Oklahoma's Passing Game Drills

by: Mike Leach,
Offensive Coordinator, University of Oklahoma
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For over 10 years, I had the opportunity to work with University of Kentucky coach Hal Mumme. I was his offensive coordinator at Iowa Wesleyan, Valdosta State and UK, and we were fortunate enough to enjoy some tremendous success. Mumme is as committed to moving the football through the air as any coach I have ever known, and, needless to say, I learned a great deal from him. Since we were going to commit to the passing game, we created an offensive practice plan around developing the skills required to throw and catch the ball. These drills allow for high repetitions and maximum teaching opportunities in a structured learning environment.

I now have the chance to utilize these drills and techniques at the University of Oklahoma, where Bob Stoops has hired me to run the Sooner offense. I am convinced that the practice plans utilizing the passing game drills for the QB, WR, TE, RB and OL described in this article will help us get ready to play next year, and they can help any program wishing to improve its passing game.

Settle Up and Noose Drill

This is the first drill we plan to run eachday in the pre-season, during the season, and in spring ball. This drill is used for QB, RB, WR, TE and C. The main point of the settle up and noose drill is to warm up performing football specific skills stressing details. The drill is performed at one-quarter speed.

Set up two dummies 10 yards apart. (see Diagram 1). The receivers should line up in a line at one dummy. As the QB calls the cadence, the receiver will run to a dummy and settle up at it, between it or back to the dummy where he started (see Diagram 1 positions A,B,C and D), all the while getting into proper position to catch the ball. The receiver should catch the ball and then turn straight upfield. All movements exaggerate the techniques because we are stressing the details; this is easy to do at quarter speed.

We stress each position in the drill and the fundamentals for each.

The QB and Center

The QBs need to use the time loosen up their arms for the remainder of practice. They should work on their mechanics at all times (steps, drop, throwing position, etc.). We have the QBs work on a line so they can make certain they are dropping in a straight line. When the QB throws the ball, he is to attempt to hit the receiver's number away from the nearest dummy (the dummy is to simulate the closest defender). This drill can be run from shotgun as well as under center.

QB/C Exchange

The center is to take a good stance. The QB is to put pressure where he wants the ball delivered. The QB will take the ball, with narrow stance, and begin with a big first step. He immediately looks downfield, pulling the ball up to his ear, in a throwing position. The QB works "down the line," settles up and throws to receiver.

QB/C Shotgun Snap

Center is to take a good stance. The QB is 5 yards back from center on the line. The center will naturally push the ball back through his legs without snapping the wrist, until his hand hits his seat. The center will then take a couple of steps back into the pocket getting in position to execute a pass set (all the while working on his footwork and fundamentals).

The QB receives the ball and completes his drop, making certain that his non-throwing shoulder is slightly open so he can see to that side of the field and be able to throw there if necessary. He is to take his drop with the ball up by his ear and the elbow up.

Receivers

As the receivers reach the front of the line for their turn, they should assume a perfect stance with hands in tight in front of them , playing as low as possible and still comfortable with power angles in the legs . 90 percent of the receiver's weight should be on the front foot to allow for a full rolling start with no false step . The front toe should be turned in slightly to improve balance.

Once the receivers rolls out of his stance, he should move at quarter speed to a point in between the two dummies, closer to one than the other, and "settle up." Once he is settled, his hands should be extended and create a good noose position with the thumbs touching the forefingers . Since the drill is only at quarter speed, we must stress great technique. For example, the hands in noose position not touching is not acceptable . The receiver's arms should be slightly bent to allow for adjustment . If the receiver's arms are too rigid, the ball can bounce away with no chance for adjustment . And, if the arms are in too close, the receiver can get jammed .

Pat & Go Drill

We will run the pat and go drill at half speed immediately after we complete the settle up and noose drill. The receivers line up in a single-file line on the numbers. A coach or manager will line up over the receiver so he will have to work on his release. The QB takes the ball, pats it, takes one step and throws the ball soft to the receiver, who catches it and takes off as if he is on a "hot" route. (see Diagram 2).

The receiver then takes the ball to the other end of the field where the drill is being simultaneously run in the opposite direction. (see Diagram 2). This drill is run with a one-step and three-step drop, with a progression to three-quarter speed for the three-step drop phase of the drill. When we go three-step, the QB puts a lot of air on the ball. The receiver works to catch the ball over his outside shoulder. This allows the receiver to protect the ball from the DB as he makes the catch.

A point to stress in this drill is that it is necessary for the receiver to get a good release. We line up a coach or manager over the receiver to act as a press corner. We accomplish a good release with what we call "foot fire." This is a pumping of the feet and arms to create he illusion that the receiver is going in one direction and once the DB (coach or manager) moves in that direction, the receiver releases in the opposite direction.

QB & Receiver Individual Skill Drills

There are a number of drills we work on that are designed to stress the fundamentals of the play of our QB and receivers. In each of these, we demand perfection in execution. All of them require the development of good footwork and technique.

QB Drills

Step-over Drill Forward

In this drill, we have the QBs line up on a yard marker, with the ball up by their ear, in throwing position, looking down field, working their feet forward and back on the line. In addition to being a great technique drill, this is great for conditioning as well.

Step-over Drill Laterally

This drill is basically the same as above. We have the QBs line up on a yard marker, with the ball up by their ear, in throwing position, looking down field, working their feet laterally over the line.

Shuffle Drill

Once again, we have the QBs line up on a yard marker. On the "go" instruction, the QB takes a five-step drop on the line, with the ball up by his ear, in throwing position, looking down field. The coach will motion "right," "left," "back," or "forward." The QB moves in the direction commanded, all the while moving his feet, and will ultimately throw on the coach's command.

Hot Drill

For this drill, the QBs line up on a yard marker, on the command he will drop, with the ball up by his ear, in throwing position, looking down field. While he is in mid-drop, the coach will clap and the QB is to immediately release the ball as if in the face of an all-out rush, to a "hot" receiver.

Circle Drill

This drill is designed to teach the QB to get his numbers squared to the line of scrimmage as he releases the ball on the move. We have the QBs line up with a receiver approximately 10 yards away from him. The QB begins to jog in a circular motion (clockwise for one part of the drill and counter clockwise for the other part), the receiver mirrors the QB jogging in the same direction. The QB holds the ball up by his ear, in throwing position, while running, the QB will get squared and deliver the ball to the receiver, (see Diagram 3). After several repetitions, they will work in the opposite direction.

Scramble Drill

In this drill, we are attempting to simulate a good rush on the QB, have the QB avoid the rusher by stepping up in the pocket, bubbling back from the LOS, get his numbers squared, and body in good position, and throw to a waiting receiver who has run in front of his hands to the sideline. (An added benefit of this drill is the receiver can work on his tip-toe receiving skills on the sideline.) Work this drill to the right and left. (see Diagram 4).

Bucket Drill

This is the simplest of all drills, but it is very effective in teaching accuracy and training QBs get to "air" under certain throws like verticals or fade routes. Set garbage buckets at various distances from the LOS. (see Diagram 5) The QB takes a drop and throws at the bucket trying to "ring it" on each toss. The QB is to work on mechanics, getting "air" under his throws, steps and accuracy during this drill.

Coaching point: with these QB drills, we can work on the things that QBs will see during a game. Each of these drills incorporates mechanics that require the QB to get in a good throwing position no matter the circumstances. The point being that when he must scramble and "all hell breaks loose around him," the QB will still have to get his numbers squared to his target to execute the throw.

Receiver Drills

The purpose of these receiver drills is to work on footwork, catches and situations that receivers will encounter during a game.

Cone Drills (45 and 90 degrees)

45 degrees. In this drill, line up cones at 45 degree angles from each other over a five -yard distance and get the receivers to work on their cuts (see Diagram 6). The receivers begin by getting in a perfect stance. They release to the first cone, stick their toe into the ground and drive off, throwing the opposite elbow out, with their numbers over their feet, as they cut at each cone.

90 degrees. In this drill, line up cones at 90 degree angles from each other over a five yard distance and get the receivers to work on their cuts (see Diagram 7). The receivers begin by getting in a perfect stance. They release to the first cone, stick their toes into the ground and drive off, throwing the opposite elbow out, with their numbers over their feet, as they cut at each cone.

Ball Drills

The QB and receivers line up 10 yards apart. The receiver has his back to the QB. The ball is thrown and once the ball is in mid-air, the QB yells "ball" and the receiver snaps his head around, with his hands in good receiving position, finds the ball, catches it and turns up field (see Diagram 8).

Distraction Drill

Receivers line up 10-12 yards from the QB. They run across the field behind the coach or manager, whose job it is to do everything possible to distract the receiver without touching the ball. The QB throws the ball and the receiver has to find the ball as it comes over the coach or manager's head or between his hands. The receiver is to work on his concentration skills in this drill (see Diagram 9). The drill is run from both the right and left side.

High and Hard Drill

Receivers line up 10 yards from the QB. They run across the field and the QB purposely throws the ball high and hard in a difficult position for the receiver to catch. This is great for simulating the non-perfect throw. The QB throws a high, hard, but catchable, ball.

Low and Behind Drill

Receivers line up 10 yards from the QB. They run across the field. The QB purposely throws the ball low and behind in a difficult position for the receiver to catch. Once again, this is great for simulating the non-perfect throw.

Comeback Drill

Receivers line up on LOS. They release and run hard for 7-10 yards, where they plant their outside foot and comeback for the ball. They catch it and then "explode" straight up the field, blowing through two defenders (see Diagram 10).

Coaching point: during a number of these receiver drills, we can work on good release techniques for releases vs. press coverage. We will stress a perfect stance, good foot-fire, clearing the hands of the DB with a swim or rip technique, establishing a move with the foot following the hand, and getting back over the top with the route. We like to run these types of drills on a line so we can use the yard-line marker as a landmark to make certain we are back on top of the route.

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