Dropback Passing

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A successful passing game requires exact timing between the passer and the receiver. The receiver aids this cause by running precise and disciplined pass patterns. The quarterback can fulfill his part by learning to become very consistent in the manner and depth of his drop away from the line of scrimmage.

There are four distinct depths in the dropback passing game. The depth of each drop should be coordinated with the depth of the particular pattern that is being run by the primary receiver.

When teaching the footwork for the various drops, it is best to concentrate solely on the quarterback's footwork and not allow him to actually pass the ball. And because the ball is not going to be thrown, it is not necessary to have a receiver involved in the drill. If a center is available, have him snap the ball to the quarterback, though a coach easily can hand the ball to the quarterback during this preliminary work. The primary point is that the player should correctly accept the ball prior to starting his sprint away from the line of scrimmage.

In setting up a dropback drill, a coach should be positioned on the side of the quarterback's passing hand. From this vantage point he can easily observe the footwork of the quarterback during his drop and quickly make the appropriate corrections. When practicing the drops for the quarterback, it is good to have the drill run near the hashmarks so that the depth of his drop can easily be determined.

In all dropback passing, the quarterback will take an extremely short step forward with the foot opposite his passing hand. As the quarterback becomes more and more proficient in taking the snap from the center and dropping away from the line of scrimmage, he will find that he moves the cheat foot less and less. The purpose of the cheat step is to guarantee that the quarterback does not pull away from the center before he has received the ball.

In practicing the footwork for the various drops, have the quarterback use crossover steps, not a backpedal away from the line of scrimmage. The quarterback should carry the ball securely in both hands, at a height even with the numbers on his jersey. It should be emphasized that he keep the height of the ball constant and that he does not fall into the extremely bad habit of carrying the ball in a lower position, more even with his belt buckle.

Drop drills, with the player retreating to each of the determined depths without passing the ball, should be run at the start of every practice so that the importance of consistent drop mechanics are never lost, but are constantly enforced by daily repetition.

Beginning quarterbacks will be impatient to get through this phase of training and to start throwing the ball down the field. Stick it out; without the proper mechanics of setting up you never will be a good passer.

Drill: Three-Step Drop

The first drop that should be learned is the short, three-step drop that is needed for the quick passing game. For a righthanded passer, the first step away from the line of scrimmage is with the right foot, the second with the left, and the final set step with the right. The third and final step should be slightly longer, ending with a firm foot plant to stop the quarterback's backward movement and put him in position to immediately step forward and pass the ball.

Drill: Five-Stop Drop

The next drop the quarterback needs to learn and perfect is the five-step drop. This depth of set should put the quarterback approximately seven yards from the line of scrimmage on his final step. For the right-handed passer, the proper steps should be with the right, left, right, left, and finally the right foot.

As you work on the five-step drop, remember the ball should remain at a constant height even with the quarterback's numbers. This drop is used when the quarterback throws medium-depth passes and certain deep passes which require a quicker release.

The quarterback will find that because of the added steps of the five-step drop, he will generate more momentum as he moves away from the center. This makes his final step, the longer set step, where he stops his backward motion and brings his body under control, more critical.

After planting with the set step, the quarterback should then bring his left foot closer to the right so that both feet are planted directly under his hips and body. From this position, with his feet under his hips, the quarterback will be balanced and able to step and throw the ball to any area of the playing field.

Drill: Seven-Step Drop

The third type of drop that the quarterback needs to master is the seven-step drop. This should take the quarterback about nine yards from the line of scrimmage. The seven-step drop is used when throwing deep pass routes that take a longer time to develop.

By placing a cone or a towel on the ground, the coach can give the quarterback a quick, additional point of reference for the depth of his drop.

Drill: Screen Drop

The fourth and final quarterback drop is a variation of the seven-step drop that is used when throwing a slow screen pass. For this drop, the quarterback takes his normal seven-step drop, sets up as if he were preparing to pass, and then retreats an additional five or six steps away from the line of scrimmage.

"Play Football The NFL Way" is the first Instructional Manual for Football Players and Coaches ever published by the NFL. It is the ultimate position-by-position guide of techniques and drills for Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Author Tom Bass is a former NFL coach with more than 20 years of experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Copyright © Thomas L. Bass 2006. All rights reserved.