drop-back

Pluraldrop-backs, drop backs

1. 1
   verb · drop backintransitive

   To lose ground in a race or contest and fall further down the order; also, to ease off the pace so as to rejoin someone behind.

   After leading for ten laps, the driver dropped back to sixth when his tires wore out.

   On long rides I drop back now and then to check on the slower riders.

   Similarslip, fall

2. 2
   verb · drop backintransitive

   Of a quarterback or other backfield player, to take steps back from the line of scrimmage right after the snap to get away from defenders.

   On third down, the quarterback dropped back to pass but was sacked before he could set his feet.

   The coach wants him to drop back five steps and get the ball out quickly.

   Note

   The verb usually runs on with to pass or to throw, because the retreat exists to buy the passer time. Coaches count it in steps, and the count sets how deep he goes and how fast the ball must come out. The space he settles into, walled off by his blockers, is the pocket.

3. 3
   nouncountable

   A backfield player's move of stepping back from the line of scrimmage after the snap of the ball.

   Scouts praised the rookie's smooth drop-back and quick release.

   The offense ran more than forty drop-backs in the game.

   Note

   Football writing treats the move as something to judge and to count. Scouts grade a passer's drop-back on how quickly and smoothly he clears the line and sets his feet, and analysts tally drop-backs to see how often a team chose to pass. The noun is written joined up while the verb stays two words: he drops back, but scouts grade his drop-back.

4. 4
   verb · drop backintransitive

   To move back, away from the front, into a position further to the rear.

   The striker dropped back into midfield to pick up the ball and start attacks.

   As the flames spread, the firefighters were told to drop back behind the road.

   Similarretreat, withdraw

   Oppositeadvance

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