| Quarterbacks' five-step drop is similar to the | | | | man, keep your feet moving so you are not caught |
| three-step drop but does have two extra steps and | | | | flat footed. It is easier to set with moving feet and |
| offers more options. The five-step drop is used for | | | | deliver a crisp pass. |
| slower developing plays, with the receivers running | | | | Hit & Throw Technique |
| deeper routes. Routes requiring the quarterback to | | | | The hit and throw technique is a quickly delivered |
| take a five-step drop, giving the play time to | | | | pass. |
| develop. The advantage is he can throw a hit and | | | | If you see your receiver coming open as you drop |
| throw or a hitch and throw pass. This article will | | | | back, set your plant foot, aiming at your target. |
| focus on the quarterback footwork and the two | | | | Pushing off your back foot follow through and deliver |
| passing techniques and a training drill for the | | | | the ball. |
| quarterbacks five-step drop. | | | | Hitch & Throw Technique |
| The Steps | | | | The hitch and throw technique adds another step to |
| Step 1: Your first step is taken with the same foot | | | | your footwork. As you drop back and plant your |
| as your passing hand side. You want this step to be | | | | back foot setting up, you roll your weight forward to |
| explosive and long as you pull back from center. To | | | | the front foot and take a small hitch step before |
| ensure and explosive first step and long stride you | | | | delivering the ball. This added hitch step will give you |
| want to transfer about 70% of your weight to the | | | | increased velocity and distance for the longer passes. |
| opposite foot. | | | | Training Drill |
| Step 2: This is a simple cross over step, you can | | | | This drill will increase leg strength and add |
| back peddle but it is harder to get that forward | | | | explosiveness to your five-step drop. You use a |
| momentum at the end of your five-step drop. The | | | | bungee cord attached to a snuggly worn waist belt. |
| best footwork is the cross over. | | | | As you drop back from the center you want your |
| Step 3: This is another straight back step with the | | | | training partner to pull on the cord giving you |
| throwing hand leg. | | | | resistance that will make your steps harder to take |
| Step 4: This is the second and final crossover | | | | and build that strength in the legs and buttocks |
| footwork in the 5 step drop. | | | | needed for your drops. |
| Step 5: This is the plant step with the foot on the | | | | Once you have completed the five step drop, with |
| passing hand side. | | | | the training partner pulling on the cord, do the side to |
| As you are dropping back, keep your eyes straight | | | | side training steps, practice setting up. This will give |
| ahead reading the defense. Watch for your receivers | | | | you the strength and power you need for explosive |
| with your peripheral vision or on crossing routes as | | | | steps and sharp passes. |
| they come into view. | | | | In conclusion you now know the quarterback |
| Remember, while you are reading the defense, the | | | | footwork, two passing techniques and a training drill |
| D-backs are trying to read your eyes. | | | | to have an effective five-step drop. |
| Also while you are setting up looking for the open | | | | |