If you want to play football at any level, you need to know how to run routes. Whether you’re a wide receiver, tight end, or even a running back, learning the correct way to execute each route will make you more valuable to your team. This guide will break down everything you need to know about football routes, the route tree, and how each receiver can improve their game.
What Are Football Routes? (Football 101 Overview)
What Is a Passing Route in Football?
A passing route is the specific path that a receiver takes during a pass plays. The quarterback and the receiver must work together to complete the play. Each route has a purpose, and the receiver route is designed to create space between the receiver and the defender. When a receiver run is executed properly, it gives the quarterback a clear target to throw to.
Think of it like a map. The receiver follows a specific pattern to get open, while the quarterback reads the defense and delivers the ball. Every play starts at the line of scrimmage, and from there, the receiver uses speed, timing, and technique to beat the defender.
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Why Routes Matter for Every Player
Football routes are not just for the outside receiver or slot receiver. Every position that touches the ball must know how to run effectively. Here’s why:
- Quarterbacks need to know where receivers will be
- Receivers need to create separation from defenders
- Tight ends and running backs need to know different routes to be versatile
- Coaches design route combinations to attack weak spots in the defense
When every receiver on the field knows their assignment, the offense becomes much harder to stop. The receiver to run the correct pattern at the right time is what makes big plays happen.
How Modern Offenses Use Routes
Today’s football teams use many creative ways to attack defenses. Routes in football have evolved over time. Offenses now use motion, formations, and timing to confuse the defensive back and create mismatches. Some teams prefer deeper routes to stretch the field vertically, while others use short routes to move the chains quickly.
Flag football also uses many of the same concepts, but without tackling, timing and spacing become even more important. No matter what level you play, the basics remain the same.
The Football Route Tree Explained
What Is the Route Tree?
The football route tree is a numbering system that helps players and coaches communicate quickly. Instead of saying “run a deep in-breaking route,” a coach can simply say “run a 6.” This saves time and reduces confusion.
The passing tree typically uses numbers 0 through 9, with each number representing a specific path. Some teams modify the tree slightly, but most follow the same basic structure. The route tree is the foundation for every offense, from youth leagues to the NFL.
Why a Universal System Helps Receivers
Having a standard route tree means that a receiver can switch teams and still know what to do. If you learn the system once, you can apply it anywhere. This also helps when studying film, because you can quickly identify what routes in the tree the defense struggles to stop.
The Number System Breakdown
Here’s how the standard route tree works:
| Number | Route Name | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Flat/Swing | Shallow outside |
| 1 | Hitch | Short comeback |
| 2 | Slant | Inside diagonal |
| 3 | Comeback | Deep comeback |
| 4 | Curl | Medium comeback |
| 5 | Out | Outside horizontal |
| 6 | Dig | Deep inside |
| 7 | Corner | Deep outside diagonal |
| 8 | Post | Deep inside diagonal |
| 9 | Go/Fly/Streak | Straight vertical |
This system allows coaches to call plays quickly and lets receivers know exactly where to go.
The 9 Core Routes Every Receiver Must Know
Hitch Route
The hitch is a simple basic route where the receiver takes a few steps forward and then quickly turns back toward the quarterback. This route is usually run by the outside receiver and is designed to gain 4-6 yards. The receiver breaking back creates a throwing window for a quick completion.
Key coaching points:
- Take three to five hard steps
- Plant your outside foot
- Turn back to face the quarterback immediately
- Show your hands as a target
The hitch route works well when the defender is playing off coverage, giving the receiver room to operate.
Slant Route
The slant is a quick route where the receiver runs at an angle toward the middle of the field. After two or three steps, the receiver turns inside and looks for the ball. The slant route is great against man coverage because it’s hard for the defender to recover once beaten inside.
This route is often the first read for a quarterback facing pressure. It’s fast, efficient, and allows the receiver to gain yards after the catch.
Comeback Route
The comeback route is a deeper version of the hitch. The receiver will run straight down the field for 12-15 yards, then plants and comes back toward the quarterback. This route requires excellent timing between the quarterback and receiver because the ball must arrive as the receiver completes the break.
When to use it:
- Against soft zone coverage
- When the defender is playing off
- In situations where you need a first down
The comeback route tests a receiver’s ability to sell the vertical threat before breaking back.
Curl Route
The curl route is similar to the comeback, but the receiver makes a rounded turn instead of a sharp plant. The receiver will typically run 10-12 yards before curling back toward the quarterback. This creates a larger catch radius and is easier to complete than the sharp comeback.
Out Route / Flat Route
An out route (also called a flat route) is when the receiver sprints downfield and then breaks hard toward the sideline. The route can be run at different depths depending on the play call. A short version targets the flat area near the line of scrimmage, while a deeper version attacks the boundary at 12-15 yards.
To run an out route effectively, the receiver must create a sharp 90-degree angle. This route is effective against zone coverage because it attacks the seams between defenders.
Dig Route
The dig route (also called an in route) is the opposite of the out. The receiver runs straight down the field for 12-15 yards, then breaks sharply toward the middle of the field. This route is often paired with an outside route to create a high-low read for the quarterback.
The dig route requires courage because the receiver must catch the football over the middle where defenders converge.
Corner Route
The corner route (sometimes called a flag route) is a beautiful deep route where the receiver sprints 12-15 yards upfield, then breaks at a 45-degree angle toward the corner of the end zone. This route is great for attacking the space between the cornerback and safety.
Coaching tips:
- Sell the vertical stem
- Plant off your inside foot
- Accelerate toward the corner
- Keep your eyes on the quarterback
The corner route is designed to beat Cover 2 and other two-high safety looks.
Post Route
The post route is the opposite of the corner route. The receiver runs vertically, then breaks at a 45-degree angle toward the goal post (hence the name). This route attacks the middle of the field and is deadly against single-high safety defenses.
The post route requires speed and the ability to separate deep. When executed correctly, it often results in big plays or touchdowns.
Go Route / Fly Route / Streak
The go route (also called a fly route or streak) is the simplest but most challenging route. The receiver simply runs straight down the field as fast as possible. The goal is to get behind the defender and catch the football in stride.
The go route is most effective when:
- You have a speed advantage
- The safety is cheating to one side
- The defense is playing press coverage
This vertical route stretches the defense and opens up everything underneath.
Quick Out Route
The quick out is a short route where the receiver breaks toward the sideline at about 5 yards depth with a sharp 90-degree angle. This is a timing pattern that requires the quarterback and receiver to be perfectly synchronized. The ball should be thrown before the receiver breaking to the outside.
Key coaching points:
- Take 4-5 quick steps upfield
- Plant your inside foot hard
- Break sharply at 90 degrees to the sideline
- Look for the ball immediately
- Protect yourself near the boundary
This route is effective against defenses playing soft coverage, but it can be dangerous if the throw is late. The defender can jump the pattern if the timing is off, leading to potential interceptions. The quick out gets the ball out of the quarterback’s hands in a hurry and works well as a hot route against the blitz.
Stick Route
The stick route is designed for a tight end or slot receiver lined up inside the formation. The receiver will either sit down at about 5 yards between zone defenders or break away from the middle of the field against man coverage.
When to use it:
- Against zone coverage to find soft spots
- As part of RPO concepts
- In quick passing situations
- When the defense shows pressure
This route is similar to the hitch, but the receiver typically opens up away from the quarterback rather than turning directly back. The stick route attacks the soft spots in zone coverage and gives the offense a quick completion option in the middle of the field. Many college and professional offenses use the stick as part of their quick game, making it a staple in modern spread offenses.
Post Corner Route
The post-corner is an advanced double-move pattern that combines the post route and corner route. The receiver starts by running what looks like a normal post route, breaking toward the goal posts at 10-12 yards, then breaks back outside on the corner angle after 1-3 steps.
Coaching tips:
- Sell the post break with your eyes and hips
- Make the first break sharp and convincing
- Plant quickly and redirect to the corner
- Accelerate out of the second break
- Finish toward the sideline
This route is designed to take advantage of aggressive defenders in pass coverage. The idea is to get the defender to “bite” on the post break, then exploit his momentum by breaking back outside when he’s already committed. The post-corner is especially useful against man coverage and in the red zone, where a well-thrown ball can hit the receiver breaking to the outside corner of the end zone with perfect separation.
Shallow Cross Route
The shallow cross route is a short route where the receiver stays no deeper than 2-3 yards past the line of scrimmage while running from one side of the field to the other. This crossing route is designed to get the ball to the receiver on the run and create opportunities for yards after the catch.
Why the shallow cross works:
- Attacks soft spots in zone coverage
- Creates natural separation in man coverage
- Allows faster receivers to run away from trailing defenders
- Works perfectly with bootlegs and sprint-out passes
- Forces defenders to navigate traffic
The route can be paired with other deeper routes to stretch the middle of the field and create space against zone coverage. The receiver should stay patient, work across the formation, and be ready to catch the football while on the move. This route has become extremely popular in modern offenses and is a key component of many West Coast and Air Raid schemes.
Advanced Routes Beyond the Basic Tree
Whip Route
The whip route (also called a pivot route) is an advanced concept where the receiver plants and pivots back toward the quarterback after driving vertically. This route is similar to a comeback but with a more rounded break. The whip route creates throwing lanes in zone coverage.
Option Route
An option route gives the receiver the freedom to read the defender and choose the best path. The receiver can run different variations based on what they see. If the defender plays inside, the receiver breaks outside. If the defender plays outside, the receiver breaks inside.
This requires a smart receiver who has excellent chemistry with the quarterback.
Drag Route
The drag route is a shallow crossing route where the receiver runs parallel to the line of scrimmage at a depth of 3-5 yards. This route is excellent for finding soft spots in zone coverage and creating space for yards after the catch.
Seam Route
The seam route is usually run by a tight end or inside receiver. The receiver runs straight up the field, splitting the middle of the field between defenders. This route attacks the vertical seam in zone coverage and is particularly effective against Cover 2 and Cover 3.
How to Run Routes Like a Pro
Route Running Fundamentals
Becoming a great route runner takes more than just knowing where to go. Here are the essential elements:
Release technique: How you get off the line of scrimmage against press coverage sets up everything else. Use hand fighting, head fakes, and footwork to create initial separation.
Stem control: The route where the receiver maintains proper depth and alignment before breaking. A good stem sells the defender on one direction before breaking another way.
Break mechanics: The route breaks should be explosive and sudden. Plant your outside foot, drive off it, and explode in the new direction. The sharper the break, the more separation you create.
Acceleration: After the break, accelerate toward the quarterback or your target spot. The defender should never see you slow down.
Route Timing With the Quarterback
The quarterback and the receiver must be in sync. If the quarterback expects the route at 12 yards but the receiver will run it at 15 yards, the timing breaks down. Practice your depths consistently so the quarterback knows exactly when and where you’ll be open.
Reading Coverage
Smart receivers adjust their route based on what the defense shows. If a receiver sees the receiver in soft coverage, they might sit down earlier. If the defender is playing tight, the route may need a slight adjustment to create space.
Routes for Different Positions
How Routes Differ by Position
While every route can theoretically be run by any player, certain positions specialize in specific patterns:
Wide receivers typically run the full tree, including deep vertical routes like the go route, post route, and corner route.
Slot receivers focus on crossing routes, slant patterns, and intermediate routes that attack the middle of the field.
Tight ends run a mix that includes the seam route, drag route, and flat route. Their size makes them excellent options in the red zone.
Running backs primarily run short routes like flat routes, swings, and wheels to get them into space where they can use their athleticism.
Common Mistakes When Running Routes
Rounding Off Routes
The biggest mistake young receivers make is rounding their breaks instead of making sharp cuts. When you round your route, the defender can stay in position and contest the catch. Sharp breaks create instant separation.
Telegraphing Your Breaks
If you slow down or change your body language before breaking, the defender can anticipate your move. Every receiver should maintain speed and intensity until the exact moment of the break.
Incorrect Depth
Running a route at 8 yards when it should be at 10 yards ruins the timing with your quarterback. Consistency in depth is essential for offensive efficiency.
Conclusion
Learning football routes is a journey, not a destination. The best receivers in the world continue to refine their technique throughout their careers. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been playing for years, focus on mastering every route in the tree.
The route tree is your playbook for success. When you know how to execute each route, you become a weapon that defenses must respect. Work on your releases, perfect your breaks, and develop chemistry with your quarterback. The more comfortable you become with different routes, the more dangerous you’ll be on the field.
Remember, another route added to your skill set is another way you can help your team win. Keep practicing, study film, and never stop learning. The route the receiver runs determines whether the play succeeds or fails, so take pride in your craft and become the best route runner you can be.
FAQs
What is the 7 route in football?
The 7 route is a corner route where the receiver runs 12-15 yards upfield, then breaks at a 45-degree angle toward the corner of the end zone.
What is a route in football?
A route is the specific path a receiver takes during a passing play to get open and create separation from defenders.
What is the 6 route in football?
The 6 route is a dig route (or in route) where the receiver runs straight downfield for 12-15 yards, then breaks sharply toward the middle of the field.
What is a fly route in football?
A fly route (also called a go route or streak) is when the receiver runs straight down the field as fast as possible to get behind the defender.
