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AFM Magazine


The Speed Report: Developing Quarterback Speed

by: Dale Baskett
Football Speed Specialist
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Baseball pitchers are the most difficult athletes to convince that speed development is important. Why? Because they stand on the mound and hurl the rock forward at incredible speed. That is all well and good. However, we need to look at the physiological aspect of the nervous system enhancement as indicated in our past article on speed for linemen. You will gain an insight on how the nervous system and high end concentration correlate to produce positive physiological changes. We must train specifically to get specific results. If a pitcher would train for twitch enhancement he would be complementing his ballistic characteristics and training for specific physiological correlation in the correct manner. However, they are often instructed to run distances which is the wrong energy mechanism.

The end result of training specifically for direct results is an important aspect if we wish to maximize speed. As coaches, we should be aware of the importance of mental imprints recorded and ingrained when training. Speed training imprints are recorded, whether correct or incorrectly performed. It’s important to be knowledgeable about the technical aspects of running and human movement which is beneficial for developing each athlete’s specific skill level potential. This is vitally important in the context for speed and quickness. We attack the neuro system properly while running technically sound.

Contrary to this theory is the usual prescription for baseball pitchers; that is, running distance to build stamina. This thought process is 180 degrees backward and actually retards the fast twitch development for muscle contraction effectiveness for ballistic force application to moving fast. Once again, specificity is the key to maximization of potential. Quarterback speed can be looked at by some coaches as unimportant. The importance of speed for quarterbacks depends upon the type of offensive systems and schemes that each program adopts. If you have an offense designed for a mobile type quarterback to challenge a defense with an athlete who can throw and run the ball, you are more concerned about speed. If you have a pocket passer scheme similar to a Drew Bledsoe, who is not your Michael Vick type of athlete, then perhaps training would be directed towards the speed development used for running backs. If you have an offense that fits the Michael Vick type, I suggest you work on the running back drills suggested in parts 1 and 2 of the running back speed articles in the January and February issues of AFM. On the other side of the coin, if you have a quarterback who has reasonable mobility but is a pocket type of quarterback, then you will enjoy the escapability quarterback drills we will be sharing in this issue. All of the following drills are designed to create better movement speed in small spaces to longer acceleration situations. Of course, this depends on what develops as the run continues. The premise is predicated on short movement skill and quickness to escape pressure while moving to more open space as it presents itself during the course of the run. The other aspect of the drills is to gain athletic confidence by improving change of direction, burst and change of pace skills.

The Drill Series

Diagram #1: Begin this drill by setting up in passing position stance in the pocket. Burst to the first cone with straight two steps, then plant to a lateral run of two to three strides, plant again upfield and inside to a speed weave pattern as the cone display indicates. Arm rotation must remain active during all plants and weaves with the elbows in at all times.

Diagram 1

Diagram #2: Once again, begin from a set position stance facing upfield. Release quickly towards the curve design, left or right, and sprint aggressively. As the athlete approaches the triple cones, he plants with the inside foot to a downhill angle, with elbows in and arms continuously active. At the end of the lateral slide downhill, you'll have him plant with the outside foot to a straight sprint. On the final plant, he needs to activate the arm action front to back at maximum frequency in order to create a burst cycle off of the plant. This drill represents more open space characteristics.

Diagram 2

Diagram #3: From the set position, the quarterback has a straight release for two steps and plants to a lateral move for two steps. He then has a quick extension plant to a straight release at the double cones. The outside foot strike plants to an inside angle (second straight arrow). The last plant is also an outside foot strike to an outside sprint release upfield. This movement scheme will enhance the quick short space escape action of quick plants that demands direction changes.

Diagram 3

Diagram #4: The QB has the same stance and position set-up. The initial release is a lateral run at 100% velocity. He uses a quick arm action with elbows in. While moving laterally, he keeps his shoulders and hips married to the curve design of the layout. When the athlete reaches the double cones, he plants to a burst sprint straight ahead for the remainder of the arc angle shown. The plant from the lateral to the curve sprint comes from the foot strike if lateraling right or right foot if lateraling left. This plant technique teaches the burst affect for shifting gears. This drill parallels larger space acceleration rather than multi-direction development.

Diagram 4

Diagram #5: This involves the same set for the quarterback prior to release. He bursts straight for two to three steps at maximum velocity and intensity. His first plant is with outside foot to a straight angle for two yards. Then, he decels abruptly by decelerating his arm rotation to short front to back movements for three steps. The quarterback keeps the upper body over the foot strike on the decel so he remains in a position to make the final (jab step) plant to a curve sprint. Then, he crosses underneath the final cone and bends the sprint angle slightly upfield a good ten yards.

Diagram 5






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