Dropback Passers :The Hitch & Throw and the Hit & Throw

Matching the depth and route each receiver runs, as the quarterback, you must know immediately at the end of your drop, whether to throw a hit and throw or use a hitch step and deliver that pass as a hitch and go. You should be able to execute both the hit and throw or the hitch and throw, matching them to the timing of the pass routes called.

Every time you use the three-step drop you want to use the hit and throw, since these plays are short quick hitter routes where your timing with the receivers is critical to the plays success. Both passing techniques may be applied to the five-step drop, depending on the depth of the routes called and the timing needed to throw the pass. You will only use the hitch and throw in your seven-step drop. Your backward momentum is too fast to employ the hit and throw.

At the end of any of your straight back drops, you may have to throw the ball with out any extra steps because the timing of the receiver’s routes dictates a quick delivery. This technique is known as the hit and throw, because as soon as you take your last drop step, you want to roll forward off your back foot with out resetting, stepping forward in the direction of your target to throw the ball on time.

Some routes are slower developing plays, allowing you to employ the hitch and throw technique. In this scenario, the last step of your drop, plant your back foot and roll your weight forward to regain your balance. Then skip forward with your back foot before stepping into the direction of your target and throwing the ball.

In conclusion when you are doing straight drop backs, timing between you and the receiver is critical, for the quick hitters, use the three-step drop with the hit and throw. While in your medium range routes, using the five-step drop you may have the option of both techniques, the hit and throw or the hitch and throw. While the deeper routes require the seven-step drop and the hitch and throw technique.