In today’s NFL there is a premium placed on quarterbacks who can accurately throw on the run when flushed from the pocket.

Effectively throwing on the run is one of the more difficult techniques a quarterback will have to master. While on the run, quarterbacks must adhere to the fundamental mechanics of throwing or risk the potential of a poorly thrown ball.

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz made his professional debut against the Cleveland Browns in week one. The below video demonstrates a play-action bootleg and throw by Wentz. The rookie quarterback executes a first-down completion by squaring his hips and shoulders. 

Shot 7 - #Eagles move the pocket again. Wentz quickly gets to 2nd progression with DE bearing down. First down. pic.twitter.com/GvZZ3ifE9s

— Fran Duffy (@fduffy3) September 12, 2016

The moment just before he released the ball is captured in the screenshot above, his hips and shoulders are square to his intended target.  

The Buffalo Bills quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, provided examples of effective and ineffective throws while on the run during last week’s win over the New England Patriots.  

The first example is also a play-action bootlet and throw, somewhat similar to Wentz's play above. Taylor ejects from the pocket and throws a first-down strike after squaring his hips and shoulders. The full play gif can be viewed by clicking here. 

The moment just before he released the ball is captured in the screenshot above, his hips and shoulders are square to his intended target. 

Laster in the game, on another designed rollout and throw from the shotgun, Taylor does not square his hips or shoulders while executing his throwing motion. The result is a very poorly thrown ball that sails over the head of his intended receiver. The full play gif can be viewed by clicking here.

The moment just before he released the ball is captured in the screenshot above, his hips and shoulders are not square to his intended target.

The purpose of this drill is to teach quarterbacks how to properly eject the pocket and evade an oncoming pass rush while delivering a precise throw on the run.

Drill Setup

Place the quarterback in normal shotgun alignment while standing directly over the top of a coach (or another player) who will act as the center.

Place a receiver, who can be played by a coach or another player, 15 yards down field facing the sideline to mimic the running of an out route.

Key Coaching Points

To begin the drill, the quarterback will receive the snap and execute the desired drop. The Panthers quarterbacks are utilizing a play-action three-step shotgun drop in the video.

The quarterback will briefly pause after the desired drop to simulate a situation where all the receivers are covered downfield and the pass rush is collapsing the pocket.

The quarterback will eject the pocket by making a 180 degree spin while rolling away from his throwing hand. As the player ejects the pocket to roll away, he will temporarily have his back facing up field toward his receivers.

The player must quickly snap his hips, shoulders, head and eyes around to quickly find his receiver. Receivers are taught to head toward the sidelines when the quarterback is flushed uot of the pocket toward their side of the field. This is reason why the simulated reciever is pre-positioned on the sideline prior to commencing the drill.

The quarterback will find the open receiver on the sideline and deliver a quality strike on the run by squaring his hips and shoulders while using the proper throwing mechanics. 

 

Photo courtesy of Panthers.com