Ttqb Passing Practice (what Do You Do In Camp ?)
 

Coaches,

I received some helpful passing tips on becoming a more accurate passer from the great Don Smith. Im just curious on how you other coaches pratice throwing with the ttqb. What part of the figure do you aim for. Is it the base, players jersey number, players pants in back. I see there is a science in the tilt of the ball on the ttqb's hand and the actual tilt of the ttqb itself. Tilting the qb too low or too high can result in alot of incomplete passes. i think every coach has there own theory how to do it and i was wondering if you can share any thoughts. I should be joe montana by now with Don smith and Don hudson showing me what to do.

I never knew that each ttqb can throw slightly different so you must study that one paticular ttqb and adjust to its throwing motion. I found these cool soap dishes that have suction cups to stand them up and they have a net on the back that catches that ball beautifully. They almost resemble hockey nets. They are worth every penny (100 to be exact). Its gets frustrating when the ball flies somewhere and you cant find it. I will bring some to the dfw games.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON TTQB PASSING AND WHAT ARE YOUR METHODS OF PASS PRATICE.

This is a topic that should see several responses because every tourney i go to that TTQB is being whipped out continuosly ready to make a play.


I watched Don hudson hit a 90 yard pass right on the money, HOW DO YOU PRATICE THAT ?????????????/

Don Smith passes with both hands and can hit his receivers with his head turned in the other direction. !!!!!!!!1

I saw reg rutledge hit a pass right on the numbers and the receiver was sandwiched in between two defenders.

These scenario's makes you want to pratice pratice pratice because your team will get cut to ribbons by these great passers and you MUST march down the field firing back to stay in the game. Sometimes i think passing gets taken lightly because many like to run. I realize you must have a "A" passing game to compete on the level with the great ones.

Michael robertson throws unbelievable bullet passes that almost knocks his guys over !

MANY NEW COACHES AND OLD VETERANS CAN BENEFIT FROM THE TIPS YOU GIVE HERE. REMEMBER, THE GAMES WILL BE MORE EXCITING IF WE CAN CREATE A "TOM BRADY" vs '" JOE MONTANA".

P. S. I know many tips have been givin out before but i thought lets start fresh and new !!!!!!!!
Those who want to learn how to pass, print this post out and keep it for future references. I should hear folks lighting up there leagues in a few weeks.

MANTARAY-DRE AND HIS HOUSTON TEXANS OF THE "DFW"

Passing kit
 

Dre'
I started using the passing kit used for the passing comp's. I used the downloads on the home MFCA page; cut the diagrams out then placed them on some index cards and started setting them up at different yardage. Then I'll pass for about 30mins before I practice. After not being able to hit my WR's at the SWB I made it a point to get better at TTQB passing. Now I'm not the best, but I do okay. As far as the tilt. I start bottom up. I'll get the aim; then I'll site from ground up just like a rifle sight. then breath and fire. The reason for this is that there's more figure at the base then at the top. So I aim center mass and if I hit a leg or the bottom of the target it's still a catch.

Practice
 

I actually have usually 10 "practice" balls, mostly white felt or the brown from Miggle. I also color them orange and yellow so as to be able to find them when they stray onto the carpet.

I made a backstop of some fine mesh net attached to two wooden dowels that have on square balsa wood bases so they stand. I will get behind one end zone and set up my net to wrap behind the other end zone and come up to about the 50 yard line on either side, so pretty much half the field I am throwing into is surrounded by net. I then take receivers and set them up in varying spots all alone at different yardages and warm up going from closest to farthest. When I am comfortable doing this for about 20 minutes I will then set up some defenders and try to make completions that way.

I am a two handed passer, I usually use a my left finger in front of the base when space permits to stabilize it. I aim at the base most of the time if it's a wide open pass, if there is coverage I have to aim for the fattest target I can see at the angle I am at.

I am not an expert by no means but this seems to be effective for me. To me the biggest pain about pass practice is finding the **** balls. Once I made my net I am spending more time passing and less hunting balls down.


Shabby J

This is a great topic, need to hear from more of you...
 

Bump!

Good Tips!
 

I cut a groove into the passing arm of the TTQ (approx 45°), so that the rounded part looks like Pac-Man. I get a crisp pass off that way.

I angle the ball slightly upward, so I can lean the figure forward slightly.

I use old felt Tudor balls from the 620 boards, I've found them more direct and accurate.

I am money in the short passing game, with an alley. I have trouble going up and over, the 'touch' pass, mortar-like. How do you coaches arc the ball?

What are the secrets to the long game? I've attempted 5 long-bombs, and came up with only one, what's the key?

Ttbq
 

i take my ttqb out in the backyard and have him toss a few through a tire-swing (i still miss).:D

two tips I got at the Shootout
 

The best tips I've recieved are from the guys from the DFW.

1) When using the heavier Miggle brown "oreo sandwich" ball, the slot is usually cut off center and is very thin. Cut out the opening larger in order to both center the opening on the ball and to have a lighter and more consistent press fit onto the TTQB passing hand.

2) adhere a ruber like piece to the front/lower part of the base to greatly increase the friction between the base and the board to give you more stability, especialy on those tight throws where D-lineman are all over you and you can't get your hands in there very well to stabalize the TTQB during the throw.

These tips greatly improved my skill, especially as a beginning TTQB passer.

The Triple Threat Quarterback
 

The makers of the game of electric football create each apparatus to be used as a part of the game. While some may think the apparatus that came with the game does not work, I would be quick to debate that.

I remember one of the coaches in the DFW League once speaking about how it was "unfair for Reginald or Don Hudson to be able to pass and we can't". Oscar Woodard spoke up and said, "We just need to up our skill level".

That was the best response I have ever heard to the that question. I would first preface this by saying what I play is miniature football. In playing miniature football, I want to simulate real football. I want all the bells and whistles of real football. I know this can not be real because my players are inanimate objects. With that being the case, many things that occur on a real football field, I want to try to replicate it on my miniature level. I want the excitement of tossing a pass in traffic with defenders engaged with the receiver. I want to be able to throw a slant pass over a lineman who has his hands up. I want to be able to loft a bomb 40 yards up field to a receiver streaking in for a score. I want the thrill of isolating my tightend over the middle and physically making that tough pass with the aid of the TTQB.

Because Tudor knew this was just a game and there was no way to get into the skin of a miniature player, the next best thing was the "out-of-body" or "in-body" experience of feeling the pressures of making that same tough throw from the playing level that real QBs must make the throw from. That's where the human experience comes in to play.

The great thing about creating that level of play is when others that you bring into your style of play understand "this is the bar". "We will not try to lessen that bar, but instead up that bar". That's one of the great things about playing in a league that you have to make passes using that TTQB! No one makes excuses that they can't uses it. More importantly, most people in the league are willing to put their foolish pride away and ask others in the league how to pass and that information is then offered.

But for most coaches in the DFW, they practice their passing in their office at work, at restaurants, while out driving their trucks, or while their wives are sleep. Training camp for passing never end because most know they want that one shining moment when all the lights are on in a stadium before all their peers and having to know, they've got one chance to be a champion. It does not get any better than that!

The topic of kicking is another one quite similar that the makers of the game showed would be a great apparatus to the excitement of the game. Something for another time...

Reg

I couldnt agree more Reginald. Last year at the Texas Shootout 2006 I couldnt pass a lick. I decided while driving home on I-35 that I could either bitch about this passing rule or method or that passing rule or method OR learn how to pass with the QB that the game was built upon. I decided to LEARN how. I work nearly every night on passing and I am getting better. The TTQB had very little to do with the game going into the closet. The TTQB actually worked better in comparison than the bases did. Tweaking the bases is the best thing that hs happened to the hobby.

Geno H

Great advice
 

This is my first year getting back in the hobby and I've always loved using the TTC growing up. Reggie and you guys have really said some great things and I have been practicing a little every day with my passing game. Using a passing net is ultra helpfull.

Eye Coordination
 

COACHES,

When you guys are passing what are you looking at ? are you looking at the player or are you looking at the TTQB'S passing hand ?
Also, which footballs would you say gave the best results ?

mantaray-dre and the HOUSTON TX OF THE DFW

Also, do you realy get more zip on the ball if you cut a groove into the ttqb's passing hand ?

I actually have a passing net and my ttqb at my desk at work right this very second. Ive been praticing all day in between shuffling papers. I look up and make sure the coast is clear (nobody coming) and fire off a pass then load up for the next one. I actually get all my work done and practice at the same time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Techniques of Passing
 

Andre,

You're coming into a league where if defenders are engaged with the receiver, you still can throw to that man. But remember, you make that throw and only one good thing can happen. Two bad things can happen! So you've got to be fearless. You've got to trust your instincts! You may even have games where stadiums are involved and that further complicates the difficulty of the pass.

With that being said, such an environment along with having "The Peanut Gallery" heckling you at every opportunity, it can either sharpen your skills or make you shell-shocked! If it helps you sharpen your skills, this is what you will see:

The TTQB is aligned in a manner where the throwing arm and the aiming arm are perfectly aligned. Sometimes, I melt the aim arm to get that line of throw to be slightly lower than how Tudor design the QB's arm upward. Then I bend the leg forward and put in ice water. Simple metallugy is what will occur as the plastic will harden. It will look as if the QB is leaning way forward but he's good. At this point, everything is aligned to create a high pass completion rate.

Next, it becomes cerebral. When I use to play hoops, I thought the goal was like an ocean. As big as the wide open sea. That made scoring pretty easy for me. Similar to hoops, I take the analogy to miniature football. When I see guys in heavy coverage, it does not bother me. The target on that potential ball carrier/receiver becomes even larger! I know I only have a small area to fit the ball into but that's where training camp comes in handy. You practice those scenarios. Remember, you play in a league where running and passing is 50/50 in some instances. But because of teams being able to run schemes such as the 46, stacking, 52, and 34, it would be nice to control the game to the point where they will have to take personnel out. That's what having that passing skill will do for you.

Always remember, we've got plenty of coaches here who are more than willing to show you how to do most everything. You've just got to have supreme confidence that no matter where the hecklers are, no matter whether you've had penalties or fumbles to halt your drives, or whether you stayed up working on your team, you've got to hit that pass. And 'Dre, I have no doubt you will hit the pass.

But because of this level of difficulty, it makes for the greatest scene in electric football. The slit does help alot.

Reginald

Practice,Practice,Practice,, when you think you got it down,, Practice some more

Preach!!!!!!
 

Can I get a Amen up in here?!! I love it! I love it! To be honest in my opinion this is the best topic I have read in a few weeks!

Reginald, thanks you for your input, you should think of posting a pic of one your your slightly modified TTQBs.

I have learned some awesome tips, dude, I never thought of taking a TTQB and receiver to work! That is hilarious! I was sitting in my office today for 45minutes eating a sandwich and reading Fox Sports website, what a waste of time. I am going to assemble a workbound practice squad this weekend!

Awesome tips from everyone else too! Adhering a rubber piece to the front to provide friction and stability when the hands can't get in there, another brilliant idea. Wow! This is valuable information. There is nothing like winning a game because of a last minute, last ditch passing effort and making a completion that leads you to victory! I frickin' love it. That's pressure that passing sticks and sims can't replicate! Don't get me wrong I love those styles of play and use them frequently but the TTQB is OLD SCHOOL!

Long live the triple threat!


Shabby J

Keeping The Ttqb From Breaking At The Leg
 

REG,

when you melt the ttqb and bend it foward, isn't that a risk of breaking it around the ankles. These miggle white ttqb's are so fragile i beoke three already and once there seperated a little at the ankles there is no way to fix them, the zip on the ball is gone. I see you dont have to pull the armback that far to get a decent zip on it. This is a fun/great thead and i would love to hear more. Another thing im realizing is with that TTQB in your hand, you are the quarterback. Its all on you, your team depends on you to make the throw. Now i see what rex grossman is going through.

Most people unless they have serious errands to run spend there lunch breaks killing and waisting time. Shabby, if you look around any office, many are reading a book/magazine. In our hobby, that book must be put on the back burner. Just get 3 or 4 unpainted figs thats exactly like your receivers on your team(pratice squad) a get off a couple of throws. The nets i have work great, just surround the receiver with the nets and fire away. This is a nice way to get a little practice going during the day The MFCA have a passing/skill layout that can be downloaded and placed where you want it. Im not sure how big its or if it can be downsized a little. contact weirdwolf on that !

if you really want to get crazy paint some defenders black, get some pool cue chalk and dip the tip of the ball in it each time you throw. If the defenders have white on them, INTERCEPTION !!!!!!!!! Better yet, paint the receivers all red so the chalk shows up on the as well ! Just a thought from new york.

Mantaray -dre

Keeping The Ttqb From Breaking At The Leg
 

REG,

when you melt the ttqb and bend it foward, isn't that a risk of breaking it around the ankles. These miggle white ttqb's are so fragile i beoke three already and once there seperated a little at the ankles there is no way to fix them, the zip on the ball is gone. I see you dont have to pull the armback that far to get a decent zip on it. This is a fun/great thead and i would love to hear more. Another thing im realizing is with that TTQB in your hand, you are the quarterback. Its all on you, your team depends on you to make the throw. Now i see what rex grossman is going through.

Most people unless they have serious errands to run spend there lunch breaks killing and waisting time. Shabby, if you look around any office, many are reading a book/magazine. In our hobby, that book must be put on the back burner. Just get 3 or 4 unpainted figs thats exactly like your receivers on your team(pratice squad) a get off a couple of throws. The nets i have work great, just surround the receiver with the nets and fire away. This is a nice way to get a little practice going during the day The MFCA have a passing/skill layout that can be downloaded and placed where you want it. Im not sure how big its or if it can be downsized a little. contact weirdwolf on that !

if you really want to get crazy paint some defenders black, get some pool cue chalk and dip the tip of the ball in it each time you throw. If the defenders have white on them, INTERCEPTION !!!!!!!!! Better yet, paint the receivers all red so the chalk shows up on the as well ! Just a thought from new york.

Mantaray -dre

Guys,

I sent this along to Lynn and did not hear back from him. It might be of help... it might not

First:

Pick out a ttqb that you are most comfortable with and stick with it.
Do not flip back and forth between ttqb's. As all have their own "feel".
If possible try to use one the older white plastic qb's.
Epoxy or glue the ttqb to a ttc base. This will give the ttqb "consistency".
Go get yourself some felt footballs.
Second:

Learn how to hold the ttqb.
If you are right handed, hold the base with left hand using your forefinger and thumb.
Forefinger on the front of the base, while the thumb is holding the back of the base.
Only hold the base and try never to touch to qb figure.
Now, with right hand use your thumb and middle finger to hold the handle.
Use the forefinger on your right hand to pull back and release the qb's arm.
Third:

Lets' prep the ball.
Work the ball so that the split stays just slightly open and will remain on the qb's hand.
Next ball placement, now remember this; place the ball in the same position every time on the qb's hand. At the same location and angle every time.
Fourth:

Take any player on a base and place him 5 yards from the qb.
Take a few practice throws.
Angle the qb (tip forward) while maintaining some portion of the base in contact with the game board.
This should help in the accuracy department.
Don't worry if your hitting the receiver or not, concentrate on how you're holding the qb each time.
Make sure you position the ball the same way each time.
Continue to get comfortable holding the qb and releasing passes.
Fifth:

If you have followed the above steps you will start to notice that the ball will typically go straight or to one side or another.
Using the qb's extended arm as a guide, point it at the receiver and see where the ball goes when it is released. Remember to angle the qb.
If the ball goes to the right aim the arm to the left of the receiver.
If the ball goes to the left, aim the arm to the right of the receiver.
Now you should have a good feel for the direction the qb will throw.
Next lets aim and angle (or tilt) the qb and make a pass.
If the pass goes over the head of the receiver, angle the qb more.
If the pass comes up short decrease the angle.
If you are still having difficulty try looking from a side view. Before you pass to see if the qb's extended arm is pointing directly at the receiver.
Now start to use this as a guide for distance.
By repeating this process over and over you will be able to develop a "feel".
Final

Visualize where you are going to hit the receiver.
Get familiar with one qb.
Prep the ball the same each time.
Place the ball on the qb's arm consistently.
Once you can consistently hit the man at five yards move him further out.
Practice throwing over offensive and defensive lineman.
Practice throwing into coverage.
Be consistent, just as you would shoot a basketball, swing a golf club or shoot pool. Learn to repeat the mechanics over and over in a consistent manner.

Check it out
 

everyone check out the youtube passing accuracy demo
 

Hey reg,

That demo was pretty cool to watch. That what i call a training camp. Everyone please check out the youtube passing demo.


mantaray -dre

nicely done
 

yet another reminder that i need to practice!:D :eek:

hlmt$

Amazing results!
 

I just tweaked my TTQB a la Reg Rutledge and applied a couple of other technique suggestions and I am coming up with amazing results. Great zip and much improved accuracy. Thanks guys for the passing clinic. This the kind of stuff we need at the MFCA convention next summer.

Can you post your findings?? The "other techniques" you mention?

$cch$

Franco
 

I simply read pages 1 and 2 of this thread and applied some of the suggestions to my QB and technique. Straightened the pointing arm, notched the top behind where ball goes, foam pad on the front, and practiced. Also got some better FB's (heavier felt). Almost immediately - better results.