Route (football)
Encyclopedia
A route is a path or pattern that a receiver
in American football
runs to get open for a forward pass
.
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
in American football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
runs to get open for a forward pass
Forward pass
In several forms of football a forward pass is when the ball is thrown in the direction that the offensive team is trying to move, towards the defensive team's goal line...
.
List of common routes
- Curl routeCurl (route)A Curl route, also called a button hook, is a pattern run by a receiver in American Football, where the receiver appears to be running a Fly pattern but after a set amount of steps or yards will quickly stop and turn around, looking for a pass...
- Drag routeDrag (route)A drag route is a route run by a receiver in American football, where the receiver runs a few yards downfield, then turns 90° towards the center of the field and runs parallel to the line of scrimmage. This type of route is relatively safe and is thrown to an agile receiver who can make a play...
, also called an "In route" - Corner routeCorner (route)A corner route is a pattern run by a receiver in American Football, where the receiver runs up the field and then turns at approximately a 45-degree angle, heading away from the quarterback towards the sideline. Usually, the pass is used when the defensive back is playing towards the inside...
, also called a "Flag route" - Fly route, also called a "Go route" or "Streak route"
- Hitch routeHitch (route)A hitch route is a pattern run by a receiver in American football, where the receiver will act as if he is running a pattern down field, taking possibly one or two steps forward before quickly stopping and looking for a quick pass before the defender has a chance to react and try to deflect the...
- Out routeOut (route)An Out route is a pattern run by a receiver in American football. On an out route, the receiver will start running a fly pattern , but after a certain number of steps, will cut hard 90 degrees "to the outside," or toward the sideline, away from the quarterback...
- Arrow route
- Post routePost (route)A post is a moderate to deep passing route in American football in which a receiver runs 10-20 yards from the line of scrimmage straight down the field, then cuts toward the middle of the field at a 45-degree angle.It is designed to stretch the opposing secondary deep down the field, opening holes...
, also there is a "Post Flag" - Slant routeSlant (route)A Slant route is a pattern run by a receiver in American football, where the receiver runs up the field at approximately a 45-degree angle, heading to the gap between the linebackers and the linemen...
- Wheel routeWheel (route)A Wheel route is a pattern run by a receiver or running back in American Football. When run by a receiver, the player will immediately run a quick out pattern, then proceed to turn upfield in a curved pattern. Typically this route is run from an inside receiver, with the number one receiver heading...
- Dig route
- Flat routeFlat routeA flat route is an American football route, used in passing plays. A flat route is usually run by a running back or a fullback. The eligible receiver runs parallel to the line of scrimmage till near the sidelines and turns toward the quarterback to wait for the pass. The QB's pass should arrive...
- Swing route
- Flare route
- Double Out
- Speed out route
- Angle route
- Sail route