A STRONG KNOWLEDGE of the game and understanding what the team is trying to accomplish provides the foundation for any quarterback.  However, the QB must not only be a student of the game, but must be willing to work hard to develop his athleticism. The following skills not only need to be mastered, but must become automatic.

Ball Security
-  QB, Center Exchange.  Controlling the football from the center is the No.1 priority. Without it you give away a down and possibly possession of the ball.

Your QB should let the center know of his arrival and presence at the line of scrimmage by placing a hand on the top of his butt.

Put pressure on the center at the snap, from the bottom hand through the top hand.  This allows the center to anticipate the snap, while providing a natural ride with the QB’s hands as he receives the ball.

The QB needs to bring the ball up to his stomach (often called the third hand) on every snap. The point of the ball should be in his belly button.

The QB should keep two hands on the ball until giving it to a running back or throwing a pass.
-  Handoffs Clean, Consistent.  It’s the QBs responsibility to place the football firmly into the running back’s stomach.
-  Good Positioning On Hand-Offs.  The hand closest to the runner comes off the ball first.

Teach your QBs the following tips to further ensure ball security:
-   Use two-handed ball fakes.
-   Don’t be in a hurry.
-   Sell fakes.
-   On all handoffs, watch the ball as it moves into the RB’s stomach.
-   Know and execute proper technique; reverse pivot, open, ride with RB, etc.

Down Preparation
When the whistle blows ending a play, your QB needs to immediately determine the down and distance. As the referee signals the ball ready for play, he must look at the clock to check the time and then to the sideline for the play call.

The QB can receive the play by:
1.   Hand signals.
2.   Signals used in conjunction with a wrist band.
3.   Running to get the call directly from the coach if near the sideline.
4.   A shuttled-in player.

Always take the play call outside the huddle.

Pre-Snap Checklist
QBs should always approach the LOS the same way regardless of what play is called. Teach your QB to always look left – middle – right to determine:
-   Depth of corners.    
-   Number of safeties (a key to coverage).
-   Defender responsible for weak-side flat.
-   The defensive front; 7-man, 8-man or 9-man.
(a “pre-snap read.”)

Defenses will typically not move until the QB places his  hands under center. Teach your QB to get his hands in place as soon as he gets to the LOS.

If the defense has the original play covered, get the offense out of a bad play situation by having your QB call an audible.

Footwork
-  Drop, Set Quickly. The crossover drop technique, with the shoulders perpendicular to the LOS, allows the QB to get to the spot from where each pass is thrown (“passing spot”) while achieving the proper timing and coordination with the receiver routes.

3-step drops must be behind the center.

5- and 7-step drops will be either directly behind the center or behind the tackles (called a half roll). 

Note:  The QB must open his hips to throw to the backside.  To do this, your QB’s plant foot should be at a 45 degree angle toward the LOS instead of parallel. The plant foot should be on the ball with the heel off the ground. The front leg is lifted, not swung, as the QB steps toward the target.

-  Shotgun — Catch The Ball First.  The QB must still use a drop to gain rhythm for the throw.
On sprint outs, your QB must get depth so that his shoulders are square to the receiver or point of delivery.
Screen pass drops must invite the pass rush, but should not be obvious.

-  Play Action Buys Time. This only works if the QB has consistently been carrying out his fakes.
Consistency Is Key

Since the goal of the offense is to score, consistency in executing each play is important to avoid turnovers.  The QB is the guardian of each play and must insure flawless execution.

A successful QB understands the process of making himself better. He should have the best attitude and work habits of anyone on the team.

Stress to your QB that his teammates are watching to see how hard he works. Urge him to be the first player on the field at practice and the last one to leave.