Drop Techniques

The Quarterback’s Toolbox: Mastering the Art of the Drop

A well-executed drop is a fundamental skill for any successful quarterback. It creates a stable base for throwing accuracy and power, while also allowing the quarterback to scan the field and identify open receivers. This guide delves into the various drop techniques, providing detailed breakdowns, coaching points, and progressions to transform your quarterbacks into drop maestros.

Understanding Drop Techniques

The choice of drop technique hinges on several factors, including the intended route combination, pass protection situation, and desired depth of the throw. Here’s a detailed exploration of various drop techniques commonly used in modern football:

The Quick 3-Step Drop (Depth: 3.5 yards)

  • Purpose: Ideal for quick throws on routes like hitches, quick outs, …
  • Execution:
    1. Punch Step: A short, explosive step back to initiate the drop.
    2. Quick Reach Step: A quick step with the opposite foot to gain some initial depth.
    3. Quick Crossover Step: Plant the opposite foot and quickly crossover the other foot for a stable throwing platform.
    4. Left Shoulder Dip: As the crossover foot lands, the quarterback dips his left shoulder slightly.
    5. Throw: Release the ball on the plant foot of the third step for a quick and accurate throw.
  • Coaching Points:
    • Focus on Quickness: Priority lies in getting the ball out quickly. Aim for a rhythmic “1-2-3-Throw” sequence.
    • Box to Target: On the first step, quarterbacks scan the defensive box to identify potential pressure. By the second step, their eyes should shift towards their primary target.
    • Toes Down: Ensure both feet are planted firmly on the ground with toes pointed down for optimal stability and power transfer during the throw.

The Big Three-Step Drop (Depth: 4 to 4.5 yards)

  • Purpose: Used for throws with slightly more depth, such as slants and Y-stick routes.
  • Execution: Similar to the 3-step drop, but with slightly longer steps for increased throwing distance.
    • Emphasize a strong “stretch” on the first step to gain more ground.
    • Maintain control and balance on the second step before planting for the throw.
  • Coaching Points:
    • Step Length: While longer than the 3-step drop, ensure steps are controlled and efficient to avoid sacrificing accuracy.
    • Dump-off Option: If the primary target is covered, quarterbacks can utilize a “hang and hold” technique, keeping the ball in their hand to check for potential dump-off options.

The Quick Five-Step Drop (Depth: 6.5 yards)

  • Purpose: Ideal for throws with moderate depth, such as speed outs and thin posts.
  • Execution: A five-step drop with a focus on quick footwork and a balanced throwing platform.
    1. Punch Step: Similar to the 3-step drop.
    2. Quick Reach Step.
    3. Quick Crossover Step.
    4. Quick Reach Step (shorter than previous reach steps).
    5. Quick Crossover Step/Shoulders Down: Plant the foot and quickly crossover, lowering the shoulders to initiate the throw.
    6. Plant and Throw: Plant the final foot, set hips to the target and release the ball.
  • Coaching Points:
    • Footwork Rhythm: Maintain a quick but controlled rhythm throughout the five steps.
    • Shoulder Rotation: As the final crossover step is planted, quarterbacks should rotate their shoulders down and square them towards the target for optimal throwing mechanics.

The Big Five-Step Drop (Depth: 7.5 yards)

  • Purpose: This drop is ideal for throws with significant depth, often utilized for curl routes or deeper developing patterns (12-14 yards).
  • Execution: Similar to the quick five-step drop, but incorporates a “hitch step” to create additional depth and manipulate the pass rush.
    1. Punch Step.
    2. Big Reach Step: Take a larger step compared to the quick five-step drop for increased depth.
    3. Big Crossover Step.
    4. Smaller Reach Step (Throttle): A shorter, controlled step to maintain balance and control the drop depth.
    5. Smaller Crossover Step/Shoulder Down: Plant and crossover, lowering shoulders to prepare for the throw.
    6. Plant and Throw: Plant the final foot and unleash the throw.
    7. Three Big Steps, Two Smaller Steps: This drop emphasizes a distinct rhythm with three powerful initial steps followed by two controlled steps for a balanced throwing platform.
  • Coaching Points:
    • Avoid Over-peaking: Resist the urge to “peek” over the rush. Maintain focus on seeing through the rush and trusting protection to find the throwing window.
    • Launch Point: Due to the hitch step, the ideal launch point for the throw is typically around the 7.5-yard mark.
    • Limited Adjustments: The big five-step drop is less suited for hot routes or sight adjustments due to the deeper drop depth.

The Full 7-Step Drop (Depth: 9 yards)

  • Purpose: Primarily used for deep throws like deep curls, digs, or “go” routes (18-20 yards)
  • Execution: This drop emphasizes a deep retreat to create time for receivers to run their routes.
    1. Three Big Steps: Similar to the big five-step drop.
    2. Four Controlled Steps: Take four controlled steps to gain additional depth while maintaining balance.
    3. Big Reach Step: Initiate the throwing motion with a larger reach step.
    4. Big Crossover Step.
    5. Big Reach Step.
    6. Four Quick Steps for Balance: Take four quick, controlled steps to establish a stable base for the throw.
  • Coaching Points:
    • Speed and Depth: Achieve maximum depth quickly while maintaining a controlled drop.
    • Launch Point: The launch point for the throw is typically around the 7.5-yard mark due to the hitch step incorporated earlier in the drop.
    • Limited Adjustments: Similar to the big five-step drop, there’s limited ability for hot routes or adjustments due to the deep drop.

The Controlled 7-Step Drop

  • Purpose: This variation of the 7-step drop is used for throws with moderate depth where there might be a higher chance of checking down to underneath routes.
  • Execution: Similar to the full 7-step drop, but with a slight modification in footwork during the final steps.
    • Two Unders/Y Unders/Flanker Drives: This drop is often used for routes like shallow crosses, underneath routes, or quick outs.
    • Final Steps: Instead of four quick steps for balance, quarterbacks may take two smaller, controlled steps to prepare for a potential checkdown throw.
  • Coaching Points:
    • Read the Defense: This drop emphasizes adaptability. Quarterbacks need to read the defense and potentially adjust their throwing mechanics or footwork for a dump-off option if the primary target is covered.

Roll outs

  • Purpose: Rollouts are an effective way to escape pressure and create a throwing lane on the run.
  • Execution:
    • Straight Back Step: Take a quick step directly back to begin the rollout.
    • Build for Width and Depth: Take a wider step with the opposite foot, establishing both lateral movement and additional depth.
    • Nine-Yard Arch: Aim for a rollout arc of approximately nine yards.
    • Throw Punch: Initiate the throwing motion with a forceful “throw punch” with the non-throwing arm to maintain balance while on the move.
    • Balance Up: Regain balance by planting a foot and stepping towards the target.
    • Hips to Target: Rotate your hips to square them towards the intended receiver.
  • Coaching Points:
    • Footwork Efficiency: While creating space, prioritize efficient footwork to maintain mobility and avoid compromising throwing mechanics.
    • Throwing on the Run: Practice throwing accurately while on the move. Footwork drills can be integrated with throwing drills to develop this skill.
    • Eyes Downfield: Maintain focus downfield while rolling out. Briefly glance at the rush to identify escape routes, but prioritize locating open receivers.
    • Body Control: Balance is paramount. Utilize the throw punch and stepping towards the target to establish a stable base for the throw.
    • Target Awareness: Be aware of potential scrambling opportunities if no open receiver is available.

Conclusion

As quarterbacks become comfortable with the various drop techniques, consider these progression steps to further refine their drop mechanics:

  • Introduce Pressure: Integrate simulated pressure drills into the practice routine. This helps quarterbacks maintain composure, execute proper drops, and make accurate throws under duress.
  • Vary Routes and Depths: Practice drops in conjunction with different route combinations and depths. This prepares quarterbacks to adjust their drop technique based on the play call.
  • Decision-Making Drills: Incorporate drills that challenge quarterbacks to read the defense and make quick decisions. This could involve choosing between a primary target, a checkdown option, or scrambling based on the defensive coverage.

By mastering these drop techniques and incorporating the valuable coaching points, you can equip your quarterbacks with the tools they need to consistently create a stable base for accurate and powerful throws. This will significantly elevate their performance and effectiveness on the field.

Originally contributed by Coach Fred P. Mariani. He took the head coaching job at Iona College as the first full time head coach in the 33-year history of the Iona College Gaels football program (NCAA I-AA) in 1998. – After the 2008 Season Iona College discontinued the Football program.
From 2008 through the end of the 2018 season Fred P. Mariani was the Director of Football Recruiting Operations at Rutgers.

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