Also Called Flat Route, Arrow
A short route that runs straight out toward the sideline near the line of scrimmage. It's a quick, safe throw, often to a back or tight end.
A quick route where the receiver takes a few steps upfield, then cuts at an angle toward the middle of the field. It's a fast throw that beats blitzes and off coverage.
Coaching Tip Win inside on the break. Your body should shield the defender from the ball.
The receiver pushes deep like a go route, then stops and turns back toward the sideline to meet the ball. It works when the defender is afraid of getting beat deep.
Related Go · Curl · Off Coverage
Also Called Hook
The receiver runs upfield, stops, and turns back toward the quarterback to catch the ball. It's a reliable route against soft zone coverage.
Also Called Out Route, Speed Out
The receiver runs upfield, then cuts sharply toward the sideline. The ball has to arrive on time, so it's a test of the quarterback's arm.
Also Called In, Square In
The receiver runs upfield, often 10 to 15 yards, then cuts sharply across the middle. It's the mirror of an out route, attacking the space behind the linebackers.
Also Called Flag
The receiver runs upfield, then angles deep toward the sideline and the back corner of the field. It's a strong route against a safety who plays the middle.
The receiver runs upfield, then angles deep toward the middle of the field, aiming at the goalposts. It's a big-play route against coverages with no deep middle defender.
Also Called Fade, Fly, Streak, Nine
The receiver runs straight downfield as fast as possible to beat the defender deep. A fade is a version that drifts toward the sideline, often near the end zone.
A route that starts out toward the sideline like a flat, then turns and runs straight up the field. It's often run by a running back to beat a linebacker in coverage.
Related Flat · Running Back
Also Called Seam Route
A route that runs straight up the field in the gap between zone defenders, usually by a tight end or slot receiver. It attacks the space between the safeties and the linebackers.
Also Called Shallow, Shallow Cross
A route that runs straight across the field a few yards past the line of scrimmage. It's a quick option against man coverage and blitzes.
Also Called Stop, Quick Hitch
A short route where the receiver takes a few quick steps upfield, stops and turns back to the quarterback. It's a fast throw that punishes defenders playing far off.
Related Curl · Off Coverage