Quarterback is one of the more mentally demanding positions in sport. On every passing play, the quarterback must know what all 10 of the other offensive players are doing, make sure that they are doing it correctly, and simultaneously read and react to what the defense is doing-usually inside of four seconds or less. Learning this can't be done through books or videos, it has to be done through drills and practice on the field.
Grip Drill
This drill requires a partner. It focuses on spinning the ball so the laces match up with the quarterbacks fingers. Have your partner get down on one knee and hold a football in one hand near the ground. Get in your snap stance in front of your partner and have him bring the ball up into your hands. Practice dropping back while spinning the ball to find the ideal grip. This drill can also be done in the shotgun with your partner throwing the ball to you underhand.
Long Drops
This drill requires only an open area. It focuses on taking proper drops and either delivering the ball or rebounding back into the pocket afterward. Mark a line of scrimmage and get in your snap ready position at the line. Take a mock snap and practice taking drops beginning with the leg on your throwing side. A standard five-step drop will rebound back into the pocket. A timed five-step drop has you begin your throwing motion before the final step. A seven-step drop is four long strikes backward and three chop steps. Try to finish each drop in an identical spot.
Player Distraction Drill
This drill requires three defenders and one receiver. It focuses on phasing out defenders between you and the receiver when passing the ball downfield. Have the the receiver face you while standing 15 yards away, then line the three defenders up between you and the receiver in a single file. The defenders can't move, but they can waive their hands in the air and shout loudly. Your goal is to throw a pass between their hands to the receiver. You can do this drill just standing still or by dropping back and passing.
Throwing on the Move
This drill requires only a receiver. It focuses on improving passing accuracy while rolling out and throwing to a moving target. Mark a line of scrimmage and have your receiver line up wide of you. Take a snap and roll out to the same side as your receiver. Have your receiver run random patterns that never stop moving, meaning there should be no button hooks or comeback routes.
The Passing Tree
This drill requires a full set of receivers. It focuses on recognizing where to throw the ball for each receiving pattern. Mark a line of scrimmage and have all of the receivers line up wide of you. Tell them which pattern they will be running before every play. Go through the full tree of patterns including option routes.
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