Football, whether at the professional, college, or even high school level, relies heavily on intricate passing plays. These plays are built upon a foundation of carefully designed receiver routes, each with its own purpose and execution. Understanding these routes is key to appreciating the strategic depth and complexity of the game. This guide will explore the various types of routes in football, providing a detailed overview of their mechanics and applications.
Common Football Routes: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the specifics, here's a quick overview of some of the most common routes you'll see on the field:
- In Routes: Short, sharp cuts towards the middle of the field.
- Out Routes: Similar to in routes, but cutting towards the sideline.
- Slants: Diagonal cuts across the field.
- Go Routes (Fly Routes): Straight downfield sprints.
- Comeback Routes: A short route with a sharp cut back towards the quarterback.
- Hitch Routes: A short, horizontal route with a sharp cut.
- Curl Routes: A short route with a sharp turn towards the quarterback.
- Post Routes: A deep diagonal route across the field.
- Corner Routes: A deep route along the sideline.
- Dig Routes: A deep in-cutting route.
Detailed Explanation of Key Football Routes
Now let's delve deeper into some of the most frequently used routes and their variations:
1. In Routes and Out Routes: The Basics
These are fundamental routes, crucial for short-yardage gains and creating space for other receivers. An in route sees the receiver run a short distance downfield before making a sharp cut towards the center of the field. An out route, conversely, involves a cut towards the sideline. The timing and precision of these cuts are critical for successfully catching the pass. Variations include the "shallow in" or "shallow out," indicating a slightly longer route before the cut.
2. Slants: Cutting Across the Field
Slant routes are diagonal cuts across the field, often used to exploit gaps in the defense's coverage. They can be run from various depths, ranging from short, quick slants to deeper, more aggressive versions. The angle of the slant can be adjusted based on the defensive alignment.
3. Go Routes (Fly Routes): The Deep Threat
These are straight sprints downfield, designed to test the speed and coverage of the defense. A successful go route can result in a big play. Variations exist, with receivers sometimes employing subtle head fakes or subtle route adjustments to gain an advantage.
4. Comeback Routes: A Deceptive Turn
A comeback route involves a short run downfield followed by a sharp cut back towards the quarterback. This route is effective in deceiving defensive backs who expect a deeper route. It's often used as a safety valve for the quarterback when under pressure.
5. Hitch Routes: Quick and Efficient
The hitch route is a short, horizontal route with a sharp cut. It's a quick, reliable option for the quarterback, typically used when the defense is pressing the receiver closely.
6. Curl Routes: Turning Back Towards the Quarterback
Similar to the comeback, the curl route involves running a short distance before sharply cutting back towards the quarterback. However, the curl is generally a slightly shorter route than a comeback.
7. Post Routes and Corner Routes: Deep Options
Post routes are deep diagonal routes across the field, while corner routes are deep routes run along the sideline. Both of these routes require speed, precision, and an understanding of defensive coverage. They are designed to exploit the weaknesses in zone defenses and test the deep coverage abilities of man-to-man defenses.
8. Dig Routes: A Deep In-Cut
The dig route combines elements of an in-route and a post-route. It’s a deep in-cutting route that travels diagonally across the field towards the center of the field. The route is designed to attack the middle of the field and creates an opportunity for a big gain.
What are some other types of routes in football?
Beyond the above, there are many variations and combinations. Receivers might run "wheel routes" (a combination of a deep out and a go route), "streak routes" (a very deep go route), or "seam routes" (a deep in-cut that travels down the middle of the field). The specific terminology and execution of these routes can vary depending on the team and offensive scheme.
This comprehensive guide covers the most fundamental routes, providing a solid foundation for understanding the strategic nuances of football passing plays. Remember, the success of these routes depends not only on the receiver's execution but also on the quarterback's accuracy and timing, along with the offensive line's ability to protect the passer.
