The quarterback position in football is one of the most important positions on the field. Playing quarterback is demanding, both physically and mentally.
The amount of preparation and film study that is required to play quarterback goes beyond any of the other positions on the field. This position is not for everyone. It takes a special type of person to be able to play quarterback, mostly because of the mental and leadership demands required.
How to Play Quarterback (Overview)
Playing quarterback on a football team is demanding. It requires both physical and mental toughness. There are many skills required to play quarterback, including throwing accuracy, arm strength, and knowledge of the game, just to name a few.
Below we will discuss the following topics about playing quarterback in football. We will discuss the skills required, the mental aspect of the game, the knowledge needed to succeed, and some of the fundamentals needed to be a successful quarterback.
If you are interested in learning about the toughest positions in football, check out Toughest Positions in Football
How to Play Quarterback: The Skills Required (Arm Strength)
Arm Strength – The quarterback position in football requires the player to throw the football to receivers and running backs. This skill is important no matter what level of football one is playing.
The higher the level of play, the more arm strength that is needed. In a schematic sense, arm strength helps quarterbacks to be able to fit throws in tight windows, somewhat alleviating the schematic part of the defense.
The game of football is a bit different than it used to as teams now want to throw the ball downfield in order to stretch the defense and get the defense to play softer, hence opening up the running attack.
How to Play Quarterback: The Skills Required (Throwing Accuracy)
Arm strength is definitely important, but accuracy is more important. The position of quarterback is a high demand position, requiring precise ability and precise throwing accuracy.
Defenses have become better schematically and athletically, so throwing the football accurately and on time is extremely important. Inaccurate throws, especially at the professional levels, can definitely turn into points for the defense.
Route running and timing has become a crucial part of paying quarterbacks. Having the ability to take advantage of a defense, whether they are misaligned or there is a mismatch is important, especially in crucial moments.
How to Play Quarterback: Skills Required (Mobility)
Speed is important, but being elusive might be more important. Although speed and quickness help with mobility, quarterbacks must be able to move in the pocket.
Having the ability to move in the pocket is important in order to avoid sacks, but more importantly, being able to create windows for passing lanes.
The best quarterbacks that have played the game at the professional level have been able to move in the pocket. These quarterbacks are sometimes very athletic, but sometimes, quarterbacks that aren’t as athletic can still possess mobility and pocket awareness.
How to Play Quarterback: SKills Required (Toughness)
Although quarterbacks aren’t in contact on every play, like many of the positions in football, they do have to have physical toughness.
Quarterbacks get sacked, and these hits are usually by players who are much bigger than them. Quarterbacks, many times, get blind sided, and hit when not expecting it.
Quarterbacks must be physically tough because of this. Many times, quarterbacks are taking a hit instead of delivering one, which can be difficult to bounce back from.
Quarterbacks are required to scramble sometimes, and once they get out of the pocket, they are risking being tackled, usually by lakers much bigger and stronger than them.
How to Play Quarterback: Knowledge of the Game
Many football players are big, strong and fast. These are all great attributes to have for most positions on the football field. Quarterbacks have a requirement of knowing the game well.
Quarterbacks are responsible to know where everyone on the field is at all times. They must direct players to the proper positions, and direct the offense.
Quarterbacks are one step below a coach, analyzing what will happen before the snap, but also making quick decisions right after the snap.
The position of quarterback is the most complicated position in football, where football IQ is extremely important, necessary for success at all levels.
How to Play Quarterback: Leadership
This may be the most important area that is required of quarterbacks. Quarterbacks need to possess leadership skills, as they motivate and create confidence in the huddle and on the offensive side of the ball.
Players look up to the quarterback, as they look for confidence and assertiveness. The game is complicated by design, and has become even more complicated as the years have gone on. The best quarterbacks make the players around them better, empowering them to be successful and to strive for greatness.
Leadership comes in many forms, but as a quarterback it is important for the players around you to play for you, to protect you, and to have confidence that you will get the job done. This comes from the attitude and mental fortitude of the quarterback, the natural leader of any football team.
How to Play Quarterback: Running Ability
This skill is mostly important at the lower levels of football, as the quarterback does carry the football more than at the NFL level.
Running the football at the high school and college levels has become an integral part of the game of football. Being able to take advantage of defenses by utilizing the running ability of the quarterback has made offenses extremely difficult to defend.
Quarterbacks are not typically the most athletic on most teams, but being able to be somewhat effective in the run game is huge.
Next Steps to Becoming a Quarterback
If you have a desire to become a quarterback, training is important and so is learning the game of football. Playing quarterback requires a high knowledge of the game, how it works, and being able to react to certain situations
Training involves speed training and agility in order to improve footwork and athleticism. Lifting weights is crucial in development as well, as strength is an important part of playing any position in football.
Developing throwing accuracy and arm strength is an important part of playing quarterback as well.
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