How to Read the Quarterback Three Step Drop as a Defensive Football Player

Part of the Video Series How to Play Football

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Learn how to read the quarterback's three step drop as a defensive football player in this free football training video.

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How to Read the Quarterback Three Step Drop as a Defensive Football Player
Hi this is Tim Gardener on ExpertVillage.com; we’re going to be going over some advanced techniques in football. It’s important to be able to read three step drop, and what that means is being able to determine whether it’s going to be a quick route or a short route. If the quarterback takes a three step drop, it’s a short route. If he takes a 5 step drop, it’s a longer route. So what you want to do if I’m lining up in front of a receiver, I want to be able to eyeball the quarterback and periph the receiver and I want to be able to see exactly what the quarterback is doing. So if the quarterback takes a three step drop, I’ve got to shorten my steps and drop my weight because I know there’s got to be a decision that’s made quick or else the quarterback is going to be sacked. Either a receiver is going to break off in one direction or he’s going to take off. Now if I’m reading the quarterback and he goes past that third step, my eyes have to confirm the quarterback to the receiver because now he’s my read because it’s a much longer route and the quarterback has got a lot more time before he has – he’s running the risk of getting sacked.

About the Expert

Expert: Tim Gardner was one of Southern Methodist University's star football players. He now owns a marketing company and continues to work with high profile athletes and football clubs around the nation. Read More