Three- and five-step drops

Setup

1. Non-contact (air). Helmets on if the drill runs inside a padded practice.
2. A centre snaps to the quarterback under centre. Mark the line of scrimmage with cones.
3. One receiver on each side, 1 yard off the line: X runs a 6-yard hitch, Z a 12-yard out.
4. Keep spare balls with the centre so the next rep starts straight away.

How it runs

1. Three-step rep: snap, three-step drop, and throw the hitch to X on the plant of the third step.
2. Five-step rep: snap, five-step drop, one hitch step up, and throw the out to Z as Z breaks.
3. Alternate three- and five-step reps. Each quarterback takes eight to ten throws, then rotates to receiver.
4. The coach stands behind the quarterback to check the depth and footwork of every drop.

Coaching points

• Push off the front foot for a big first step, then turn the hips and drop with the ball high at the chest.
• Three-step: plant on the third step and throw. No extra steps.
• Five-step: the last two steps are shorter so the weight settles; hitch up once, then throw.
• Eyes downfield from the snap, not on the feet.
• Throw before the receiver turns, to the spot they are going to.

Common mistakes

• Drifting backwards after the plant instead of stepping up.
• Dropping the ball to the waist during the drop.
• Taking a long, slow first step, so the timing is late.
• Watching the receiver run the whole route before deciding.