A drop-back is the QB’s path away from the center. The QB takes a certain number of steps back, plants, and throws. This drill teaches the timing and footwork.

What you need: Two cones. One football. Open field.

Setup: Place one cone at center and another 10 yards back where the QB will plant.

How to run it:

  1. The QB starts at the center cone.
  2. They take a 3-step drop: step back with the back foot, then alternate feet until they plant.
  3. On the plant step, they stop moving backward and get ready to throw.
  4. The receiver lines up 20 yards downfield.
  5. The QB steps back, plants, and throws to the receiver.
  6. Do 10 reps. Focus on footwork and timing, not distance.

What to watch: On step three, do they plant cleanly or does the footwork get sloppy? Clean footwork means consistent throws.

If they’re struggling: Have them walk through the steps first. No throwing yet. Three steps, plant, done. Do that 5 times.

If they’ve got it: Add pressure. Put a defender coming from the side to make the QB release the ball faster.