SportsAugust 17, 2026

dropback

DROP-bak

Definition

A type of passing play in American football where the quarterback moves backward from the line of scrimmage after receiving the snap to set up a pass.

Etymology

The term is a compound of the verb 'drop' and the adverb 'back,' reflecting the quarterback's physical movement of stepping backward to gain space and time for a throw.

In the news

The article uses the term in the phrase 'EPA per dropback' to assess the efficiency and performance of the Wisconsin secondary in defending against opposing passing plays.

What we heard from Robert Steeples about Wisconsin football’s cornerback room

Read the full article ↗

Dillon Graff

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