Most successful teams are that way because of excellent leadership. They have quarterbacks who are smart, quick, and possess the ability to co-ordinate eleven players into a smooth-working team.

The quarterback is often referred to as the "engineer of the football machine." More than anyone else on the team, he must know what makes it tick. He must have a thorough knowledge of all aspects of offensive play. He must know exactly what each member of his team is capable of doing and not doing. He must keep in his mind the exact details of each of the team's offensive patterns. Additionally, the quarterback must be able to quickly size up the other team's defensive patterns, spotting both their weaknesses and their strengths.

The quarterback's position is the most exciting one in football. More boys want to play it than any of the other positions. Yet, fewer boys qualify as potentially successful quarterbacks than for any other position. It is a tough job! When you accept a position of leadership, you must also accept the responsibilities. By your own example you must set a high standard for all of your teammates.

You must have heard these words around the vacant lot or the corner playground: "Okay, if I don't get to play quarterback, I'm taking my football and going home!"

This boy will have to undergo a large change in his attitude before he will make much of a quarterback!

Here are some helpful instructions for you.

1. On most teams today, because of the type of offense used, the quarterback needs to have a sure pair of hands. He will handle the ball on most of the offensive plays. He must also be an exceptionally fine and accurate passer. He must have running ability. He should be able to block fairly well. Do you get the idea? A quarterback has to spend more time practicing on more of the football fundamentals than any other player on the team!

2. As the quarterback, you must be able to win the confidence of your teammates. When you call a play, every member of the team must feel that it will be successful.
 
3. Your choice of plays must be a careful one. You can't run your plays on a "hit-or-miss" basis. Whenever possible, select a play that will surprise the defense. It should be a play that they are not expecting at that time and in that particular situation. Of course, there are certain situations that call for certain types of plays and you have little choice in the matter. Try to direct such a play to the other team's weakest defensive area.

4. Never underestimate the defense! Always assume that the defense is capable in every area. You must approach the defense with the idea that only the very best performance by yourself and your teammates will make the play successful.
5. Many quarterbacks have a tendency to either "over work" their best play, or not use it enough when the situation favors the play.

6. Naturally, it is difficult to come up with the right play at the right time on every call. However, one or two well-chosen plays in every series of downs will usually keep your team moving ahead with the ball and keep it in your possession. Of course, your over-all plan is based on getting into the other team's end zone for a touchdown as quickly as possible.

7. Remember that you will receive play suggestions from your teammates. Give every consideration to their ideas. The Passing Game is Important Successful offensive football today depends to a great extent on the ability of your team to advance the ball through the air. In our modern game, this is the easiest, quickest, and most advantageous way of moving the ball.

This, in turn, depends on how sharp you, as the quarterback, are on your passing. You must be able to pass accurately and also select the right pass play at the right time. You must move quickly to take advantage of lapses on pass defense.

It is easy to understand the value of a successful passing attack when you consider that all pass patterns are designed so that 90 per cent of the time a completed pass will result in a gain of eight yards or more!

1. As the quarterback, you need to be able to throw all types of passes. If you can throw only one or two types, the defense can concentrate on stopping them. You need to have a good selection of screen-pass plays that will aid your general offensive patterns. When you spot exceptional defensive pressure from certain areas on passing plays, try a screen pass to that area on the next play.

2. With a successful passing game, you can force your opponents to play a "looser" defense. When the defense is forced to constantly consider the possibility of a passing play, they cannot concentrate against running plays. This will give running plays more freedom and more chances for success.

3. You must be a good faker prior to throwing your pass so that the defense will not be expecting it and so that your receiver will have time to make a break into the clear. Inspire good performances from your teammates. They must give you good pass protection and good pass receiving.

It seems that a quarterback's work is never done! You must call the signals which put your team's plays in motion. As with all your assignments, the proper calling of the signals is vitally important. You must have a smooth, well-delivered count. A good count means a sure snap of the ball and a perfect launching of your teammates into the play's pattern.

1. In your position behind the center, as we describe it in the next section of this chapter, you usually keep your head up and your eyes looking directly forward. Now, frequently, for one reason or another, you will look to either side. Be careful that you do not turn your head with a jerky
motion of your shoulders as this will probably interrupt the smoothness of your count.

2. Speak your signals in a loud, clear voice. Do not slur over your words. Make every syllable clear.

3. There are two basic types of count (sometimes called "cadence") used. One is considered a "rhythm count," and the other is a "nonrhythm count."

(a) When you give a rhythm count, it is a steady count, without any interruption. It goes like this: "One-Two-Three-Four-Five-Six!"

(b) The nonrhythm count is delivered with slight pauses. For example: "One-Two ... Three... Four... Five-Six!"

4. Either words or numbers can be called. Sometimes you can combine words and numbers. You can work codes into your count. "Code words" can tip off your teammates that you have spotted certain defensive movements. This alerts your teammates to take whatever countering action is necessary. A certain code word may mean a slight change in the pattern of your play. However, work in the code word before you give the number or word for the snap of the ball. This number or word is decided on in the huddle prior to coming up to the line of scrimmage.
 
5. One of the most common methods of signal calling is as follows. After the quarterback positions himself behind the center, he calls: "Signals! . . . (slight pause) Ready! Set! One-Two-Three-Four-Five-Six!"

As a T-formation quarterback, your first problem is how to properly receive the ball from the center. There are several positions that you can take, and there is much argument and disagreement over which one is the best. However, the following instructions will give you a sound, basic method with which you will not go wrong.

1. Come up directly behind the center. Your feet are parallel to the line of scrimmage. Have a slight bend in your knees. Keep your head up, your eyes on the defense.

2. Place your right hand underneath the crotch (the inside area, between the legs, where they join the trunk) of the center, with your palm facing downward. There should be a slight upward pressure by your knuckles against the center's crotch. Your left hand comes in contact with your right hand with the thumb joints touching. The palm of your left hand faces up to the palm of your right hand. The fingers of both hands should be spread comfortably apart and relaxed.

3. When the center snaps the ball, its belly will come firmly against the palm of your right hand. Instantly, you close your left hand under the ball, giving you a firm, two-handed grip around the belly of the ball. It is vitally important that you have this firm grip on the ball. You must not attempt to pivot or retreat from your position behind the center until you do have the ball securely in your hands.

THE QUARTERBACK (left) illustrates the best method of accepting the ball from the center. The center (right) in a T-formation keeps his head up as he snaps the ball. This center's form is excellent.

4. Relaxed hands will prevent fumbles! Taking the ball should be "second nature" for you! You should never have to think about it. You should be giving your full attention to the making of the play.

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