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AFM Magazine


The Drills Report: Three-Step QB Drills

by: Chris Snyder
Offensive Coordinator, Mendocino College
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In this article, I will discuss part of the three-step game that we run at Mendocino College along with some of the drills used for our quarterbacks. At Mendocino, we run a spread offense and rely heavily on the production of our quarterbacks and receivers. This past season, we finished tenth in the state of California in passing yards per game. Our three-step game is just one aspect of how we get the ball in our playmakers’ hands as quickly as possible.

Hitches, double-slants and out/vertical routes are just three of the three-step routes we use in our offense. A majority of the time we are in shotgun but we also throw our three-step game from underneath center. Also, most of the time we are in a 2 x 2 set, but we do have the ability to throw it from an empty or 3 x 1 set..

Drill Implementation: Quarterbacks.

Our three-step game is predicated on getting rid of the ball as quickly as possible to our receivers so they can make plays for us. This is why we preach to our QBs and incorporate drills that emphasize ‘Throwing on Rhythm.’ We will throw our three-step game both from underneath and from the shotgun. For us to be equally effective, we do drills for each situation. Our three-step drills are designed for the quarterback to progress from the first step of their drop to the actual throw. These drills are described for a right-handed quarterback..

The first drill I’ll discuss is our First Step Drill (See Diagrams 1 and 2). The quarterback and snapper line up on a line. The quarterback then takes the snap and reaches straight back with his right foot. The first step needs to gain depth and be straight back while pushing off the left foot. This allows the quarterback to develop consistency in the first step of his drop, avoid drifting and prevent false stepping..

Diagram 1

Diagram 2.

The Line Drop Drill is the second drill we have our quarterbacks practice (See Diagrams 3 and 4). The quarterback and snapper line up on a line. The quarterback then takes the snap and takes his full three-step drop on a line. By dropping on the line, the quarterback and coach can determine if the quarterback is opening up straight back. The quarterback should be gaining depth and not drifting in his drop. When the quarterback hits his third step, he will step (short six-inch step) and simulate a throw. The quarterback should cheat on his last step in the direction he is throwing. Make sure your quarterback does three steps to the right and left. This drill allows the quarterback to develop consistency in his drop and build confidence in not hitching into his throw. .

Diagram 3

Diagram 4

The third drill we use is our Three Step Throw (See Diagram 5). The quarterback and snapper line up on a line. The quarterback takes the snap and takes his full three-step drop on the line. When the quarterback hits his third step, he will step (short six-inch step) and throw the ball without hitching to a stationary target or routes vs. air. The QB should cheat his last step in the direction he is throwing. Make sure your quarterback does a three-step drop right and left. This drill incorporates the full drop, developing consistency in drops, throwing without hitching and throwing on rhythm..

Diagram 5

When working on throwing from shotgun, we will use our Shotgun Drill (See Diagrams 6 and 7). The quarterback takes a snap from shotgun, catches the ball, quickly flips his feet to the proper throwing position and throws a specific three-step route. The quarterback needs to set feet, step (short six-inch step) and throw the ball without hitching or hesitating. We also incorporate bad snaps in the Shotgun Drill. This drill allows the quarterback to develop consistency in drops, establish the proper throwing position and throw on rhythm..

Diagram 6

Diagram 7

Another beneficial drill we practice is the Read and Recognition Drill (See Diagrams 8 and 9). For this drill, the quarterback takes a three-step drop or takes the snap from shotgun. Using only half the field, the QB will make the proper reads of the three-step routes versus different coverages or a slot area (flat) defender. We feel this drill allows our quarterback to become comfortable and get in the habit of making the proper reads and progressions..

Diagram 8

Diagram 9

Our Line Drop, Three-Step Throw and Shotgun are drills that we think help to establish the mindset of ‘Throwing on Rhythm’ to our quarterbacks. During each practice, we work on the Shotgun Drill. The Read and Recognition Drill has proven to be beneficial to our quarterbacks in helping them become both familiar with and comfortable with their reads. Each day during play installation, we use this drill with our quarterbacks. This drill is also done several times a week once the installation is complete. .






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