Understanding what your son or daughter is going through — and how you can help
By Ron Raymond, Head Coach at Capital QB’s
Why This Guide Matters
As a parent, you want to support your quarterback. But when they struggle, it’s hard to know what’s really happening. Is it effort? Toughness? Talent?
Often, it’s none of these.
Most quarterback struggles come from cognitive overload—being asked to process more information than their brain can reliably handle under pressure. This guide helps you understand what your child is experiencing and how to be their advocate, not another source of pressure.
⚠️ Common Parent Misconceptions (and the Reality)
“They just need to work harder.”
Reality: Your QB is likely already working hard. The problem isn’t effort—it’s overload. Studying harder with an overloaded playbook is like preparing for 10 final exams at once. More hours don’t fix too much information.
“They’re not mentally tough enough.”
Reality: Mental toughness can’t overcome biology. When a QB is unsure on 30% of their reads, anxiety is a normal response—not a character flaw.
“The coach knows best—don’t question playbook size.”
Reality: Coaches have great intentions, but cognitive capacity varies by age and by individual. A playbook that works for older athletes can overwhelm a youth QB. Respectful advocacy matters.
“If they know it in practice, they should execute it in games.”
Reality: Knowing something in a calm walkthrough ≠ executing it under live pressure. Cognitive load explodes when defenders rush and the clock ticks.
The 4 Pillars of QB Performance
Every quarterback’s performance rests on four pillars. When cognitive overload hits, all four can collapse—fast.
Pillar 1: Mechanics (Throwing Fundamentals)
When Capacity Is Right: Smooth footwork, proper release, accurate throws.
Under Overload: Rushed mechanics, off-platform throws, body racing ahead of the brain.
Pillar 2: Cognition (Mental Processing)
When Capacity Is Right: Quick decisions, clear vision, anticipation.
Under Overload: Hesitation, staring down receivers, missed open targets, “brain freeze.”
Pillar 3: Execution (Composure + Translation)
When Capacity Is Right: Calm demeanor; practice translates automatically to games.
Under Overload: Visible panic, anxiety, can’t execute what they “know.”
Pillar 4: Leadership (Commanding Teammates)
When Capacity Is Right: Confident huddle presence; rallies the team.
Under Overload: Goes quiet; constantly looks to the sideline; teammates lose confidence.
The.xlsx The Cascade Effect
These pillars don’t fail independently. Overload triggers a domino effect:
Brain Overload → Mechanics Rush → Panic Sets In → Leadership Fades
⚠️ Warning Signs of Cognitive Overload
On the Field
- Hesitation before every snap
- Constantly looking to the sideline
- Panic when tempo increases
- Missing wide-open receivers
- Defeated body language
- Accuracy drops in games
At Home
- Dreading practice or games
- Studying for hours with little progress
- Pre-game anxiety
- “I can’t remember it all”
- Loss of confidence
- Not enjoying football anymore
Parent Insight: If your child was confident last season but looks lost this year, it’s likely not regression—it’s a bigger playbook that exceeds current capacity.
✓ How You Can Help (Without Adding Pressure)
1) Validate Their Experience
Instead of “Study harder,” try: “I can see you’re working hard. That’s a lot to carry at once.”
2) Ask the Right Questions
“How many plays are you learning?”
“Do you get enough reps to make them automatic?”
3) Advocate—Collaboratively
Share QBIQ Diagnostic™ results and capacity guidance. Approach with partnership:
“Would focusing on a smaller core set help execution?”
4) Focus on Effort, Not Outcomes
Ask: “Did you feel prepared? Which plays felt confident?”
5) Remind Them Why They Play
Bring the joy back. Football should challenge—not crush.
Questions to Ask Your Child’s Coach
- “How many total plays are in the playbook?” (Baseline load)
- “How many reps per play in practice?” (Automaticity needs ~15–20 reps/play)
- “Would a smaller core set improve execution?” (Collaboration, not criticism)
- “Can I share assessment results?” (Data > emotion)
- “What’s the plan to build up gradually?” (Incremental installs matter)
Pro Tip: Curiosity beats accusation. Evidence beats emotion.
What This Isn’t About
- Not Intelligence: It measures access under pressure, not “smartness.”
- Not Permanent: Capacity grows with age and training.
- Not a Ceiling: It’s a starting point for progression.
Your Role Matters
You’re not the coach—but you are the advocate. When you understand what your child is truly experiencing, you can help ensure the playbook fits the player, not the other way around.
Capital QB’s QBIQ Diagnostic™
Empowering parents to support their quarterbacks.
