Spring is officially here, and in the football world, this is where the real work happens.
Most players wait until August to start thinking about their footwork. By then, it’s too late. The elite quarterbacks: the ones who win jobs and lead their teams to championships: are the ones putting in the work when nobody is watching.
At Capital QBs, we don’t believe in “off-season.” We believe in the preparation season.
Starting April 30th, we are kicking off our Spring Quarterback Training sessions in Ottawa. This year, we are incredibly excited to have St. Mary’s University QB Justin Shibley leading the charge.
If you are looking for high-level quarterback training that goes beyond just throwing a ball against a net, you’re in the right place.
The Justin Shibley Edge
Having a coach who is currently competing at the U-Sports level is a game-changer for young athletes.
Justin Shibley isn’t just a coach; he’s an active student of the game. He understands the modern passing concepts, the speed of the current game, and exactly what it takes to transition from youth football to the university level.
When you train with Justin, you aren’t just getting qb drills. You’re getting mentorship. You’re learning the nuances of the pocket, the importance of eyes downfield, and the mental toughness required to lead a huddle.
The Capital QB L.E.A.D. Philosophy
We don’t do “random reps.”
If you show up to a camp and the coach just tells you to “throw deep,” you aren’t training: you’re just playing catch. At Capital QBs, every movement has a purpose. Our curriculum is built on the L.E.A.D. Philosophy, a framework developed by QB Coach Ron Raymond to build complete athletes.
1. Leadership: Inspire and Set Standards
A quarterback is the face of the program. If you aren’t leading, you’re just a guy who happens to touch the ball every play. We teach our QBs how to command the huddle and remain the “calm in the storm.”
2. Extension of Plays: Improvise Under Pressure
The “perfect pocket” is a myth. In real games, things break down. We train our quarterbacks to use their feet to buy time, keep their eyes up, and make accurate throws on the move.
3. Athleticism: Performance Under Pressure
We don’t just want “arm talent.” We want athletes. This means building endurance, core strength, and the explosive footwork necessary to move within the pocket effectively.
4. Decision Making: Tactical Knowledge
The best arm in the world is useless if you throw it to the wrong jersey. Our sessions focus on “game-speed execution”: learning to read defenses, understand timing, and make the right choice in a split second.
Why This Program is Different
Most youth quarterback training programs focus on “looks.” They want the drill to look good for Instagram.
We care about how you look on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons.
✓ Structured Training: Every one of our 8 sessions follows a specific progression. We build from the ground up: starting with base mechanics and finishing with full-speed execution.
✓ Arm-Smart Workload: We monitor throw counts. A young QB’s arm is a precious resource. We focus on efficiency of motion so you can throw more with less strain.
✓ Mental Performance: We spend time on the “neck up” game. Understanding coverages and situational football is what separates the starters from the backups.
✓ Flag & Tackle Friendly: Whether you are playing in a local flag league or preparing for a high-school tackle season, the fundamentals of the QB position remain the same.
The Roadmap: 8 Sessions of Growth
This isn’t a one-day clinic. This is a comprehensive 8-session block designed to create permanent muscle memory and high-level habits.
Location: Saint-François-d’Assise Gym (35 Melrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1T8)
Dates: Every Thursday from April 30th to June 18th.
The Schedule:
- April 30
- May 7
- May 14
- May 21
- May 28
- June 11 (Note: No session June 4)
- June 18
Junior Sessions (Ages 10-19 range)
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
The Junior session is where we hammer the fundamentals. We focus on stance, the 3-step drop, ball security, and basic accuracy. We want these players to build a foundation that will never break.
Senior Sessions
Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
The Senior session is for the older, more experienced QBs. We ramp up the speed. We talk about advanced coverage rotations, off-platform throwing, and high-level timing routes. This is preparation for the next level.
⚠️ Note: Group sizes are strictly capped. We refuse to have 30 kids standing around in a line. To ensure quality coaching from Justin Shibley and the staff, we keep the numbers small.
Misconceptions vs. Reality
Misconception: “I can just watch YouTube videos to learn QB drills.”
Reality: YouTube can’t see your front shoulder dipping. YouTube can’t tell you that your weight is too far back on your drop. You need real-time feedback from a coach who knows what to look for.
Misconception: “I should only train during the season.”
Reality: The season is for performing. The spring is for improving. You cannot fix a major mechanical flaw in the middle of a game week. You fix it now.
Misconception: “I need to throw 200 balls a day to get better.”
Reality: 50 perfect reps beat 200 lazy ones every single time. We focus on the “The Cascade Effect”: how one small correction in your feet leads to a massive improvement in your accuracy.
The Importance of Timing and Mechanics
In the Capital QB way, we talk a lot about timing.
A quarterback’s feet are the internal clock of the offense. If your feet are slow, the play is late. If the play is late, the window closes.
During these 8 sessions, Justin Shibley will guide players through the same footwork patterns used at the university level. We will cover:
- The “Quiet” Upper Body: Keeping the torso stable while the feet are active.
- The Quick Release: Eliminating “loop” in the throwing motion to get the ball out faster.
- Pocket Navigation: Moving subtly to avoid pressure while staying in a “ready to throw” posture.
How to Join Us
Registration is officially open, but as mentioned, spots are limited. We have a long history of seeing our athletes move on to great things, now it’s your turn!
The Details Recap:
- What: Capital QB Spring Quarterback Training
- Who: Open to Juniors and Seniors (Ages 10-19)
- When: Thursdays, April 30 – June 18
- Where: Saint-François-d’Assise Gym, Ottawa
- Cost: Visit the registration page for full details and bundle options.
The Bottom Line:
Quarterbacks don’t rise by doing more: they rise by doing it right. Don’t leave your development to chance this spring. Train with a coach who is currently doing it at the highest level and follow a system that is proven to work.
Stop “practicing” and start training.
👉 Register Now : Spots Are Limited
See you on the field April 30th!
: Coach Justin Shibley & The Capital QBs Team
