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You are here: Home / All The Lingo / Sports Terms That Begin With ‘D’ / Drop Back

Drop Back

drop back

What Is The Definition Of Drop Back In Football?What Is A Drop Back In Football? Definition & Meaning On SportsLingo

1. A drop back is when the quarterback snaps the ball and they then take additional steps backwards in the pocket before making a pass attempt. The amount of drops steps that a quarterback takes would depend on the pass play they are running.

The common amount of drop steps a quarterback makes are the three-step, five-step and seven-step drop. The more steps that a quarterback takes back in the pocket, the more time that the receivers have in order to get open downfield.

With timing being a crucial component of the passing game, teams will practice plays for each of the different amount of drop steps. This is important because if the quarterback knows when and where the receiver will make a break in their route, then the quarterback can deliver the ball to them at the most precise time when the receiver is the only one who can possibly make a play on the ball.

Example Of How Drop Back Is Used In Commentary

1. Wentz drops back three steps and delivers a strike to Smith crossing over the middle.

Also Seen As:

1. Dropping Back

Sport The Term Is Used

1. Football

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