Route Tree
X, Y, & Z
The X Y Z receivers are offensive players. Z receivers line up off the line of scrimmage. The X receiver is on the line of scrimmage. Last, the Y receiver is the tight end.
- X receiver
- Lines up on the line of scrimmage
- Z receiver
- Lines up off the line of scrimmage
- Y receiver
- Tight End
The Wide Receiver Tree
Let’s first start off with some routes that every team should have in their wide receiver route trees. These basic wide receiver routes are important fundamentals to build plays off of and learn the ropes of the flag football game.
Slant
Setup: For this receiver route, you’ll start on the line of scrimmage, on either side of the quarterback. Slant routes can be performed in both directions, so make sure to clarify with your quarterback which way to run.
Directions: Upon hike, you should run forward just a couple yards, then quickly cut at a near 45-degree angle in the direction of your slant until the pass is complete.
Tips: As you prepare for the 45-degree cut, try to juke out the defensive player guarding you. This will cause them to stumble as you change direction, opening you up to receive a throw.
Comeback
Setup: To set up the comeback, also known as the hitch route, determine with your quarterback how deep your comeback is. This route can be used both for short and deep yardage.
Directions: Run your comeback route at the agreed upon yardage, then turn back a yard to receive the catch. When changing direction backward, plant your foot and turn in the opposite direction. This makes it easier to quickly adjust your direction.
Tips: Once you catch the ball, be ready to pivot again and shoot directly upfield.
Flat or 5 yard out
Setup: For this wide receiver route, line up on either side of the quarterback, at least five yards from the outside boundaries.
Directions: Upon hike, run forward for five yards, then quickly turn on a 90-degree angle toward the outside line. You want to be running parallel to the line of scrimmage, so that it matches the wide receiver route tree.
Tips: This receiver route is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of a weaker defensive side.
Post
Setup: Whether you’re practicing this wide receiver drill or running this route during a game, line up on the line of scrimmage on either side of the quarterback. Make sure to have a few yards of distance from the quarterback, so you can cut inward toward the center of the field.
Directions: To complete a post, run straight forward for five to 10 yards, then cut at a 45-degree angle toward the center of the field. You can adjust the angle in which you cut to take advantage of openings on the field.
Tips: To remember this receiver route, imagine you are running toward the field goal, or “post,” after cutting at five to 10 yards.
Corner
Setup: The corner receiver route is similar to the post route: line up on the line of scrimmage, on either side of the quarterback. Aim to be toward the center between the quarterback and the outside line.
Directions: Upon hike, run straight forward five to 10 yards, then cut at a 45-degree angle toward the outside of the field.
Tips: When cutting on a 45-degree angle, plant the opposite foot of the direction you want to go before pivoting. This will result in clean, tight receiver routes that trip up your defensive counterparts.
Fade
Setup: The fade receiver route can be run on either side of the quarterback—just make sure there are a couple yards between you and the center, so you can step inward at the beginning of the play.
Directions: After the ball is hiked, take a quick step inward toward the center, then pushing off your inside foot, run toward the outside corner of the field. This route can be adjusted for distance, depending on where openings appear.
Tips: Receiver routes with quick direction changes are most effective when juking out defensive players. To best juke, make sure your knees are bent and you’re low to the ground. This creates a better center of gravity to move as needed.
Go or Fly
Setup: The fly receiver route can be performed on either side of the quarterback. Position yourself anywhere on the line of scrimmage and get ready to run! The fly route is often for heavy yardage plays, so you’ll want to be ready right from hike.
Directions: To run the fly route, simply run straight forward for the number of yards needed. When you’re about to reach your desired yardage, look over your shoulder for the throw. You shouldn’t stop running at any point during your route, so be on the lookout for the ball as you fly upfield.
Tips: When running this route, we recommend strategizing with the quarterback on the desired yardage of the play. This will give you a goal of your fly speed and help you know when to turn your head to complete a pass. A touchdown awaits!
WR Blocking
WR Drills
Play Football – Odell Beckham Jr. to Improve Catching & Route Running
Play Football – Cut Up Drill
Play Football – Lateral Return Drill
Play Football – Forward Spint Deceleration
Tactical Youth Football Coaching 