A Coach’s Perspective: Out of Bounds for Quarterbacks
There is no difference between 2nd and 7 or 2nd and 6 at midfield; eliminate taking unnecessary hits.
Written by Rand Holdren
Twitter: @RandOutWest
A few years back while watching film, I often saw our quarterback take unnecessary hits near the sideline. It was nondescript plays, with no stakes involved, and here he was getting tackled awkwardly on the sideline. After a closer inspection of numerous games, I’ve realized it is a play that occurs quite often. What is an attempt to gain a few extra mid-field yards is actually a roll of the dice in the physical game of football. Taking shots near the sideline when there is nothing at stake is not a productive idea.
As a player I was willing to sell out at any moment on the field, but at a certain point, it turns into reckless behavior with one’s body. The fact is, taking unnecessary hits near the sideline achieves little and too many high school quarterbacks are doing it. My main issue with this maneuver is that it is not just one or two occurrences a season. From the film I watched, it was three to six times in a single game. To do some short math on a 10-game season, we are looking at an additional 30 to 60 unnecessary hits absorbed by the human body.
Unpacking this further, it should be stated that I classify “near the sideline” as 1-2 yards from the out-of-bounds line. That distance gives a player ample opportunity to step out without taking an unnecessary hit.
Now, I understand the philosophy of trying to truck someone; however, I am recommending to be smart about it: Is it near the goal line? Does a first down depend on it? Is it a guy you don’t like? To me, these are all valid reasons to lower the shoulder and attempt to impose your will upon a defender. However, trying to run someone over to make it 2nd down and seven on the 42-yard line makes little sense.
Additionally, tackles near the sideline tend to be the most awkward for all parties involved. With tacklers using the sideline as leverage, in addition to the teams and coaches watching nearby, next to the chain crew holding down markers, and not to mention the benches and physical objects. There are far too many variables to calculate in a formula where the answer is either 2nd down and 8, or 2nd down and 7.
So be smart. Get out of bounds when there is nothing on the line and live to fight another day. It’s not worth it.
THE TEAM ROOM was created to help athletes and parents expand their knowledge in the game of football. We are a football resource that has original content from a variety of writers with high experience in the game. Our contributors include coaches and players from all levels ranging from youth to the NFL.
Rand Holdren (Editor-in-Chief of The Team Room) – 30 years of football experience as a player and a coach. Owner of Underground football, quarterback coach and former high school head coach.
Photo credit: Substack; QB sideline hit