# drop-back

Pronunciation: say "drop-BAK" US /ˌdɹɑp ˈbæk/, UK /ˌdɹɒp ˈbæk/

## Verb · drop back

1. 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.
   - Simple: To fall behind others in a race, or to slow down so someone behind can catch up.
   - _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._
2. 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.
   - Simple: In American football, to take a few quick steps back when the play starts, like a quarterback getting 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._
4. To move back, away from the front, into a position further to the rear.
   - Simple: To move back to a place further behind.
   - _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._

## Noun

Pronunciation: say "DROP-bak" US /ˈdɹɑpˌbæk/, UK /ˈdɹɒpˌbæk/

3. A backfield player's move of stepping back from the line of scrimmage after the snap of the ball.
   - Simple: In football, the steps back that a player behind the line takes as the play starts.
   - _Scouts praised the rookie's smooth drop-back and quick release._
   - _The offense ran more than forty drop-backs in the game._

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/drop-back (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).