About The
QB Manual
Developing the Attributes of a Champion QB
As the most important player on the field, the QB must understand defenses as well as his own offense. The QB Manual explains the defensive strengths and weaknesses against the pass and the process of how to identify and attack defensive pass coverages.
The QB Manual will help the young quarterback understand his leadership responsibilities and how and why a QB makes a decision in the heat of the moment.
Testimonials
“This is just great! A really good document that should be a Bible and a must-read for all Youth & Boys Club football coaches.”
– Bob Milloy
The winningest coach in the history of Maryland high school football. His teams won 405 games, including twelve conference titles in two leagues.
“I really like the manual- simple and direct with all I would want to drop in a high school QB’s lap. Smart and purposeful.”
– Marty Favret
The winningest head coach in Hampden-Sydney College football history and a 5-time conference coach of the year.
“Your QB Manual is excellent and would be a great teaching tool for the QBs as well as the other offensive skill positions.”
– Lee Branthover
Member of Maryland Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Former MD state Champion as head coach at Wheaton High.
“This is awesome! Thank you so much. Wish I had this 30 years ago.”
– Rooster Nalls
Author of Coaching Values in Football and successful youth coach for 30 years in Bethesda, MD.
“I so enjoyed your excellent document. The QB Manual should be in the hands of any new QB prospect as well as any coach! ”
– Fred O’Connor
Former interim Head Coach of the NFL 49ers and a coach and administrator on the high school, college and pro levels for over 30 years.
QB Manual Topics
The QB Manual explains the strengths and weaknesses of various defenses and the process of how to attack different pass coverages. When a quarterback is comfortable with his knowledge of defensive football he can play fast and stress-free.
Throughout the book, the behavioral qualities required of a successful QB are stressed, helping the young QB understand his leadership responsibilities.
Identifying Pass Coverages
Defensive Fronts & Alignments
Pass Coverage Philosophies
Learning & Preparation
Attitude & Leadership
Mental & Emotional Traits of a Champion QB.
Sample
During the pre-snap read the QB determines which half of the field he’s going to attack, basically eliminating the other half in his passing progression. The QB needs to determine which is the alignment of the safeties:
- Is the Middle of the Field OPEN (MOFO)?
- Is the Middle of the Field CLOSED (MOFC)?
- Begin by “looking through the goalposts” to find the location of the deep defenders and determine if the middle of the field is open or closed.
- Next, scan left to right but do not focus on any specific area of the field.
Specifically,
the QB is trying
to identify:
- Is the defense playing Cover 1, 2, 3 or 4 deep pass coverage?
- Safety alignment: One or two safeties?
- Cornerback alignment: What’s their depth?
- Linebacker alignment: Will they blitz?
- Has a defender already shut off an intended passing lane?
- Who is the contain man – important on sprint-out & option plays.
About The author
The QB Manual was composed by Will Morris and is intended for the education and pleasure of coaches and football players of all ages, but particularly youth and beginner quarterbacks.
Coach Morris graduated from the University of Maryland which he attended as a scholarship quarterback. He is an alumnus of Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach, teacher, and Head Football Coach for several years. He is a member of the Gonzaga Athletic Hall of Fame.
