How to Pass Block on a One-Step QB Drop Back

The one-step quarterback drop back is popular pass play for quick throws up the middle, dumps out to the flats and fade routes. It's a great, quick-strike play used, primarily, for snagging a first down or scoring on red-zone possessions. But they can be dangerous for offensive lineman. The quarterback is close to the line of scrimmage, so the ball's release is well within reach of a defensive lineman. More dangerous, in fact, is an offensive lineman getting beat off the ball can trip up the quarterback and foil and otherwise good play. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Quick feet
• Low positioning

1. Lean forward in your stance. This serves two purposes. First, unlike shotgun plays and 3-, 5- or 7-step drops, offensive lineman will be firing off the line of scrimmage. Second, defensive lineman--good ones--tend to read, among other things, knuckles. If there's weight on your hands, revealed by white knuckles, defenders will read rush. Leaning forward in your stance can throw them off, if only for a split second.
2. Fire off the ball quickly. You should do this as you would a rush play, with a square target at the defender's breastplate or stomach.
3. Keep your head up. If your head is down, it will carry your momentum down, as well. A defender can capitalize on that by pushing your down or swimming past you.
4. Stay low. Low positioning means control. To control the line of scrimmage, you must be lower than the defensive lineman. Otherwise, they can get under your pads and drive you back into the quarterback, spoiling the play.
5. Punch with the palms of your hands, your fingers pointing out. The defensive lineman will very quickly realize it's a pass play, not a running play. Because they won't have time for an effective rush, they'll likely throw their hands in the air to deflect the pass. "Punching" their sternum or stomach can be an uncomfortable jolt, which will force their hands down reactively. Imagine your reaction when you get hit in the stomach. That's what they'll do.
6. Stay within a yard of the line of scrimmage. If you get good movement when the ball is snapped, driving the defender back, hold up about a yard off the line of scrimmage. Remember, though this is a quick-strike play, offensive lineman are (typically) ineligible receivers.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for the blitz. If there isn't a down lineman in front of you, it means a linebacker is lurking a few yards back. Fire off as you normally would. If the linebacker is blitzing, you'll be there to catch him. If not, you'll be ready for potential stunts or slants from other down lineman.
• Do not go more than a yard downfield. You could get flagged as an ineligible receiver, making the play obsolete and costing your team good yardage.
• Do not get beat off the ball. If the defender has a step on you and knocks you into the backfield, you could trip up the quarterback.