drag ***
trail ***
get behind
hang back
drop behind
drop back

I hung back a bit, glancing at the sky to judge the time.

Creek hung back a couple of steps so the camera wouldn't be right in the kid's face.

Trip, however, hung back a little to stay by his friend.

No, hang back like that, that's the way I want you to.

I managed to keep up, hanging back a little to make it look good.

He hung back a little, waiting to see what sort of guy Gene would turn out to be.

He hung back a little when they arrived at the school.

I hung back with the men, certain that serious matters were about to be discussed.

If she seemed to hang back a little at first, he didn't notice.

Better yet, I'll send a second man to hang back out of sight and watch the first.