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3 Things You Should Be Working On Right Now As A QB

In High School, College, & The NFL

Written by NFL QB Consultant Jordan Palmer & The QB Summit Team

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In today’s Cover 3:

This week we’re diving into what QBs need to be doing right now at:

  • The high school level

  • The college level

  • The pro level

Sports Illustrated

Three Things You Should Be Working On: High School

High school quarterbacks and parents of high school quarterbacks… you're in the thick of it – gearing up for those spring ball sessions and camps.

It's a crucial time, and I've got some solid advice to set you on the right track.

Pre-Pass Position

This is the bread and butter of your throwing game. Picture this: you're dropping back, delivering those beautiful throws in camps or spring ball.

Now, hit pause right before you unleash that ball. Does it look like you're throwing from the same spot every single time? If not, we've got some work to do.

Now, I get it. This might sound like the most basic thing ever. Of course, you want consistency, right?

Well, you'd be surprised how many top-tier players miss the mark on this one. I've been around the elite 11, working with the cream of the high school quarterback crop, and it's astounding how often they end up all over the place in their pre-pass position.

Your 3-Step Process

So, if I were a high school quarterback prepping for spring ball and 7-on-7 action, here's what I'd focus on – a three-step process to get back to that golden pre-pass position. It's not as simple as one, two, three - but it's a good start:

  1. Start in a Stable Stance: Get into that gun stance with a foundation of stability. Plant those feet – one, two – and set yourself up for success.

  2. Efficient First Movement: Your initial move is key. If your knees buckle and your upper body leans back right out of the gate, you're setting yourself up for trouble. Keep it smooth, keep it connected.

  3. Maintain Connection: Throughout the drop, whatever the drop may be, maintain that connection. Don't let things get disjointed. Stay in sync.

Set Yourself Up For Success

When you follow these three steps during your spring ball and 7-on-7 adventures, you're setting yourself up for success come football season.

Accuracy and velocity are crucial, but don't sleep on the importance of nailing that pre-pass position, especially at the high school level. It's a game-changer.

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Three Things You Should Be Working On: College

We're gearing up for spring ball and it's time to get our priorities straight.

Whether you've already dived into the action or you're just gearing up for the coming weeks, pay attention – especially if you're eyeing that NFL contract year.

Let’s Hammer The Basics

Now, let's go back to the basics, something I've hammered into the likes of Deshaun Watson and Jared Goff back in the day. When you're in a situation where you're not battling for that starting spot, and your eyes are on the NFL horizon, it's all about completions.

I know, I know – it's not groundbreaking advice. Coaches have been shouting "find a completion" for ages, but let's dive deeper.

It Wreaks Havoc On The Defense

Every time that ball sails into a receiver's hands – be it three yards, five yards, or a glorious 20 yards down the field – it wreaks havoc on the defense. Picture this: completion after completion, and the defense is forced into one of two scenarios.

They either hit the brakes on whatever they're doing, scrambling to get in position for a tackle, or they stubbornly stick to their guns, only to face the consequences during tape sessions with their coaches.

Why Would You Turn It Down?

Now, if every completion spells trouble for the defense, why on earth would you turn one down? It's like having a menu of routes – hitch route outside, corner route inside, a sweet combo called the smash – and you're eyeing that hitch route like it's the last piece of pizza at a party.

Forget about high-blowing the corner or diving into a deep-to-short reading extravaganza. Nope, take that hitch until you absolutely can't.

Make It Yours

Spring ball is your canvas and completion percentage is your masterpiece. If I were a college quarterback in this scenario, I'd be obsessed – not with the flashy stats or the hail mary throws – but with completion percentage and nothing else.

Here's a fun tidbit: in college practice, there's only one stat that really matters for quarterbacks – completions. Nobody's ever earned bragging rights for throwing 300 yards in a practice session. So, quarterbacks, embrace the completions and let the stats do the talking.

Lon Horwedel/USA Today

Three Things You Should Be Working On: NFL

NFL quarterbacks (I know there’s a handful of you reading this today), this one's for you – the final piece of the offseason puzzle.

We all know the NFL grind is practically year-round, and March is no exception. While many quarterbacks keep the wheels turning with workouts and staying in top-notch shape, it's time to step back and reassess the game plan.

Take Inventory Of Last Year

First things first, let's tailor our offseason regimen based on the experiences of the past year. It's not just about pumping iron and going for a run; it's about strategic preparation.

For those in the mix, competing for a spot, the peak is April and May during OTAs. On the flip side, franchise guys aren't peaking in May – it's just too early.

Some don't even start tossing the pigskin until they hit training camp. So, here's the March playbook for an NFL quarterback.

Dive Into The Tape

Step one: Dive into the tape.

Watch every single snap from the previous year, whether it's game footage or practice sessions. If you're the starter, dissect game tapes; if not, focus on those valuable practice sessions. Identify one aspect to enhance in your movement and one in your throwing mechanics.

Study The Stars

Step two: Study the stars.

Find a quarterback with a similar play style but who outperformed you. If you're the nimble, mobile type, watch someone in your league who excels in that area.

Conversely, if you're a big, strong-armed quarterback, find a peer who dominated the game despite lacking your physical traits. The goal is to pinpoint 3 to 5 things they do better than you, things you can realistically improve.

The Big Key

The key here is authenticity.

Don't fabricate areas for improvement; instead, seek genuine opportunities to enhance your game. If you're at a loss, find a coach or mentor who can guide you through the process. Emulate the approach of legends like Tom Brady – every offseason is an opportunity to refine and evolve.

So, if you're an NFL quarterback in March, it's not just about maintaining the status quo -  it's about meticulous self-assessment and strategic refinement. The path to greatness is paved with intentional improvement. Let the offseason grind continue.

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