technique

All QBs have their own style but Every great quarterback must have good mechanics. Mechanics help keep a consistent and more accurate performance.

Let's start with the basics. Grip is essential to the ability to throw a football. The key concept of the grip is that there is no one right way to hold the football. The correct grip is whatever is comfortable. I personally hold the ball in a grip that I nicknamed westside, as shown by Mr. Wolverine on the left. The quarterback should be able to hold the ball in one hand comfortably. Typically there is a little pocket of air in between the heel of the hand and the ball, and at least one finger is on the laces.

When taking the snap put your heels of your hands together and lock thumbs. Right handers place your right hand under the center. Feet should be shoulder width apart with most weight on the left leg, which is slightly further back than the right. Lefties are vice versa. When under the center, survey the field left to right then right to left. Think SUK Bubbles as you look for safeties, uncovered recievers, your keys, and open bubbles.

The dropback is one of the most critical aspects of quarterbacking. There are five main types of drops: the three step, five step, sprint out, roll out, and the straight drop.

The three step drop is used primarily for short timing patterns. It consists of pivoting on the left, plant foot and opening up the right foot with a 90° reach step with the right foot (vice versa for lefties), a crossover, and a plant step. The drop should be at least five yards deep and the ball should be thrown on the completion of the third step.
The five step drop is used primarily for longer timing patterns. It consists of pivoting on the left, plant foot (vice versa for lefties) and opening up the right foot with a 90° reach step, a crossover, a longer reach step, a shorter crossover, and a plant step. The drop should be at least seven yards deep and the ball should be thrown on the completion of the fifth step.
The sprint out, also known as the half roll, is quite similar to the five step drop. It is directional. It consists of sprinting five steps at an angle so that the setup is directly behind the tackle, which is about 3 yards width. If sprinting right, open to the right. If sprinting left, open to the left. This drop is primarily used for all types of patterns to one side of the field.
The roll out is the hardest and most dangerous drop to master. It poses a double threat to the defense as the QB can run or throw, and can be used to throw all patterns. The start of the drop is the same as a sprint out except on the fifth step, instead of setting up to throw, the QB breaks down and starts to angle upfield in a rhythmic motion always ready to throw.
The straight drop is not quite used as much today. It allows the quarterback to survey the entire field. But it is slow. The QB drops his lead foot straight back and continues to backpedal, standing upright for five to seven steps. This drop is the bread and butter for tall, slow, cannon-armed quarterbacks.

The handoff is a relatively simple yet often overlooked aspect of quarterbacking. Begin by holding the ball horizontally, with both hands and outstretched arms. Then firmly place the ball in the running back's stomach. The delivery is critical and a slight error can cause a fumble. It is never the running back's job to take the ball from the QB. It is the quarterback's job to deliver the ball to the running back.

Every quarteback must be able to throw the football. Hold the ball in between the nipples in the vertical position. Then reach back and up so the ball is over the ear and the elbow is above the shoulder. Do not "wind up" like a baseball pitcher. Take a small step toward the target and throw out the lead hand, which should be followed by an opening up of the shoulders, which is followed by a shift in the hips. Throw the arm down, over the top, right past the ear. Lead with the elbow, snap the wrist, and roll the fingers. Do not follow through across the body like a baseball throw. The throwing hand should be able to hit the same side's thigh.

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