Are you looking for a way to add some pizzazz to your teams offense? A shovel pass may be the answer.
In this comprehensive guide, well go over everything you need to know about the shovel pass, from its definition to the common mistakes you should avoid.
We’ll also provide drills to help you perfect your technique and examples of successful shovel passes to get you inspired.
Read on to learn all about the exciting world of the shovel pass!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
A shovel pass is a type of pass in football in which the passer quickly throws the ball to a receiver by scooping it with one arm.
It can be used to quickly get the ball past a defender and into the hands of a receiver in a short amount of time.
The shovel pass can also be used on trick plays, such as the flea flicker, to deceive the defense and gain yardage.
Definition of a Shovel Pass
A shovel pass is a type of pass in American football where the passer quickly passes the ball using a shoveling motion.
The pass is usually short and thrown across the body of the passer.
The passer uses this motion to quickly pass the ball in a situation where time is of the essence.
This could be when the quarterback is under pressure from the defense or when there is a need to quickly get the ball to a receiver.
The shovel pass is a versatile pass and can be used in a variety of situations.
It can be used to throw a quick pass to a wide receiver, running back, or tight end.
It can also be used as a screen pass, where the passer quickly passes the ball to a nearby receiver, who then quickly runs upfield.
The shovel pass can also be used as a play-action pass, where the quarterback quickly passes the ball to a receiver while simultaneously faking a handoff to a running back, allowing for an opportunity to deceive the defense.
The shovel pass is a useful tool for quarterbacks because it allows them to quickly move the ball across the field and catch the defense off guard.
It also has the advantage of being unpredictable, as the defense does not know where the ball is going.
Furthermore, the pass can be thrown accurately and with enough power to reach the intended target, even in tight spaces.
Benefits of a Shovel Pass
The most obvious benefit of a shovel pass is that it is a quick and easy way to get the ball to the receiver.
The shovel pass allows the quarterback to get the ball to the receiver quickly and without having to make a more complicated throw.
This makes the shovel pass great for situations when time is of the essence, such as when the quarterback is under pressure from the defense or when the defense is expecting a more traditional pass.
Another benefit of the shovel pass is that it can be used to confuse the defense.
Because the shovel pass is a quick and unconventional pass, the defense may not be expecting it.
This can give the offense an edge and make it more difficult for the defense to anticipate the play.
The shovel pass can also be used as a way to pick up yards.
The shovel pass can be thrown at a shorter distance than a traditional pass, but can still pick up yards if it is thrown accurately.
This makes it a useful tool for offenses looking to move the ball down the field.
Finally, the shovel pass can be used to surprise the defense and catch them off guard.
By throwing a quick shovel pass, the offense can surprise the defense and gain an advantage.
In conclusion, the shovel pass can be a great tool for quarterbacks, as it is a quick and effective way to get the ball to the receiver.
The shovel pass can also be used to confuse the defense and to pick up yards.
Finally, the shovel pass can be used to surprise the defense and gain an advantage.
When to Use a Shovel Pass
A shovel pass is an effective way to move the ball quickly and accurately to another player.
It is used in a variety of situations, particularly when the quarterback is under pressure and needs to get the ball to a receiver quickly.
The most common time to see a shovel pass is when the quarterback is being chased by a defender and needs to get rid of the ball quickly.
It is also often used in short-yardage situations, such as when the team needs to gain a few yards to get a first down or score.
The shovel pass is a great way to catch a defense off guard and can be used to create opportunities for the offense.
It can be used to catch a defense in a blitz, as the short pass can be completed quickly and the ball can be moved to a receiver in a different area of the field.
It can also be used to create mismatches, as the pass can be thrown quickly to a receiver in a different area of the field and the defense may not be able to adjust in time.
The shovel pass can also be used to create a distraction for the defense, as the pass can be thrown quickly and the defense may not be able to adjust in time.
This can be used to open up the field for other players and create opportunities for the offense.
Finally, the shovel pass is a great way to move the ball quickly down the field.
The short pass can be completed quickly and the ball can be moved to a receiver in a different area of the field.
This can be used to create mismatches and create opportunities for the offense.
How to Execute a Shovel Pass
Executing a shovel pass requires good timing and accurate aim.
The passer must be able to quickly identify the target receiver and then throw the ball before the defense can react.
To make the pass, the quarterback should first set his feet and grip the ball firmly.
He should then use a short, chopping motion to throw the ball across his body.
The ball should be thrown with a spin so it can reach the receiver quickly.
The key to success with a shovel pass is to keep the pass low and close to the ground.
This helps to avoid the defense and allows the receiver to catch the ball without any unnecessary movement.
The passer should also aim for the chest area of the receiver, as this is the easiest target to hit.
Finally, the passer should be aware of the defensive players in the area and take extra care when throwing the ball.
If the pass is thrown too close to the ground, it may be blocked by a defensive player.
If the pass is thrown too high, it may be intercepted by the defense.
It is important to practice this pass so that the quarterback can develop the accuracy and timing needed to execute it successfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to throwing a shovel pass, there are a few common mistakes to avoid.
First, it is important to ensure that the passer does not drop their arm when throwing the ball.
This can cause the ball to sail high or low, making it difficult for the receiver to catch.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that the passer keeps their eyes on the receiver throughout the entire pass.
Failing to do this can cause the ball to be thrown behind the receiver, or worse, intercepted.
Also, the passer should be careful not to throw the ball too hard, as this can make it difficult for the receiver to catch.
Instead, the passer should focus on throwing the ball with a soft touch, as this will give the receiver enough time to adjust to the pass.
Finally, the passer should make sure to use a proper grip on the ball before throwing the pass.
A proper grip will help ensure that the ball is accurately thrown and reaches its intended target.
Drills for Improving Shovel Pass Accuracy
Improving shovel pass accuracy requires a lot of practice and repetition.
To ensure accuracy, quarterbacks should work on several drills that will help to develop their technique and accuracy.
One drill that is commonly used is the three-step drill.
In this drill, the quarterback takes three steps back and then throws the ball with a shoveling motion across their body.
The quarterback should focus on keeping their body square to the target and using proper technique when throwing the ball.
Another drill for improving accuracy is the two-step drill.
This drill requires the quarterback to take two steps back and then throw the ball with a shoveling motion.
This drill is designed to help the quarterback get used to the timing and accuracy of the shovel pass.
Finally, the quarterback should practice the one-step drill.
This drill is designed to help the quarterback get comfortable throwing a shovel pass from a closer distance.
The quarterback will take one step back and then throw the ball using a shoveling motion.
This drill will help the quarterback get used to the timing of the pass and the accuracy needed to make the pass successful.
By practicing these drills regularly, a quarterback can improve their accuracy and technique when throwing a shovel pass.
With enough practice and repetition, a quarterback can develop the skills and confidence necessary to make this type of pass a valuable part of their arsenal.
Examples of Successful Shovel Passes
The shovel pass is an effective and time-saving tool for quarterbacks and receivers to quickly move the ball down the field.
It is a pass that is thrown across the body of the passer, usually at a short distance, and using a shoveling motion.
This pass is most effective in situations where there is a need to quickly get the ball to a receiver, such as when the quarterback is under pressure from the defense.
One of the most famous and successful shovel passes of all time was thrown by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in Super Bowl XL. With just 2:37 remaining in the game, and the Steelers trailing by seven points, Roethlisberger used a shovel pass to tight end Heath Miller to move the ball down the field and eventually set up a game-winning touchdown.
Another successful shovel pass was thrown by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the 2013 NFC Championship Game against the Atlanta Falcons.
With less than two minutes left in the game and the 49ers trailing by four points, Kaepernick used a shovel pass to wide receiver Anquan Boldin to move the ball down the field and eventually set up a game-winning field goal.
The shovel pass is also a popular play in college football.
Several of the most successful programs in the country, such as Clemson, Ohio State, and Alabama, have used the shovel pass to great effect in big games.
For example, in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between Alabama and Georgia, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa used a shovel pass to wide receiver DeVonta Smith to set up a game-winning touchdown.
In addition to being used in football, the shovel pass has also been used in other sports, such as basketball and hockey.
For example, in basketball, a player may use a shovel pass to quickly move the ball up the court before the defense can set up.
In hockey, a player may use a shovel pass to quickly move the puck up the ice and create a scoring chance.
The shovel pass is an important and effective tool that can be used in a variety of situations.
As demonstrated by the examples above, the shovel pass can be a game-changer in both football and other sports.
Final Thoughts
A shovel pass is a useful tool in football that can help teams gain an advantage quickly when time is of the essence.
It requires a unique motion and technique in order to be successful, and can be improved with practice and drills.
With the right execution, a shovel pass can be a powerful asset to any team’s offense.
Now that we know what a shovel pass is and how to use it, why not get out there and give it a try?