How To Play Quarterback

How To Play Quarterback

In the game of football, a quarterback needs not only to be physically gifted but also be a leader. He is the engine that runs an offense. Do you have what it takes to take your team down the field and score a touchdown?

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Step 1:

Listen Up!

The quarterback commands the offensive squad, and he'd better be loud and clear.
He calls the play, such as "25-Dive" and chooses a snap count such as "on three!" The snap count tells the offense when to hike the ball. This keeps the other team's defense from knowing when the ball will be snapped.

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Step 2:

The Snap

Every play in football starts with a snap. The QB lines up directly behind the center with his feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent. He places his hands underneath the center's rear end, thumbs together. A good QB has already studied the enemy's strengths and weak spots. If he needs to, he changes the play right at the line of scrimmage. This last-minute change is called an audible. And it better be loud, even if the crowd is screaming.

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Step 3:

By Land

In running plays, it's the quarterback's job to get the running back the ball with a toss or hand-off. In the hand-off, the QB steps back, pivots his hip, and places the ball in the pocket the running back creates with his arms. The hand-off is simple, hard-nosed football - the goal is to punch the ball through the defensive line.

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Step 4:

By Air

To get chunks of yardage, throw that pigskin. In a pass play, the quarterback drops back and chooses from up to five receivers he could throw to. In a split second, the QB goes through a pass progression to find an open receiver. Why so little time? Because on each play, anywhere from three to 11 defensive players are trying to put the quarterback into the ground.

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Step 5:

Sack Avoidance

In a sack, the QB goes down, costing vital yardage. The offensive line creates a "pocket" to protect the QB, but a defense will get by them. He has to use his "escapablilty", a quick move, like a quick hop, to avoid the sack. and then still manage to launch a pass before the defense has time to recover.

Being a good quarterback means handling pressure. Being a great quarterback means taking that pressure, eating it for breakfast and then stuffing it down the defenses throat with a 60 yard pass.

Touchdown.