On each play we will designate a specific foot position for the first step. There will be a great emphasis placed on the ability to separate from the center with speed and depth. To enable us to more easily explain the foot position of the quarterback's steps we will use the term midline - which is an imaginary line between the QB and the Center and extend to the Tailback.
Passing Steps
There are basic steps in all of our pass drops.
These steps are:
1. Push and Reach
2. Crossover
3. Drive
4. Cheat step
It is important that we execute with speed and explosion. To maintain proper balance as we drop the ball must be carried at the proper position. The proper position is holding the ball slightly open on the back tip of the throwing shoulder.
1. Push and Reach - Before the snap, the QB must transfer his weight to the instep of the left foot. As you begin your step, pivot on the left foot while driving the right foot to the midline. You must use a pushing action as you pivot to create a leaning action. You must get hips open. The shoulders turn keeping the left shoulder slightly open to be able to scan the entire field. The shoulder turn cannot be so great as to restrict the QB's ability to keep his head and the eyes downfield. During this first stop the ball is brought to the back tip off the throwing shoulder. The key to this first step is to get as much depth as possible without wasted motion.
2. Crossover - The main objective of the second step is to start acceleration and depth. The knee is driven across the body while the shoulders remain slightly perpendicular to the Line of Scrimmage. The eyes are still down field. The ball is held in a throwing position - which is ball slightly open at back tip of throwing shoulder.
3. Drive - Your third step will insure proper depth if executed properly. The ball is still at proper throwing position. To get proper depth you must drive the right leg up and out, raising the knee above the thigh and reaching for depth. The first three steps must create speed and depth. They are executed on the balls of the feet.
4. Crossover - It is on this step that we begin to get under control. It is designed to reduce momentum by landing on the heel or as flat footed as possible. You should begin to become erect in your throwing position. This flat foot placement also helps in the distribution of weight before the release. This step is smaller than you second step. The ball is again in the throwing position.
5. Cheat - The final step allows the body to become erect while at the same time changing the body's direction. The plant foot is parallel to the LOS. The ball is in the ready position at the right shoulder. Your front leg is an open position to the back leg. Both the crossover and cheat step are performed flat footed. The foot must be driven to the right or slightly ahead of the center of the body. As you "pop up" on the cheat step your weight should be forward. As you assume the 'cheat' position you must again get back on the balls of your feet.
5 STEP DROP
These are the components of the 5 step drop:
1. Push and Reach
2. Crossover
3. Drive - Will get the most depth with this step on a 5 step drop.
4. Crossover
5. Cheat Step
Once you take the 5th step we will then hitch step and keep his feet moving as he scans the field.
3 STEP DROP
These are the components of the 3 step drop:
1. Push and Reach
2. Crossover
3. Cheat Step - this is more pronounced and at a 45 degree angle to the right.
OR
3. Cheat Step to the left - this is a kick back at 45 degree angle to the left to open your hips and get more power on the throw.
These steps on our quick game is to ensure getting the ball out as quickly as possible - We will not hitch step in our quick game.
In our quick game we use the following 3 steps:
1. Push and Reach
2. Crossover
3. Cheat