Sunday is for football

If you are like me, you want as much information as you can find about quarterbacks and playing the position. Looking for any and all football drills to make you a complete player.

Some of the best drills are fundamentals, footwork and accuracy. You must understand the mental side of the game in order to be one of the top quarterbacks. Yes, having a cannon for an arm and great size helps, but none of that means anything if you don't understand the position and what it takes to succeed.

In order to give yourself the best chance to succeed at the best football position, you must start to increase your mental sports training and become Mentally Prepared first.

When I played this prized position in high school, I was recruited by many of the major colleges across the country. When talking with recruiters on my visits, I learned all the qualities they look for in Quarterbacks. Payton Manning ranks higher than all other quarterbacks in these qualities:

1. Accuracy
2. Leadership
3. Arm strength
4. Footwork
5. Vision
6. Size, and
7. Mental toughness

Lets look at each quality one at a time.

*Accuracy - Having proper mechanics will greatly improve your accuracy.

Many young Quarterbacks don't realize that you throw with your legs. Picture trying to complete a 12 yard out route but stepping straight up the field; very tough. Have your coach look at your mechanics and see if anything needs to be changed. When throwing, hold the ball with your fingertips and allow an air pocket between the ball and the palm of your hand.

Don't palm the ball. The fingertip control of the football is essential for good passers. The palm of the hand, the front toe of the lead foot, shoulders and hips must all face the target as you release the football. Try to get your rhythm as smooth as you can and snap your wrist as you throw and release the ball.

Make sure your target is always above the receivers shoulders. Play catch with a team mate and count how many times you can put the ball above his shoulders (make sure he is running routes). Visualize where he is going to be and throw the ball on that target. Don't just play catch, really work on your fundamentals and developing accuracy when throwing the football.

*Leadership - You must command the huddle. When your teammates look at you, you must make them feel complete confidence that you are going to not only put them in the right play but also give them a chance to be successful as well. Make sure they see you working harder than anyone on the team.

Demand excellence but also be able to put your arm around a receiver that just dropped a big pass and say, 'I'm coming right back to you.' Always speak with confidence and never ever let anyone give up; ever.

*Arm strength - To improve in this area you must start your motion by stepping directly at the target area with your front foot. Your front foot, waist and shoulders should all be in a line pointing towards your target.

After you release the ball, allow your hips and chest to proceed with the throwing motion while your passing arm finishes across your body. Your passing hand should be fully extended and rotating down and to the inside. To strengthen you arm, do a lot of rotators cuff exercises, power bands, and stretching. Also, throw the ball a few times a week, do some long tossing but be sure you stay fundamentally sound with each throw.

*Footwork - Footwork is essential in your passing technique. Begin your football drills with your stance. Make certain you are comfortable with good flex in your knees, feet spread shoulder width apart and head up to gather your pre-snap read on the defense.

After the snap, taking the first steps away from the line with long strides and very quick. As you take your drop, raise the ball with both hands to chest or shoulder height. During your drop, keep the ball chest high and in both hands. Your knees should be slightly bent, head up and your body relax.

Stop your momentum with your back foot, make sure both your feet are under your hips and you are in a position to throw in any direction. The ball should be chest high, you should stand tall and be looking down the field.

*Vision - This is a must have skill for all quarterbacks. You must be able to read defenses, find the open receiver and make the throw accurately and on time. Identifying the coverage is the first thing you do after taking the snap, if its a pass play.

You must know where everyone on your team is going to be on every play and you must recognize the coverage quickly then make the decision where to throw the ball accordingly. Being able to recognize the blitz and where it is coming from is critical to your success. You can not use your vision to look at the pass rush. Instead use you instincts to feel the rush and get rid of the ball before it's too late.

*Size - Wouldn't it be great if we were all 6' 5 235 lbs. Don't worry, over the last decade or so the expectations of size of the 'proto-type quarterback' has gone down tremendously.

Scouts focus more on other things like; if you can make all the throws, if you can lead a team, and have many other different intangibles to win on Saturday or Sunday. Work on getting stronger but don't dwell on being taller, just go out and make plays.

*Mental Toughness - One of the most underrated phases of quarterback training is whether or not you are strong enough mentally to handle being praised when you win and blamed when you loose. You are the captain of the ship.

Your teammates will look to you for guidance and leadership. Be in control at all times. Continue to encourage the other players even when the team is not doing so well. Your work ethic and attitude must be better than every one else on the team. When you step into the huddle, all eyes are on you. Take control from day one and win the confidence of your team.