The most popular routes in football are the ten routes of the route tree: hitch, flat, slant, comeback, curl, out, in, corner, post and go. Nearly every passing play combines them, and receivers learn them by number so a play call can tell each player his route in a single digit. The chart below lays out the full route tree with depths and when each route works, plus six more routes every offense uses.
Stop and turn back to the QB. Best against: soft coverage with cushion.
Straight to the sideline. Best against: linebackers who drop too deep.
Sharp cut toward the middle. Best against: blitzes and off coverage.
Push deep, snap back to the sideline. Best against: corners bailing deep.
Stop and turn inside. Best against: zone coverage underneath.
Square cut to the sideline. Best against: inside leverage defenders.
Angle toward the back pylon. Best against: cover 3 and single high safeties.
Angle toward the goalposts. Best against: two high safeties splitting wide.
Straight down the field. Best against: press man and speed mismatches.
Out to the flat, then up the sideline. Best against: linebackers in man coverage.
Fake a post, then break to the corner. Best against: aggressive safeties.
Straight up the hash between defenders. Best against: cover 2 holes.
Deep outside, over the shoulder. Best against: red zone man coverage.
Across the field, 2 to 5 yards deep. Best against: man coverage and blitzes.
A quick adjustment when the defense blitzes. Best against: blitzes.
How the Route Tree Works
Picture a tree trunk running straight upfield from the receiver, with branches breaking left and right at different depths. Short routes (hitch, flat, slant) come out quickly for fast throws. Intermediate routes (curl, out, in, comeback) break 10 to 15 yards downfield. Deep routes (corner, post, go) stretch the defense. Numbering the routes lets a coach call a play like “896” and give three receivers their assignments at once.
Which Routes Beat Which Coverages
Routes are chosen to attack how the defense lines up. Quick routes like the slant and drag beat blitzes because the ball comes out before the rush arrives. Deep routes like the post and corner attack the gaps between safeties. Against soft zone coverage, receivers sit down in open space on hitches and curls. The best offenses pair routes so one receiver clears space for another.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common route in football?
The slant and the hitch are among the most common, because they are quick, reliable throws against almost any coverage.
What is a route tree?
A numbered set of basic routes that receivers learn so plays can be called quickly.
What is the hardest route to run?
Many coaches point to the comeback and the dig, which demand precise footwork and timing at full speed.
Related
Slant route · Post route · Wheel route · Flag route
Official passing rules and terms are in the NFL rulebook, and USA Football teaches route fundamentals for youth players.