Mastering the Mesh: Quarterback Mechanics in the Gun/Pistol Read Option

with Mitchell Kleinschrodt,
Ellsworth Community College Head Coach;
former University of New Mexico Director of Recruiting;
former Upper Iowa University Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach

The gun/pistol read option is the foundation play for all modern offenses. The importance of mastering the multi faceted QB techniques of the gun/pistol read option are fundamental to obtaining success in today's game. In this video, Coach Mitchell Kleinschrodt identifies and isolates each QB read option skill so that your quarterback will develop precision, consistency and run your offense with better consistency.

Stance-Footwork-Mesh-Decision

The four foundations of Kleinschrodt's Read Option teaching are:

• Stance
• Footwork
• Mesh
• Decision

Coach Kleinschrodt examines each skill with an eye for detail and expertise. Using game film, practice film and PowerPoint, he takes you through each step on how to create a QB who will be a master of this offensive attack.

Rock - Point - Roll

Start to build the foundation with a drill that QBs can do in their dorm: 'Mesh timing with no read'. You'll see how to work on toe placement for the Pistol at 4 yards, Gun at 5 yards, snap the ball and then 'rock, point and roll'. Key points include keeping the outside foot open to 45 degrees (rock), pointing your hips to read key (point), putting your weight on your outside foot, keeping the ball on your back hip, transferring weight smoothly to your inside foot, and getting the ball to your front hip while in the mesh (roll).

Coach Kleinschrodt's methods are thorough. He covers fundamental concepts, then reviews game footage to demonstrate different situations, as well as practice film and practice drills to acquire the needed skills for each situation. By teaching us the QB concept first, he gives us an easy override when the chaos of live play muddies the situation/solution.

This video is a comprehensive tool for all QBs using the read option, and is a must-have for all coaches in charge of quarterback instruction.

43 minutes. 2021.