Quarterbacks are critical to the success of a football team.
A quarterback needs to be a strong leader who has confidence and can make decisions on a moment's notice. Although athletic ability is essential to the position, so too is determination, mental toughness and the ability to not let mistakes ruin your focus.
Throwing
As a quarterback, being able to throw the ball effectively to receivers is critical. You need to be able to cleanly receive the ball from the center, drop back correctly and fire a spiral down the field. In doing this, the proper grip is essential. Your ring finger should be on the laces and the index finger on the seam. The non-throwing hand should be used to support the ball before it is thrown. To perfect a throw, have a firm grip on the ball and as the ball is released. The last finger to touch the ball should be your index finger because as the ball is released, the wrist should snap toward the ground. An essential part of playing quarterback is knowing when to throw the ball or to keep it because forcing a throw could result in an interception.
Running
Throwing the ball is not the only responsibility of a quarterback; sometimes you will keep the ball and run. The most important factor to remember as a quarterback is once a decision is made, stick with it. Once you decide to keep the ball and run, tuck the ball into your body and commit to the run. Once the ball is tucked safely, you need to find a hole and run, staying alert and identifying where the defenders are on the field.
Handing Off the Ball
Handing the ball off to a running back is another critical skill of a quarterback, especially at a young age. In youth football leagues, the running game is usually the dominant part of the offense. A quarterback must be able to cleanly accept a snap and hand it off to a running back without either of them fumbling the ball. The key to a successful handoff is to have both hands on the ball until the release and not slam it into the ball carrier's hands. If the play is going to the right, the quarterback should pivot off his left foot and place the ball in the running back's hands with his left hand.
Be Confident
As important as being able to throw or run the ball, is being confident. You need to be the leader of the team and be confident in every decision you make. The team's confidence will come from you. Quarterbacks need to be mentally tough and not let mistakes keep them from making last-minute tough decisions.
Tags: running back, throw ball, able cleanly, able throw, able throw ball, ball released, ball running