How to Teach a Quarterback to Avoid Pressure

A quarterback must be a leader. In addition to being able to perform on the field he must be able to maintain his cool on the sidelines and relish every challenge that comes his way. When the quarterback has to lead a scoring drive late in the game, it usually calls for passing on nearly every play. There is no time to waste and that means that using the run to eliminate pass rush pressure is impossible. In order to succeed, the offensive line has to block expertly and the quarterback has to learn to avoid pressure.

Instructions

    • 1

      Have your quarterback to set up in the pocket as quickly as possible. A 3- or 5-step drop is advisable when the opponent is able to put on heavy pressure. A 3-step drop is advisable when short passes will get the job done, but if a receiver has to make a move to get open, it usually takes a 5-step drop. The receiver might be open at the conclusion of the 5-step drop, but the quarterback may have to buy additional time.

    • 2

      Have your quarterback use the pump fake to throw off the pass rusher. If a defensive end or outside linebacker is closing in on him, a savvy quarterback can buy a second or two by pump-faking as the pass rusher moves in. This move will often get the pass rusher to leave his feet in order to get to the quarterback quicker. If the pass rusher makes his dive, the quarterback can easily sidestep and then look downfield again for an open receiver.

    • 3

      If none of the receivers have broken open, the quarterback must take off from the pocket. The quarterback still wants to throw the ball downfield but he is going to have to do it on the run. Usually this involves running to the right. Most quarterbacks are right-handed and it is much easier to throw running in that direction than it is in the opposite direction. As the quarterback is running, he has to keep his head up looking for a receiver to break open and additional pass rushers.

    • 4

      Stopping and starting can also buy time for the quarterback. If the original pass rusher has not continued the chase, the quarterback can stop and restart in order to throw off the second wave of pass rushers. This should be enough time to find an open receiver.

    • 5

      Change direction as the last option. As the quarterback runs toward the sideline he is eventually going to run out of room and he must reverse direction if he wants to keep the play alive. This is quite risky because pass rushers who are chasing the quarterback from behind will easily get him in their sights. However, if the quarterback is blessed with quickness and agility, he can make them miss with fakes and change of direction.