When it comes to the most integral roles in the flag football scene, the quarterback is key. It’s a role that demands leadership, athleticism and skill to be successful. Having a good quarterback can be the difference between a winning and losing team.

In this blog, we will provide advice on how to successfully train your quarterback.

What is a Quarterback?

In flag football, the quarterback leads the offense by handing the ball to runners and throwing passes to receivers. They must do this while avoiding the pass rush. The quarterback normally has limited time to pass the ball due to the proximity of rushers and blitzing rules.

A quarterback is responsible for:

• Field Leadership: Quarterbacks need to communicate play calls and must make sure players understand the role they should play.
• Accurate Passing: Speedy passes and strong throws should be done with precision and with good timing.
• Making Decisions: The quarterback needs to quickly analyze the field, recognize mismatches, and choose when to run, pass, or hand off.
• Mobility: Quarterbacks must escape rushers and extend plays while being mindful about receivers elsewhere on the field.
• Team Motivation: The quarterback is responsible for positive communication, maintaining high morale and leading by example.

Drills to Build Quarterback Skills

A good quarterback should have excellent decision making and leadership skills. They also need to be able to throw with accuracy and strength and to move with agility and speed.

Here are some drills that can help develop a quarterback’s skills.

Knee Drills

If you are looking to improve your quarterback’s throwing power and technique, this drill is perfect. Simply instruct your quarterback to get on their knees while they throw. This focuses all concentration on the arm and core.

You can also perform this drill with two quarterbacks or a receiver.

Scan The Field

This drill is designed to help develop the quarterback’s skill in identifying an open teammate while being attacked by the opposing team.

To do this drill, have the quarterback take part in a scrimmage with three receivers standing at a distance around the field.

At random intervals, choose one receiver who must raise their arms. The quarterback should then identify this receiver and throw the ball to them.

Sprint Outs

Quarterbacks perform sprint outs when they are on the run and/or needing to escape the opposing team in order to throw the ball.

To perform this drill, line a quarterback up with a wide receiver standing 10 yards away.

After the snap, the quarterback is instructed to pull back 5 yards.

The quarterback must then sprint out to the right or left, throwing the ball before the line of scrimmage is crossed.

Hitting Routes

The hitting routes drill has the quarterback running common plays.

To perform this drill, you need 4 or 5 different receivers and a quarterback. Line up all players on the line of scrimmage. When the snap takes place, the quarterback should drop back and throw to the open players.

Optimize Your Flag Football Team’s Skills With Coach D

Check out my website and Youtube channel @CoachD for a range of advice, flag football drills, plays and practice schedules. Alternatively, I am available for 1 on 1 sessions to give you tailored advice and support.