Route concepts
Football route concepts, diagrammed
Browse 10 football route concepts with real play diagrams, coaching landmarks, and formations — mesh, smash, four verticals, and more.
- Dagger2 plays
Dagger is a high-low route concept built around clear vertical, primary dig, shallow/checkdown. Coaching landmarks: dig at 12-15 yards; vertical clear.
- Flood / Sail2 plays
Flood / Sail is a vertical stretch route concept built around vertical, sail/corner, flat. Coaching landmarks: three levels to one side.
- Levels / Drive1 play
Levels / Drive is a horizontal stretch route concept built around shallow, dig, clear. Coaching landmarks: drag under dig.
- Mesh1 play
Mesh is a rub / pick route concept built around X/Z/H/Y, RB outlet. Coaching landmarks: two shallow crossers at 3-6 yards; vertical clear-out; flat or checkdown.
- Mills1 play
Mills is a high-low route concept built around post, dig. Coaching landmarks: post over dig.
- Screens / RPO Attachments1 play
Screens / RPO Attachments is a RPO route concept built around screen target, perimeter blockers, read key. Coaching landmarks: throw near LOS before OL exceeds rule profile.
- Smash1 play
Smash is a high-low route concept built around outside hitch, inside corner. Coaching landmarks: low hitch/curl; corner behind flat defender.
- Snag1 play
Snag is a triangle read route concept built around corner, flat, snag/spot. Coaching landmarks: corner-flat-snag triangle.
- Spacing1 play
Spacing is a horizontal stretch route concept built around three or more 5-7 yard sit routes. Coaching landmarks: hitches/sits spaced horizontally.
- Y-Cross1 play
Y-Cross is a play-action route concept built around Y/H crosser, outside clear, flat/checkdown. Coaching landmarks: Y/H crosses at 10-18 yards.