There is no position in football more important than quarterback. Quarterbacks must have certain skills, smarts and physical tools in order to be successful--and constantly be on the lookout for opportunities to imrpove.

One of those opportunities, summer 7on7 camps, are the perfect chance for quarterbacks to continue working on their game before the upcoming season.

Bobby McLaughlin, who is the offensive coordinator at Concord High School (N.C.), believes 7on7 camps give quarterbacks a chance to work on what is important – the basics.

“7on7 is great because it allows quarterbacks to focus on what is necessary,” McLaughlin said. “Things like footwork, being on time and moving your body properly. The more you do these things at a high level the better quarterback you’ll become.”

McLaughlin believes that there are a few specific things quarterbacks should attempt to make the most of when participating in 7on7s:

Absorb different techniques. It can never hurt to pick up new tools of the trade. Quarterbacks can observe how their counterparts on other teams perform and run the offense. Younger quarterbacks can watch more experienced quarterbacks rally the troops. With dozens of teams at some 7on7 events, there are also plenty of opportunities for quarterbacks to study different schemes from teams that they might not see during the season.

Continue to work on mechanics. 7on7s are highly competitive and force quarterbacks to be disciplined when making decisions. For McLaughlin, things like ball placement, timing, understanding what windows to throw in, how to exploit match-ups and being on target are things that quarterbacks can continue to develop through 7on7s.

Recognize coverages. 7on7s can help quarterbacks learn what coverage they are facing. McLaughlin believes the more times they see a coverage, the better chance quarterbacks will recognize it in the future.

Make every rep count. For McLaughlin, each snap, play and throw is important. He believes that every time a quarterback is taking a live rep against live competition, it is making them better. He suggests signal-callers take advantage of being at a 7on7 and give everything they have for each rep.

One key trait that McLaughlin looks for in quarterbacks while he is coaching USA Football Regional Development Camps and National Development Games is competitiveness--something that can definitely manifest during 7on7s.

“If you’re a competitor then you’ll want to play. People want to see that,” McLaughlin said. “7on7 is an awesome way to go out there and get a chance to compete. It’s all about competing and if you don’t want to compete then it’s going to be hard for you to be successful.”

The quarterback position is something that takes work, passion and a specific mental make-up. 7on7 is another way for quarterbacks to continue honing their craft.

USA Football 7on7 regional events begin on June 9 and will conclude with a National Championship Series in July. More information can be found at http://7on7.usafootball.com/.