Quarterback Fundamentals

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Proven Football Quarterback Fundamentals

Develop top quarterback skills by mastering proven quarterback fundamentals.

The quarterback is the focal point of the offense.

Everyone, it seems, starts out wanting to develop quarterback skills and be the one calling the shots.

All fans get excited to see the long bomb create the winning points or to see their QB scramble before finding the open man for a key first down.

Be sure you understand that becoming a greatplayer means putting in hours of practice time. Quarterbacking is a skill. And just like any skill, whether or not you become better or worse depends on whether or not you're practicing the correct quarterback techniques and fundamentals.

On this page, you'll find the correct skills you'll need to be successful. Before we get into specific quarterback techniques, be aware that there are some important fundamentals that come before you ever pick up a football.

First of all, you must have a deep desire and willingness to learn. Do you want to be great bad enough that you're willing to listen to constructive criticism from your coaches? Are you willing to take time to really understand the correct techniques for playing the QB position consistently? Are you then willing to put that info into use with constant practicing and drilling?

Great! We thought so. Let's get into the quarterback fundamentals.

1) Taking the Snap

The center-quarterback exchange must become automatic. The first quarterback fundamental here is to practice the exchange over and over and over.

The first thing to protect against is a bad snap hurting the throwing hand. The throwing hand is the top hand. Place the hand high in the center's crotch so the center can feel its position. Make sure the fingers are spread, relaxed and extended. Cup the bottom hand against the top hand at an angle greater than 90° to avoid jamming the fingers.

Your arms should be bent slightly to give room for extension at the snap. Avoid bending much at the waist by flexing your knees a bit. The football should be delivered so that the laces are in the throwing hand, ready to pass.

Ride the center as you receive the snap, then bring the ball in cleanly to the chest with both hands as you begin to drop back. The most basic of quarterback skills.

2) Drop-Back

You can use a crossover or backpedal drop-back technique. For the crossover drop, make your first step out with the passing side foot, then crossover with the opposite leg. Continue this until you reach your set-up area. The crossover will get you to your passing spot more quickly than the backpedal but you do lose sight of backside defenders.

For the backpedal drop, step back with the passing side foot by using your toes to push off. You won't get to the set-up area as quickly, but you will gain vision of the entire field. To be well-rounded, develop both of these football fundamental types.

3) Set-up Area

Where your set-up area is will depend on the type of pass being thrown. You'll use a 7-9 step drop when throwing passes such as deep balls or long curl patterns. Eight to ten yard routes will have you using a five-step drop. Five yard routes will have your utilizing a three-step drop and you'll make a one-step drop to complete routes like quick slants.

4) Handoff

It's the job of the quarterback to be sure the handoff is successful. Once you've put the football under the running back's inside elbow, don't let go until you feel the back take firm hold of it. Constant repetition of this quarterback fundamental is required to develop the proper timing with your running back. Practice your spacing so you don't run into the back or fail to reach him.

5) Pitchout

This is a basic quarterback fundamental used the most when working out of an option set. Usually, you'll use a pitch that looks like a basketball one-handed chest pass. This action will let you get the football to your back quickly, but at the same time be controlled easily. The most important aspect of this football fundamental is to lead your running back without making him slow down or break stride.

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