An over-the-top arm action provides maximum leverage to the circular motion of passing mechanics. This generates ball velocity and gives the passer the capability to drive the ball further.

With this type of arm action, the passer has the capacity to produce a higher release point with his delivery, which is important for several reasons.

SEE ALSO: Click here to read more of Terry Shea’s offseason QB workouts series

When looking to deliver the ball to an open receiver between within the tackle box – defined as six to eight yards along the original line of scrimmage – and five to 12 yards downfield, it is important that the receiver can track the ball early. Because of the crowd of helmets surrounding the passing spot, a receiver’s vision often is impaired. A high release point allows the intended receiver to see the ball early, giving him a better chance to catch the ball.

Similarly, when the ball is released to the edges, it must be thrown high enough to avoid the outstretched arms of oncoming defensive ends or blitzing linebackers.

In baseball, coaches spend considerable time developing proper throwing mechanics for catchers. No longer do they teach catchers to throw from the ear after that was discovered to force the catcher to push or short-arm the ball, resulting in a shortened throwing arc, lower release point and loss of velocity.

This same principle applies to football when a passer delivers the football.

A crisp and proper over-the-top motion can be developed during a warm-up routine. QBs can train their muscles and tendons to consistently reach a high release point with every pass through constant repetition and muscle memory.

The Goal Post Drill establishes a proper high release point. The quarterback positions himself at the goal line, 10 yards from the crossbar. Another QB or a receiver aligns himself on the opposite side of the goal post at 10 yards.

Locate the catcher at an angle from the QB so the passer takes a crossover step, sets his back foot and delivers the ball over the crossbar to the catcher. The ball is delivered with arc and pace, skimming the cross bar as it travels. The arc is defined by how close the passer can clear the crossbar with the ball, and the pace is the velocity and tight spin on the ball.

Take 10 reps at an angle to the right and 10 more to the left for a complete set.

Another version Goal Post Drill is for the quarterback to move four to five yards from the crossbar and repeat the 20 passing repetitions. From this QB location, a QB must extend his passing elbow, pushing the release point upward, similar to a serve in tennis to keep as tight a line as possible.

Do not loop the ball over the crossbar. Extend the elbow and come over the top with the delivery.

Use this drill not only to teach a high release point but to see a quarterback’s skill in navigating the football with arc and pace.

Terry Shea is a longtime football coach at the NFL and college levels, serving as the Rutgers head coach and Chicago Bears offensive coordinator among his stops. He currently is the head coach of the Boston Brawlers of the Fall Experimental Football League and has helped train many NFL quarterbacks, including Robert Griffin III, Matthew Stafford, Sam Bradford, Josh Freeman, Aaron Murray, Blaine Gabbert and Trent Green. Click here to view his book, “Eyes Up,”which instructs and energizes quarterbacks and their coaches to improve on the field.