Throwing to Both Sides of the Football Field

Throwing the football to both sides of the field is extremely difficult to do without proper footwork. Many quarterbacks have the tendency to open up their front/lead foot and front shoulder to quickly when throwing to the arm side of the field. This can cause the body to be too far out ahead of the arm and throwing motion causing the QB to sail the football and lose accuracy. Quarterbacks also have the tendency to stay too closed while throwing to the opposite side of the field (not stepping at the target), causing them to throw the football across their body.

Proper footwork the end of each drop (3, 5, or 7) is the key to preventing these two common errors from happening at. On the final step of the drop, the Quarterback should angle his foot and body towards the side of the field he's intending on throwing to. This will prevent the QB from having to take an additional gather step to re-direct the body. This also gives the QB the opportunity to deliver the football quicker if need be, since he's already in a "ready" position to throw.

Points to focus on:

1. On the final "plant" step of the drop, angle the feet and body towards the side of the field you intend on throwing too.
2. Do NOT open your shoulder to quickly, QB's should be able to look on a straight line over the front shoulder at the target receiver.
3. The front/lead foot should be facing the side of the field you intend on throwing to.
4. Do not lose momentum; keep a forward lean on the final step and keep the feet moving (“crushing pebbles”) until you are ready to throw.
5. Do NOT throw across the body.

5-Step Drop

The 5-step passing game consists of much longer developing pass plays and deeper routes than the quick, 3-step game. The routes that accompany a 5-step drop are skinny/deep posts, comebacks, deep-outs, streaks, digs, curls, out-and-ups, etc.

For the 5-step drop, the quarterback will be adding an additional two-steps (one cross over and one big step) from the 3-step. On the final big step, the QB must plant with the back foot and shuffle forward slightly with a gather step to gain momentum and get a hair closer to the line of scrimmage. The QB needs to be at least 7-yards deep, no longer, no shorter. On most 5-step drops, there will be a wait because the receiver needs a little more time to get into the route. While waiting, the QB must keep the feet moving (as if "crushing pebbles"). This keeps the QB from becoming flat-footed which kills momentum and technique. It also gives the QB the ability to deliver a quality throw to both sides of the field because his feet will be in the proper ready position to step wherever needed (right or left). Avoid getting too close to the line of scrimmage. The lineman will be creating a pocket, which the QB should be delivering from.

Points to focus on:

1. Proper depth of the 5-step drop (7-yards).
2. Drop on a STRAIGHT line, do not drift to the right or left (end up in the arms of a DE).
3. Stare down field or away from your receivers at all times. QBs should be able to recognize defensive back movements and coverages and use peripheral vision to see receivers.
4. Big step - crossover - big step - crossover - big step - plant on final step and shuffle forwards.
5. Shuffle forwards but still try to keep as much depth as possible.
6. Keep the feet moving - "crushing pebbles".
7. Deliver the football.

Note #1 on Dropping Back - Looking Down Field

Quarterbacks commonly stare at the ground while dropping back (3-5-7 and even rolling out). This is a terrible habit because it prevents the Quarterback from looking down field and seeing what's going on in front of him (defensive coverages and shifts, receivers routes, blitzes, etc.).

Quarterbacks: Always look down field...Stare at Safeties is a great habit – making it difficult to determine which side or what pattern you are throwing too.

1. While dropping back, stare at the defender and force him to make decision on who or where to cover.
2. If it's a run play, stare at safety before the snap of the ball, don't give anything away.
3. Make your read and deliver.

3-Step Drop

3-step drops are normally high percentage pass plays. Routes are much quicker and much shorter than 5-step routes. It's critical for the QB to deliver the football at the proper moment because receivers are only open for a short time during the quickly developing patterns.

3-Step Drop:

• Big step with lead foot, staying on a straight line.
• Crossover step, as far as possible.
• Big step, balancing weight as you land.

On the final step, quarterbacks shoulder be balanced (with a slight lean towards their target) and ready to deliver the football. Never take a shuffle step forward at the conclusion of the drop because it is crucial to get as far back from the line of scrimmage as possible. 3-step drops should ideally be 5 yards deep to prevent any collision with offensive lineman and provide room to step and throw. Quarterbacks should count in their heads as you take your drop - think 1-2-3-balance and throw. Think quick and make sure you get your depth.

Holding the Football While Dropping Back

Over and over again I see Quarterback's drop the football from under the chin to the stomach prior to throwing the football.

I'm a firm believer in keeping the football up under the chin at all times, whether your dropping back, rolling out or simply having a catch.

The quarterback also needs to keep both hands on the football, for ball protection and to keep proper throwing mechanics (proper rotation, proper balance of shoulders and proper arm momentum).

Finally, this technique makes you look like a real quarterback!!