You Want to Play Quarterback in College (part 2)
In the first part of this series, I discussed the intangibles of being a successful quarterback and college football recruit. This follow-up will go beyond intangible traits discussing the physical traits a college quarterback recruit should possess.
Build Your Body
If genetics were the coach, then work ethic would be the quarterback; you cannot win a championship with just one. The quarterback isn’t thought of as the most physical position on the football field, but they must possess a body capable of taking a continuous pounding. Looking back over the past few decades, there has been a trend towards college recruiting larger, more stable quarterbacks.
A commitment to the weight room can have a significant impact on your success as a quarterback and college football recruit. Consult your coach to find out which quarterback specific lifts will help increase your strength. Focus on areas such as your latissimus dorsi, deltoids, triceps, core muscles, quadriceps, gluts, and calves. While building strength, quarterbacks must also stay flexible to not interrupt your throwing motion; stretch often to prevent immobility.
Develop Speed and Footwork
Different offenses demand different responsibilities of their quarterbacks when it comes to speed. No matter the offense ran in high school, speed is very important for college football recruits. As someone who wants to be recruited, it’s important to maintain your speed or build upon it. Run 40-yard dashes one after another and record each time. Set a goal of ten a day throughout off-season training. For added benefits, run 40s with weights on your ankles. Speak with your coach about explosion exercises such as banded squats, squat jumps, box jumps, or pulling sleds.
Coaches look closely at footwork when evaluating college football recruits; working on steps, drops, and fast feet are imperative to a college recruiting success. Practice your drop steps for efficiency and speed, use speed and agility ladders to train your feet for quick steps, jump rope, and try five-dot training while attempting to throw a football at a target.
Train Your Arm
A quarterback’s motion can be seen as similar to a pitcher’s pitch or a golfer’s swing. Athletes use their own individual groove of motion every time they throw or swing. Athletes playing at the college and professional levels have spent years developing a technique that allows them to repeat an unflawed motion. As a quarterback and possible college football recruit, this unflawed motion is what you need to strive for.
Coaching staffs regularly put quarterbacks through drills which will aid in this development. Look for drills that teach and reinforce keeping your elbow close and up, back straight, shoulders open, and ball level with your sternum. Make sure your throwing technique is smooth, your wind doesn’t drop below your waist, and your release is quick. While you practice throwing, constantly videotape your technique, later viewing the tape back with your coach. Always be aware of areas you’re excelling in and areas in need of improvement. Learn to express each area; college coaches will expect for you to recognize areas you feel you need to develop.
Do you want to play college football but need help in the recruiting process? Leave your questions in the comments section below or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+!