Throw on the Run Drill for Quarterbacks
Updated · Fact checked
Bootlegs, sprint outs and broken plays all ask the quarterback to throw while moving. Accuracy on the run comes from the upper body: square the shoulders to the target and let the legs keep running.
This drill reps rollouts to both sides so the throw holds up when the pocket doesn't.
How to do it
Roll out
From a drop or a play action fake, roll toward the sideline at about three quarter speed, ball high.
Square up
Turn the shoulders and chest toward the target while the feet keep running.
Aim and release
Running the same way as the receiver, aim at him and let your momentum add the lead; run through the throw.
Switch sides
Alternate rollouts to the right and the left.
- Sets and reps
- 3 sets of 5 throws each side, 30 seconds rest.
- Equipment
- Football, A receiver or a target net, Cones to mark the rollout path
- Muscles and skills
- Obliques, Shoulders
- Used in these 440 plans
- Quarterback
Coaching cues and common mistakes
Coaching cues
- Square the shoulders toward the target
- Lead the receiver
- Keep running through the throw
Common mistakes
- Throwing across the body
- Stopping the feet
Rolling left vs rolling right
For a right handed quarterback, rolling right is the easy side: the shoulders are already turned toward the target. Rolling left, you have to open the hips and turn the chest around to square up, and that is where throws sail. Give the weak side at least as many reps as the strong side.
Never throw back across your body to the far side of the field on the run. If the receiver on your side isn't open, run or throw it away.
Where it fits
In 440's quarterback plan this sits in the footwork group with the drop back drill and the pocket climb drill. See the whole plan on the quarterback training page.
FAQ
How do you throw accurately on the run?
Turn your shoulders and chest square to the target as the ball leaves your hand and keep the feet running instead of stopping. Running the same way as the receiver, aim right at him: your momentum already adds the lead, and aiming out in front usually sails the ball.
More quarterback drills
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Build my position planSources
- Quarterback Throwing on the Run into the Net Drill, Glazier Clinics
- Quarterback Throwing on The Run Drill (courtesy Coach Jerry Campbell), Glazier Clinics
- 9 Drills to Improve a Quarterback's Form, ACTIVE.com
Program numbers (benchmarks, sets, reps, loads, protein targets) are 440 Football's own prescriptions. For athletes 13 and older; check with a physician or a registered dietitian before major training or diet changes.