Drop Back Passing

QB Drops Progressions Routes Protections

By Ron Jenkins, M.S. Offensive Coordinator Los Angeles Harbor College (CA)
The system is extremely flexible. It operates predominately from a 5-7 step drop that varies slightly, depending on the type of pattern called. Hot routes are built into the system on every play, giving us a lot of hot 3 step drops that enhance our QBs confidence. The pass patterns are made up of 3 digit combinations that designate the route and receiver. The call starts with the single side receiver and follows across, indicating the route each receiver should run. As shown in Diagram 1, Numbered Pass Routes for Wide Receivers, each route is numbered odd to the outside and even to the inside. NOTE the larger the number, the longer the route

The Routes for Running Backs, Diagram 2, indicates the name of the routes and what we want our running backs to do. In the play calls, the first named route applies to the halfback and the second named route applies to the fullback, unless otherwise specified.

Let us break down a typical play call, Pro Right Split 628 Flat (see Diagram 3) PRO wide receivers go to opposite sides of the field RIGHT Tight End (Y) and Flanker (Z) line up on right size of formation while Split End(X) lines up on the left side of the formation 628 tells the receivers what patterns to run X (Split End) runs a 6 route Y (Tight End) runs a 2 route Z (Flanker) runs an 8 route FLAT tells the running backs to run flat patterns If we lined up in Slot Left Split 628 Flat (Diagram 4): Y (Tight End) would run the inside receiver 6 route (see Diagram 5) Z (Flanker) would run a 2 route X (Split End) would run an 8 route

Pass protection is paramount in any passing system to protect the QB and get the receivers you want into the pattern instead of in blocking combinations with the linemen. That is why we Zone Block the side into which we want to release a back, and Man Block the back side with the back on that side checking before he releases. Our basic pass protection is called RIP or LIZ. RIP tells our linemen to Zone Block the right side and give the back on that side a free release to get into the pattern. We will Man Block the left side with the back checking the left side and then releasing if he is not needed (Diagram 6 Rip Pass Protection)

On LIZ protection, we will Zone Block the left side and Man Block the right side, giving the backs a free release on the left side and blitz protection on the right side. (Diagram 7 Liz Pass Protection)

We recently changed the practice of reading a defender dropping into coverage to reading passing lanes. We did this when we found our QBs paying more attention to what the defense was doing than on his own tasks. We found them only guessing on the opposing coverage. By reading passing lanes, the QB could focus entirely on attacking the defense, and this dramatically improved his TD/INT ratio. We also worked extensively on developing the QB drops and footwork. We wanted to be in position to get rid of the football the instant the receiver broke. Due to the different depths of the receivers routes, we had to calibrate the QB drops to the timing and precision of the patterns.

Basic Pass Plays

The diagrams show 7 of our basic pass plays. These give us the flexibility to confuse the defense by calling the same pattern out of different formations, but by keeping the QBs progressions consistent, we make the plays easy for him to understand and execute. Pro Right Split RIP 363 Stop (Diagram 8) This is strictly a timing pattern with the QB knowing he is going to throw to the outside receiver. He drops about 6 yards, Roll Drop, and on his last step taken with his back or plant foot, he steps to the side he has chosen to throw to. If a different color jersey steps into his passing lane, he will check off to receiver 2 then to his throw away.

Weak Progression X to Y to H Strong Progression, Z to Y to F H Check #3, blitz inside to outside, run Stop route at 5 yards F Free release to run 5 yard Stop route X Run 3 route, 12 yard speed out Y HOT, run 6 route, 10 yard square in Z run 3 route, 12 yard speed out