Coach Luke Schleusner, the OC/QBs coach at the University of Idaho has transformed his program’s offense the past two seasons by delivering one of the most efficient passing offenses in the FCS.
One of the reasons for Coach Schleusner’s success in the passing game is because of the mechanics that he teaches to his QBs to ensure that the ball arrives on time every rep they drop back to pass.
That’s why today, we’re going to talk about one small mechanic of the drop back that will help your QBs deliver the ball to your receivers as they’re getting open instead of when they’re already open which gives the defense a window to make a play.
Learn all of coach Schleusner’s coaching points for the QB position in our 6-Part Series: The Idaho Offense – The Complete Series
Idaho’s QB Drop Back Shuffle Step
Above is an image from Idaho’s end zone camera depicting their QB in the middle of their drop for a variation of their Y Cross concept (which we talked about yesterday).
What’s important to notice in this picture is that the QB isn’t crossing over on his drop.
The reason for this is because of the read that the QB got when surveying the field pre-snap. Before the play began, the QB saw that their was cushion between his receiver running a speed out and his defender.
This informed the QB that he had enough space to get the ball to his first read which also meant that he needs to speed up his drop in order to get it there on time.
To make sure this happens, the QB makes sure he doesn’t crossover his legs during his drop back which takes extra time and would cause this throw to be late and potentially dangerous for the offense. Instead, he takes a quick shuffle step by opening to his right and stretching his leg back before bringing his left foot with as well (this should be a two step movement).
Once the left foot is positioned in front with his feet roughly shoulder width apart, the QB is set to generate power and quickly release the football, allowing it to arrive on time and perfectly in stride for the receiver to generate yards after the catch.
This is a really simple adjustment to the QB’s drop, but it makes a HUGE difference in how fast the ball is able to get out of their hands.
This technique also has a built in protection because if post-snap the QB changes his mind and decides the ball shouldn’t go to the first read, he can take another shuffle step to keep his feet moving and give his eyes time to get to the second read.
Learn all of the ways that Coach Luke Schleusner makes his QBs better players with The Idaho Offense – The Complete Series.
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