In this installment of #QBQuickTips, Steve puts a drill to the test. This drill helps test and to improve a quarterback’s drop after the initial snap. A quarterback needs to be able to effectively drop back for numerous reasons. One is to be able to get the proper time to read the field and be able to choose what the best option is to make a successful play. Without properly dropping back a quarterback has less time to read the field and more mistakes occur. One mistake that can occur from not dropping back properly is throwing throwing off the wrong foot, late passes and instability that could result in an interception. The ineffective drop didn’t give the quarterback enough time to read the field and see that the targeted receiver was not in a position to make the play.

The first part of the drill involves dropping back quickly and working on the precise footwork and moving perpendicularly to the line of scrimmage. This is a simple drill to do but also very necessary to do. Getting the proper movement and timing when dropping is important. As we see when Steve makes the player drop and give him push-ups, he wasn’t dropping properly. When a quarterback drops back he needs to drop in a perpendicular line to the line of scrimmage. By not doing this it can hinder the ability of quarterback to properly make the play. When the pocket is collapsing being in the middle of it is best. If you drop to the left or right and the line collapses to the middle like normal then it can ruin your chance to make a play or to make the right decision.

For the second part of this drill Steve has the quarterbacks work on movement after dropping back. They first drop back perfectly like they did before in the previous drill but to add on top of that they now have to navigate the pocket. This drill is supposed to help get quarterbacks in the game time mindset for when things don’t go according to plan, which happens quite often in football. The defense may be able to get around one of the lineman and knowing how to avoid them is the key to making the play.

The key to the footwork is to use your back foot to pivot and the front foot to direct.  The last key factor for the movement is to always keep yourself looking straight forward. You don’t want to lose sight of the receiver or to not be able to see the threats coming. If you take your eyes off your targeted receiver by the time you get eyes on him again it may be too late to see the defense is all over him.

Being able to drop efficiently is very important. For a quarterback to make a play this is one of the most important skills during game time. Without dropping properly, you are losing valuable time to make a play. If you want to improve your drop practice the drill in this video. This video is made to help all quarterbacks of every skill level.