Understanding the Football Receiver Route Tree: A Comprehensive Guide
The route tree in football is a fundamental concept, representing a coded system of routes that wide receivers and other eligible pass-catchers run to get open. This intricate "tree" of route options allows offensive coordinators to strategically design plays, exploiting defensive weaknesses and maximizing the chances of a successful pass. When a play is called, the quarterback identifies his reads, and the receivers run their assigned routes, attempting to get open in a specific area of the field, giving the quarterback an opportunity to complete a pass. This comprehensive guide will delve into the various routes, their nuances, and how they contribute to a successful passing game. It will also provide an understanding of how receivers use these routes to gain an advantage over defenders.
The Foundation: Essential Football Receiver Routes
The route tree forms the backbone of any passing offense in football, with each route offering a unique way for receivers to get open against different coverages. Football receiver routes are not just random; they are deliberately designed to create mismatches, exploit defensive vulnerabilities, and give the quarterback multiple options to choose from. Mastering these foundational routes is critical for any receiver aspiring to play at a high level, from youth leagues to the professional ranks. These routes can be run from different alignments, like the slot, outside receiver, tight end, or even a running back, adding versatility to the playbook. Understanding these routes is the first step to becoming a skilled receiver.
The Go Route: The Deep Threat
The “Go” route, also known as the “Fly” or “Streak” route, is the simplest but often most effective route in the route tree. The go route is a straight vertical sprint up the field, aiming to get behind the defense. This is a deep route designed to stretch the field and challenge the defensive secondary. The primary goal of a Go route is to beat the defender deep and create a play downfield, forcing the safety to help over the top. This route relies on speed, agility, and the ability to maintain a straight line while battling the defender.
Successful execution of the Go route requires a combination of speed, excellent route running, and the ability to track the ball. Receivers often use a release move at the line of scrimmage to gain an advantage over the defender. These releases can be various, including a quick inside or outside release, a speed release, or even a hesitation move to gain separation. This route is especially effective against single-high safety coverages, and it can also open up opportunities underneath as defenders are forced to respect the deep threat. The go route also helps to stretch the defense, creating more space for other receivers to operate underneath. It is a staple in many offenses and a must-know for any receiver.
The Out Route: Quick and Efficient
The Out route is a quick route, often used to get the ball to the receiver quickly. The out route is a sharp cut towards the sideline, typically at a depth of 8–12 yards. The goal of the out route is to get outside leverage on the defender and create an easy target for the quarterback. The out route is a staple in any offense and can be used to quickly move the chains or take advantage of a favorable matchup. This route often relies on a crisp cut and the ability to quickly get separation from the defender.
The receiver must be able to accelerate quickly and create a significant angle towards the sideline. The timing between the quarterback and the receiver is critical, as the ball must be delivered quickly before the defender can react. Quarterbacks often look for a quick release on this route to avoid the pass rush and get the ball into the hands of their playmakers. The Out route is often used on the opposite side of the field to create a passing lane and allow for yards after the catch. This route is particularly effective against man coverage or when the defense is playing soft coverage. The receiver should be able to make a quick cut and create space, allowing the quarterback to make an easy throw. — Bears Vs. Chiefs: Preview, Key Matchups, And Predictions
The In Route: Attacking the Middle
The In route, also known as the “slant,” is a route where the receiver runs a sharp angle towards the middle of the field. This route is a quick, inside-breaking route designed to attack the defense's interior. The goal of the In route is to find a gap between the linebackers and the defensive backs, creating an open target for the quarterback. It is a route that requires precise timing and the ability to get open quickly, and can be a crucial part of the offense, especially in short-yardage situations.
The In route, usually run at a depth of 3–5 yards, demands a quick burst off the line and a decisive cut inside. The receiver needs to be able to find the soft spot in the defense and get open before the linebackers can react. This route is particularly effective against zone defenses, where the receiver can exploit the gaps in the coverage. It is often used in combination with other routes to create a rub or pick play, freeing up other receivers. The quarterback must make a quick read and deliver the ball accurately, anticipating the receiver's break. It is also a route that can be used to set up longer developing routes, as the defense has to respect the quick inside threat.
The Corner Route: Combining Vertical and Horizontal
The Corner route, a combination of a vertical and horizontal route, is designed to attack the deep corner of the field. This route combines a vertical stem with a sharp break towards the sideline. The receiver initially runs upfield, then makes a cut towards the corner of the end zone or the sideline. The primary objective of the Corner route is to challenge the cornerback deep while also providing an option for the quarterback to throw the ball to the sideline or the end zone.
The receiver will typically run a vertical route for 10–15 yards before breaking towards the corner. The success of the corner route depends on the receiver's ability to create separation from the cornerback and the quarterback's ability to deliver an accurate throw. It is a route that can be used to score touchdowns or to gain significant yardage downfield. This route is particularly effective when the cornerback is playing with inside leverage, as the receiver can use his outside break to create separation. The corner route requires precise route running and the ability to track the ball in the air. — Joe Milton III: The Rising Football Star
The Post Route: The Deep Middle
The Post route, another deep route, is run towards the middle of the field. This route, characterized by its vertical stem followed by a sharp cut towards the middle of the field, is designed to attack the deep middle of the defense. The primary goal is to get behind the safeties and create a play downfield. The post route is a route that requires the receiver to get deep and create a play down the field, stretching the defense vertically.
The receiver typically runs upfield for a certain distance before cutting sharply towards the center of the field, aiming for the space between the safeties. This route demands speed, precise route running, and the ability to track the ball over the shoulder. The post route is often used as a primary receiving option on deep play-action passes or against single-high safety coverages. The quarterback needs to read the safety's positioning and make an accurate throw, anticipating the receiver's break. It's a high-reward, high-risk play, as a missed throw or a defensive interception can result in a big swing in momentum.
The Dig Route: Short and Quick
The Dig route, a short, horizontal route, is designed to gain quick yardage. This route is a horizontal route that typically runs across the field at a designated depth. It is characterized by its short, sharp cut across the field. The primary goal of the dig route is to create a quick, reliable target for the quarterback, particularly in short-yardage situations or when the offense needs to move the chains.
The receiver runs a vertical route for a short distance, then makes a sharp, 90-degree cut across the field. The depth of the dig route can vary, but it's usually between 10–15 yards. The success of the Dig route depends on the receiver's ability to get open quickly, the quarterback's ability to make a quick read, and the receiver's ability to catch the ball in traffic. This route is often used as a complement to other routes, creating a variety of passing options. The dig route is a reliable option to gain a few yards and keep the drive alive, and it can also set up deeper routes downfield.
Advanced Route Concepts and Variations
Beyond the core routes, there are advanced route concepts and variations that add complexity and versatility to a passing offense. These concepts are often designed to confuse the defense, create mismatches, and exploit specific coverages. These advanced route combinations allow offenses to attack all areas of the field, making the passing attack more unpredictable and difficult for the defense to defend.
Route Combinations: Creating Confusion
Route combinations involve multiple receivers running different routes on the same play. These combinations are designed to force the defense to make difficult decisions and create opportunities for receivers to get open. Several popular route combinations include the “Smash,” “Levels,” and “Y-Cross,” each offering different advantages and challenges for the defense. Route combinations can involve two or more receivers and are carefully designed to attack specific areas of the field and exploit defensive weaknesses. These combinations often involve receivers running crossing routes, vertical routes, or short routes, creating an array of options for the quarterback. — Ocean City, MD Weather Radar Guide: Stay Informed
Option Routes: Reading the Defense
Option routes give the receiver the ability to adjust the route based on the defender's alignment and movement. The receiver is provided with options on how to run the route, depending on how the defender plays. These routes often include the
