Quarterbacks' five-step drop is similar to the three-step drop but does have two extra steps and offers more options. The five-step drop is used for slower developing plays, with the receivers running deeper routes. Routes requiring the quarterback to take a five-step drop, giving the play time to develop. The advantage is he can throw a hit and throw or a hitch and throw pass. This article will focus on the quarterback footwork and the two passing techniques and a training drill for the quarterbacks five-step drop.

The Steps

Step 1: Your first step is taken with the same foot as your passing hand side. You want this step to be explosive and long as you pull back from center. To ensure and explosive first step and long stride you want to transfer about 70% of your weight to the opposite foot.

Step 2: This is a simple cross over step, you can back peddle but it is harder to get that forward momentum at the end of your five-step drop. The best footwork is the cross over.

Step 3: This is another straight back step with the throwing hand leg.

Step 4: This is the second and final crossover footwork in the 5 step drop.

Step 5: This is the plant step with the foot on the passing hand side.

As you are dropping back, keep your eyes straight ahead reading the defense. Watch for your receivers with your peripheral vision or on crossing routes as they come into view.

Remember, while you are reading the defense, the D-backs are trying to read your eyes.

Also while you are setting up looking for the open man, keep your feet moving so you are not caught flat footed. It is easier to set with moving feet and deliver a crisp pass.

Hit & Throw Technique

The hit and throw technique is a quickly delivered pass.

If you see your receiver coming open as you drop back, set your plant foot, aiming at your target. Pushing off your back foot follow through and deliver the ball.

Hitch & Throw Technique

The hitch and throw technique adds another step to your footwork. As you drop back and plant your back foot setting up, you roll your weight forward to the front foot and take a small hitch step before delivering the ball. This added hitch step will give you increased velocity and distance for the longer passes.

Training Drill

This drill will increase leg strength and add explosiveness to your five-step drop. You use a bungee cord attached to a snuggly worn waist belt.

As you drop back from the center you want your training partner to pull on the cord giving you resistance that will make your steps harder to take and build that strength in the legs and buttocks needed for your drops.

Once you have completed the five step drop, with the training partner pulling on the cord, do the side to side training steps, practice setting up. This will give you the strength and power you need for explosive steps and sharp passes.

In conclusion you now know the quarterback footwork, two passing techniques and a training drill to have an effective five-step drop.