Lecture on Wide Receiver Route Tree

Overview

• Today's lecture covers the full route tree for wide receivers in football.
• Routes range from a hitch (0) to a fade (9).
• Discussion includes step techniques and types of breaks for each route.

1. Hitch Route

• Two Methods:
  • 5-yard hitch:
    • First method: Off the second inside step.
      • Steps: Set, go, first inside, second inside (trigger step).
      • Drop hips, chest to quad, drop outside foot, sit expecting the ball.
    • Second method: Off the third step (second outside step).
      • Steps: Set, go, one, two, snap (trigger step), pivot on second, hook third.

2. Out Route

• Speed Cut Out Route:
  • Off the first inside step.
  • Not a hard cut, more rounded.
  • Break around 2-3 yards, round up to 5 yards with speed.
  • Steps: Set, go, one, two, pivot cut leg, flip hips, accelerate.

3. Slant Route (Three-Step Slant)

• Three-Step Slant:
  • Steps: 1, 2, 3, hard plant.
  • Sharp 45° angle cut.
  • Hips, shoulders, head committed vertically until third step.
  • Important to maintain vertical sell to defender.

4. Comeback Route

• Three Route:
  • Off fourth inside step (12 yards, comeback to 10).
  • Steps: Set, go, one, two, three, fourth inside (trigger step).
  • Snap on trigger, pivot second, hook third, drive out.
  • Minimum three steps, more if a beginner.

5. Curl Route

• Four Route:
  • Off fourth outside step (similar mechanics to comeback).
  • Steps: Set, go, fourth outside, snap down, pivot, hook, drive to quarterback.
  • Deceleration with hips, typically 10 to 8 yards.

6. Speed Out Route

• Five Route (10-yard Speed Out):
  • Similar to 2-route, deeper.
  • Off third inside step.
  • Steps: Set, go, third inside, slight pivot, pivot at 8, round to 10, get flat.
  • Avoid drifting; maintain 90° angle.

7. Dig Route (Six Route)

• Dig Variations:
  • Basic: Off third inside step.
    • Drop, pivot second step, drive middle.
  • Post Dig: Break to post, flatten out.
    • Used in dagger concept.

8. Corner Route

• Seven Route:
  • Off third inside step, break to corner end zone (45°).
  • Hard indicator step, head over inside shoulder.
  • Man coverage: separate before looking back.
  • Zone coverage: snap head, QB throws like an out route.

9. Post Route (Eight Route)

• Post Variations:
  • Deep post: Take defense's top off, QB with air.
  • Bang8 post: Quick post, off third outside step.
    • Snap, hard cut, expect ball quickly.

10. Fade Route (Nine Route)

• Fade/Go Route:
  • Often against press man coverage.
  • Defense inside shade to force out.
  • Attack leverage, quick crossover to get 'skinny'.
  • Allows QB room to fade pass over shoulder.