Young quarterbacks are the future of the game, and the development of their skills is crucial to the success of their teams. However, there are several common mistakes that young quarterbacks make during their development that can hinder their progress. In this article, we will explore some of these mistakes and how they can be addressed.
8 QB Habits to Improve
- Poor Footwork: One of the most critical components of a quarterback’s success is their footwork. Poor footwork can lead to inaccurate throws, a loss of velocity on the ball, and a decrease in overall effectiveness. Young quarterbacks should focus on developing proper footwork techniques, such as keeping their feet parallel and their weight balanced, to ensure accurate and powerful throws.
- Locking in on Targets: It’s natural for young quarterbacks to have a favorite receiver, but this can be a problem if they lock in on that receiver and ignore other options. Staring down a target makes it easier for defenders to anticipate the quarterback’s next move, and jump routes for interceptions. To avoid this mistake, young quarterbacks should be taught to keep their eyes up and read the entire field, working through their progressions to find the open receiver.
- Lack of Pocket Awareness: A quarterback’s success is also dependent on their ability to manipulate the pocket and avoid pressure. Many young quarterbacks struggle with this aspect of the game and can be prone to taking sacks or making rushed throws. It’s important for them to understand how to navigate the pocket and find the right throwing lanes.
- Poor Mechanics: Inconsistent throwing mechanics can lead to accuracy problems and decreased arm strength. Young quarterbacks should focus on refining their mechanics, including their release point, follow-through, and grip, to ensure accurate and powerful throws.
- Impatience: Young quarterbacks can be eager to make big plays, but this can lead to impatience and a tendency to force the ball into tight windows. This can result in interceptions and negative plays for the offense. Instead, young quarterbacks should be taught to take what the defense gives them, and make smart decisions with the ball.
- Ignoring Progressions: Reading the defense and working through progressions is an essential part of a quarterback’s job. Young quarterbacks may be tempted to focus on just one receiver, but this can lead to missed opportunities and mistakes. To avoid this, they should be taught to read the entire field, progress through their reads, and find the open receiver.
- Failure to Anticipate: Effective quarterbacks are able to anticipate throws before they happen, allowing them to get rid of the ball quickly and avoid sacks. Young quarterbacks may struggle with this aspect of the game, but with practice and experience, they can develop their ability to anticipate and make quicker decisions.
- Over-reliance on Physical Ability: Young quarterbacks may rely too heavily on their physical ability and athleticism, rather than their mental and technical skills. While these attributes are important, it’s crucial for young quarterbacks to understand the mental aspects of the game and develop their decision-making skills to become effective players.
To put it simply, young quarterbacks have the potential to become successful leaders on the field, but it’s important for them to avoid common mistakes during their development. With proper coaching, practice, and game experience, they can overcome these challenges and grow into successful and confident quarterbacks.
