. Seek guidance from coaches or experts to ensure you have a solid foundation.
   • Practice consistently to develop muscle memory and refine your technique.
3. Improve Your Football IQ:
   • Understand offensive and defensive schemes, formations, and strategies.
   • Study your opponents’ tendencies and learn to recognize defensive coverages as you approach the line of scrimmage.
4. Work on Your Physical Conditioning:
   • Focus on improving your strength, agility, and mobility through weight training, speed drills, and flexibility exercises.
   • Develop cardiovascular endurance to maintain optimal performance throughout games.
5. Develop Communication Skills:
   • Enhance your quarterback’s ability to effectively communicate with coaches, teammates, and receivers during plays.
   • Build chemistry with your receivers through consistent practice and communication on and off the field.

Other Areas to Grow as a QB

1. Practice Decision-Making:
   • Engage in drills and simulations that replicate game-like scenarios to improve your decision-making skills under pressure.
   • Learn to quickly read defenses, identify open receivers, and make accurate and timely throws.
2. Enhance Your Leadership Abilities:
   • Be a vocal and supportive leader both on and off the field.
   • Inspire and motivate your teammates, and lead by example with your work ethic and dedication.
3. Seek Expert Coaching and Feedback:
   • Work with experienced quarterback coaches who can provide specialized guidance and help you identify areas for improvement.
   • Be open to constructive criticism and actively work on addressing weaknesses.
4. Participate in Competitive Opportunities:
   • Join quarterback camps, clinics, or offseason leagues to gain exposure to different coaching styles and compete against talented players.
   • Seek opportunities to play in game-like situations to develop your skills under real pressure.
5. Maintain a Positive Mindset and Perseverance:

• Understand that improvement takes time and effort. Stay focused, determined, and patient throughout your journey as a quarterback.
• Learn from failures, bounce back from setbacks, and continuously strive for improvement.

Remember, becoming a better quarterback is a gradual process that requires consistent practice, self-reflection, and a commitment to growth. Stay dedicated, put in the work, and never stop learning and evolving as a player.

How do you practice for QB?

racticing as a quarterback requires a structured and focused approach to develop the necessary skills. Here are some key practice methods and drills to help you improve as a QB:

1. Warm-Up and Stretching:
   • Begin each practice session with a thorough warm-up to prepare your muscles and prevent injuries.
   • Incorporate dynamic stretches to increase flexibility and mobility in your throwing arm, legs, and core.
2. Throwing Mechanics and Accuracy Drills:
   • Start with basic throwing mechanics, ensuring proper grip, footwork, and body positioning.
   • Practice throwing to stationary targets at different distances and angles, focusing on accuracy and consistency.
   • Gradually progress to moving targets or receivers, simulating game situations.
3. Footwork and Agility Drills:
   • Implement footwork drills that simulate dropbacks, rollouts, and quick movements in the pocket.
   • Utilize ladder drills, cone drills, or agility ladder exercises to improve foot speed, agility, and coordination.
4. Decision-Making Drills:
   • Set up scenarios where you must read defenses and make quick decisions on where to throw the ball.
   • Practice progressions by simulating different receiver options and making appropriate reads based on defensive coverages.

Additional QB Attributes

1. Pocket Presence and Pressure Drills:
   • Incorporate drills that simulate pressure by using pass rush dummies or having teammates act as defenders.
   • Work on maneuvering within the pocket, evading rushers, and maintaining composure while keeping your eyes downfield.
2. Game Film Study:
   • Review game footage, focusing on your own performances as well as those of successful quarterbacks.
   • Analyze your decision-making, mechanics, and overall performance to identify areas for improvement.
3. Strength and Conditioning Training:
   • Incorporate strength training exercises that target your core, legs, and upper body to improve throwing power and endurance.
   • Include cardiovascular exercises to enhance your overall fitness and stamina during games.
4. Receiver Drills and Chemistry Building:
   • Practice routes with receivers to develop timing, chemistry, and trust.
   • Work on specific routes such as slants, curls, and deep routes to improve connection and accuracy.
5. Simulate Game-Like Situations:
   • Participate in scrimmages, 7-on-7 drills, or offseason leagues to simulate real game situations and enhance your decision-making abilities.
   • Practice with a variety of receivers and against different defensive schemes to improve your adaptability.
6. Mental Preparation and Visualization:

• Develop mental toughness by visualizing successful plays, making reads, and executing precise throws.
• Work on your pre-snap routine, including identifying defensive coverages and making necessary adjustments.

Remember, consistency and deliberate practice are crucial for improvement as a quarterback. Strive for regular practice sessions, seek feedback from coaches or mentors, and continuously challenge yourself to push beyond your comfort zone. With dedication and focused practice, you can enhance your skills and become a better QB.

What are the QB drills at the Combine?

The NFL Scouting Combine is an annual event where college football players showcase their skills to professional teams. While the specific drills conducted at the Combine may vary slightly each year, here are some common quarterback drills you can expect to see:

Non-Throwing Drills

1. 40-Yard Dash: Quarterbacks participate in the 40-yard dash to showcase their speed and acceleration.
2. Vertical Jump: This drill measures a quarterback’s explosiveness and lower-body power as they jump vertically from a standing position.
3. Broad Jump: Similar to the vertical jump, the broad jump assesses lower-body power by measuring how far a quarterback can jump horizontally from a standing position.
4. Three-Cone Drill: This drill tests a quarterback’s agility, change of direction, and acceleration as they navigate a course of three cones set up in an L-shape pattern.
5. 20-Yard Shuttle: The 20-yard shuttle assesses a quarterback’s lateral quickness, change of direction, and acceleration as they shuttle back and forth between two cones placed 5 yards apart.

Quarterback Throwing Drills:

Quarterbacks participate in various throwing drills to showcase their arm strength, accuracy, and mechanics. These drills may include:a. Short and Intermediate Throws: Quarterbacks throw to stationary targets at varying distances to demonstrate accuracy and timing.b. Deep Throws: Quarterbacks showcase their arm strength and accuracy by throwing deep passes to receivers.c. Moving Targets: Quarterbacks throw to receivers who are running predetermined routes to demonstrate their ability to lead and hit moving targets.d. Route Tree: Quarterbacks go through a series of throws that simulate different routes typically seen in a passing offense, such as curls, slants, outs, and posts.e. Pocket Movement: Quarterbacks work on footwork drills that simulate dropping back, stepping up in the pocket, and evading imaginary pass rushers.

These drills aim to assess a quarterback’s athletic abilities, throwing mechanics, accuracy, decision-making, and overall athleticism. It’s important for quarterbacks to prepare specifically for these football drills in order to showcase their skills effectively at the Combine.

Related Articles:

• How to Throw a Football Farther – Add 15 Yards
• Choosing the 9 Best Footballs: Top Picks of 2023
• How to Throw A Football: Quarterback Guide

Wrap-up.

There you have it, a few of my favorite quarterback drills that will help you take the field with confidence. But it all starts with understanding and mastering the basics. Prepare off the field and see the results on game day.

Let me know what’s your favorite quarterback drills!