Notes On QB School

As a young coach, I was lucky enough to get exposure to Todd Dodge.  It is no stretch to say that his teaching methods influenced an entire generation of coaches here in Texas.  While football outsiders think of Dodge's innovations being the spread, no huddle offense in Texas high schools, the innovation that comes to my mind is Quarterback School.

The offseason is about player development; before Dodge popularized QB School, very few people were spending the spring making quarterbacks better quarterbacks.   I started having QB school in 2000, and while terminology may have changed, the effort in refining my teaching has not.

Some quick points:

- We were going to develop ALL the QBs in our system
- We were going to isolate every aspect of the QB role, from Leadership Competencies to Reading Pass Defenses
- We would challenge the QBs; they need to understand the demands of the job
- We would empower the QBs.  They would be allowed to test their limits on the practice field, so long as it was within the framework of their coaching.

In preparation, some key things must be in place:
- A complete system.  When I speak of a system, I imply a method of teaching and communicating fundamentals and coordination of run and pass games.  While different skill sets lead lead to highlighting different play calls, fundamentals should not change.
- A glossary of terms.  Communication is essential; if all coaches and and QBs are to be on the same page, they must be using the same words, not general ideas.  Leave no room for interpretation.
- An overall plan.  We recently broke QB school into 40 sessions to be held throughout the spring.  This allows for fundamentals, scheme definition, and installation before team installation for 7 on 7 or spring practice.

Like practice, ever session should be organized.  Here is an actual lesson plan from 2001:

When we speak of ACCOUNTABILITY, this is a two way street.  The coach is accountable to the player.  As Coverage Categories, Protection Basics, and Pattern Mechanics are taught, they are done so within the context of giving the players the tools to be successful.   As coaches, we must hold up our end of the deal.  There is nothing worse than the player making the commitment to learn and get better, only to have the coach give up on the plan come crunch time.  While the Spring is the time to experiment, these additions should be made within the context of the overall plan. 

There should also be an element of pressure involved.  Playing the position is difficult, and there is a very real pressure to perform each and every game.  Explain this.  Be demanding because you care.  Lastly,  there should be an opportunity for self evaluation on the part of the player.  Identify both strengths and weaknesses.  Clarify what it will take to win in this league, and what the player is prepared to do in order to achieve this.