QB is the hardest position to play in sports, and it’s not close. As difficult as the physical demands of the position are, it is often the mental demands that cause the most strain. How often have we seen an incredibly talented QB who tears it up at the NFL Combine fail miserably in the NFL? Even in high school the pressure on a QB can be tremendous. One simple tactic that I have used for years to try and focus our QBs mentally throughout the week are “QB Cards”. Our QBs usually just call them “the cards”. I print and laminate small cards that can fit in their pockets. They contain quotes about quarterbacking, things we need to focus on or improve that week, even a running tally of the rankings in our weekly QB competitions.[i] In an increasingly digital world it is something tangible they can carry in their pocket, post on a mirror, or read on the way to a game. Our senior QB this year told me he had kept every one he received in his three years in the program. They also help me focus mentally and can serve as reminder of what I need to focus on with myself as well as the QB’s fundamentals and culture that week. Here are a couple of samples: Besides the weekly cards I also put together cards that we need in a particular part of the season. For instance when our QBs are dealing with a lot of criticism from parents or students they might get these cards: [i] During some special teams periods I get extra individual time with the QBs. Once a week we compete in accuracy competitions that grow increasingly elaborate over the course of the season. We borrow a lot from the New Orleans Saints QB Competitions. I cheat as much as possible.
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