drop back

Verb

 * 1)  Of a quarterback or other player in the backfield, to take a number of steps back from the line of scrimmage immediately after the snap or hike of the ball, to avoid defenders.
 * The Tiger quarterback is dropping back to pass.
 * 1) To move to a lower (or slower) position in a race or competition; to slow down so as to meet up with someone behind oneself

Noun

 * 1)  The act by a player in the backfield of dropping back from the line of scrimmage after the hike of the ball.
 * With his ankle injury his drop back is not pretty.