Friday, August 23, 2013

Quarterbacks - "Core Muscles"

       Quarterbacks have always been an interesting study for me, because I think that I know what I am talking about, but at times, I wonder. At 5'10-215, I really was not considered QB material at Upper Sandusky High School in the 60's. Offensive guard or center, yes, but not QB.
      Quarterbacking all begins with the feet and works up and stops at the neck. The head-- reading defenses and making decisions is a whole other area. In this blog, my comments are about arm strength.
      I have watched both Ben and Matty Mauk grow up as QB's at Kenton High School. Unbelievable arm strength passing the ball. If you would meet them, they have strong biceps, but even stronger  core muscles. O-State QB Braxton Miller has really strong core muscles which makes is arm strength really good. As I have watched QBs this summer, the subject of core muscles really becomes important.
      Much of the arm strength comes from the "core" muscles. I must warn you that I am not a specialist or a physical trainer like my guy, Charles Gresham. Also, I do not have the extra time to spend researching this subject. The core muscles are the area of the belly, or abdominal area and the mid and lower back (not the shoulders). As I understand it, the outer edge muscles include the hips, the shoulders, and the neck.
       If you are a young quarterback, you must find time to develop your core muscles. I realize that many QB's also play basketball and some, also, either play baseball or run track. With basketball, comes AAU summer basketball. I also realize that a young man is only in high school for four years and that he should play as many sports, as possible. But, during those four years, an athlete with college football potential,  must spend time getting stronger. For QB's - develop the core muscles.
       One of the better QB prospects in the Ohio 2014 Class really needs to improve his arm strength to compete at the next level. He has committed to an excellent program, so he must be ready to compete. A dedicated three sport guy who has neglected physical training, he must make to get stronger core muscles.
       Really like the potential of Benedictine's QB Brian Schoeffler (2016). Like his QB presence and throwing motion. Good size, but he will need to continually work on arm strength. Granted only a sophomore, but core strength training will be important. Watched him against Cleveland Heights and liked his QB presence.
       Last week I watched a junior QB from Millbury Lake High School. We even joked about this, but when I first saw him as a freshman, he was 6'0-155 and I was concerned about arm strength. Now he is, maybe, 6'2, but weighs 190. He told me strength training has been really important in developing a stronger arm. He can spin it now. His ball gets out so much better. Jared Rettig works hard, and he will surprise college coaches next summer.
      Last night I talked with Midview High School QB Cody Calloway. Committed to Bowling Green last summer. I asked him about importance of core muscle development. Answer - "Huge." Cody's ball has always gotten out quickly, but now even more quickly. One look at him and you can tell that he has been physically training. His problem actually is "trying to throw too hard." That is a whole different subject.
     "Core muscles" is a subject that I wanted hit on briefly. I just do not have the education to go into it deeply, but I realize the importance of core training for young high school athletes. Technique is important in lifting and be sure to lift properly. Quarterbacks make time to get stronger core muscles in the off season. If there is no off season, find time during your sport. The time will be well spent.

No comments: