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

When a quarterback drops back to pass, he is particularly vulnerable. His eyes are downfield looking for open receivers, and he expects his offensive lineman to protect. This isn't an easy task. When defenders read that it's a pass play, they will be rushing hard to get the quarterback. And you have to protect him. While backpedaling. Sound impossible? Not at all. Protect your quarterback on a three-step drop.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Quick feet
• Strong arms
• Lateral mobility

1. Put about half as much weight on your fingers when you get into a three-point stance. The defensive front will be able to recognize the pass coming from your weight distribution, but you'll need the head start in doing so.

2. Place your outside foot a half step behind your inside foot. It should be about even with the inside foot's instep. This will come in handy for step 3.

3. Kick back. This doesn't mean "relax". This means kick your outside foot back as far as you can as you raise out of your stance. It should be about a three-foot back step. In doing so, your body will open outward, angling in toward the interior line of scrimmage.

4. Keep your body facing out, and protect the inside with a firm inside leg. The quickest route to the quarterback is through the inside, so the defender will be trying to go that way. You want to force him the longer way around you, creating a pocket for the quarterback to operate in.

5. As the defender approaches you in the rush -- and he will -- punch his breastplate with your hands first. Don't lead with your helmet, or a defender will use this to his advantage. Your arms will not likely be strong enough to hold off his entire body, at which point you...

6. ....plant your face mask at his neck while pushing up with your legs and arms.. Don't worry, you won't hurt him -- he's protected by his shoulder blades and helmet. But this will offer a jolt that should send him back a little bit. Leading with your arms first will offer you some control, give him less opportunity to "swim", "rip" or "spin" (the three techniques he's most likely to use to get past you).

7. Give ground. You should be giving a little bit of ground as you block. If your momentum is moving slightly backwards, then you're able to move with him while you block. Don't be too concerned with giving up too much ground. If the play isn't off in about three seconds, then it's the quarterbacks fault. Aim to hold your block for five, and you should be OK.

Tips & Warnings

• If no one is lined up across from you, be prepared to pick up leaks from the lineman on either side of you. Well intentioned as they may be, not all lineman hold their blocks. You should be ready to pick up the rush if they get past the other lineman.
• Move laterally outward when possible. If the defender tries to spin out, move out with him. The farther outside he is, the better. But don't give up positioning in order to do so.
• Don't put your weight forward at any given point. This can be used to throw you to the ground. When you push "up" with your arms and legs, it means just that --- up, to the sky. Not out or forward.
• Look out for stunts. This means that defensive lineman switch their path, or rush. In which case, you could be blocking your teammate's man, while he blocks yours. Your concern is more your lane -- the space in front of you -- rather than a man.