QB's shoulders in the dropback

On short & immediate routes he must get the front shoulder out of the way (pull down with left elbow) so he won't be "throwing over the mountain". See Namath's book "A MATTER OF STYLE" - he pulls his left elbow down hard to get the shoulder down & help in hip rotation. Also see CP's below re: QB 's shoulders while dropping back!


QB CROSS STEP FOOTWORK IN DROPPING BACK

1. Pivot on the left foot and take a long step back toward the set-up spot with the right foot. Then use cross-over action to the set-up spot.

2. The set-up will vary according to the pass called and will be determined by the number of steps you take. Starting with the right foot, you will take 3 or 5 steps and “Stop”, “ready” to pass. You must have stopped and be ready to pass before the receiver makes his final break (on at LEAST 2 steps more than the QB took).

3. Open your shoulders at an angle NOT TO EXCEED 90 degrees to the LOS and look straight down the field, seeing your reads as you go back. Know where you are going with the ball by the time you reach the set-up spot. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE QB TO KEEP HIS SHOULDERS AT A RIGHT ANGLE TO LOS, AND HIS FOREHEAD PARALLEL TO THE LOS SO HE CAN SEE THE FIELD.

4. The ball must be held chest high and with two hands. Always be ready to unload the ball quickly.

5. Step in the “Ready” position without any resetting so you can pass immediately if necessary. (A small reset step may be taken on a 5 step drop).

6. THREE STEP DROP (“QUICK DROP”):
A. The 3 step drop is a 1 + 2 step drop, with 1 full stride and 2 short gathering strides – planting on the third step and throw. Always stop with short steps and come to balance before throwing.
B. It is coordinated with the quick passing game. Receivers run 5 step breaks.
C. Think in terms of the set-up spot being 3 to 4 yards deep.

7. FIVE STEP DROP
A. The 5 step drop is a 3 + 2 step drop, with 3 full strides and 2 short gathering strides to plant on the fifth step. Always stop with short steps and come to balance before throwing.
B. Plant and throw on the fifth step on timing routes. If the pattern needs more time, bounce and allow it to develop – then throw. Receivers run at least a 7 step break.
C. Think in terms of the set-up spot being 5-6 yards deep.

8. Look: Throw with your eyes first.

9. To get a quick release you should “cock” your shoulder quickly just prior to throwing and avoid the common tendency of winding-up by dropping the ball clear down to waist level.

10. Square your shoulders to the target before throwing. Especially true when throwing to your left!

11. Take a short lead step to the target and shift your weight to the forward foot as you throw.

12. Most good QB’s release the ball at a point at least a foot above the level of the head. Use considerable wrist snap by drawing the fingers and the hand sharply downward as and slightly inward as the ball is released.

13. Follow through. The passing hand should come down well below the waist and the rear foot should drag forward to a point where it is squared off with the front foot. This will give you more velocity in the throw, and put you in a balanced position to protect yourself after you throw.

14. PRACTICE-PRACTICE-PRACTICE!