How to Increase Foot Speed in Drills for Quarterbacks

Requiring athleticism, precise passing and quick foot speed, quarterback is one of the most challenging positions to play in sports. There are many drills available to quarterbacks to help increase their foot speed and become more efficient football players in the process.

Things You'll Need

  • Agility ladder
  • Jump rope
  • 10 cones
  • 10 tires
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Instructions

    • 1

      Jump rope. All you need for this drill is a jump rope and open space. Have the quarterback spin the rope as fast as possible for 60 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds in between intervals. Perform five 1-minute intervals.

    • 2

      Lay out an agility ladder on the football field. Start with both feet inside one of the squares and jump so both feet land outside the ladder. With both feet outside the ladder, jump so both land inside the next square. Continue the process until you reach the end of the ladder. Then turn around in mid-air to return to your starting position. Increase the speed of the drill for increased foot speed. This drill requires precise footwork, coordination and concentration from quarterbacks.

    • 3

      Arrange 10 cones in a zig-zag formation. The cones should range from about 5 yards wide and cover about 20 yards. Sprint from one cone to the next touching each one with your hand. Take quick steps to perform your footwork and lateral quickness. This drill is especially effective in helping the quarterback maneuver around defenders as a result of increased foot speed and lateral quickness.

    • 4

      Perform the back pedal drill. Pick up your knees and run backward for 20 yards. Don't look at your feet. Keep your head head up, looking at your coach. This drill helps quarterbacks run backwards with improved quickness and foot speed to avoid getting tackled by the defenders.

    • 5

      Arrange 10 tires in two columns. Run through the tires by placing your right foot in the first right tire and your left foot in the first left tire. Make sure to lift up your knees high so you don't trip on the tires. This drill helps quarterbacks build agility and increase foot speed, which provides them help when they're stuck in the pocket.

    • 6

      Stand with your feet parallel to a cone. Jump laterally back and forth over the cone with both feet. Make sure to land on the balls of your feet. Jump back up as soon as you touch the ground. Spend as little time on the ground as possible. Continue this drill as quickly and as explosively as possible. A quarterback must be explosive to avoid being tackled or to make the pass to his receivers before being sacked.