The wheel route is a popular offensive play in football that is simple and effective. The wheel route is simple and strategic and one of the easiest routes to run.
It’s usually for running backs, but receivers can also be the target.
The wheel route begins when the running back or wide receiver runs alongside the line of scrimmage. Then, they quickly turn upfield towards the end zone.
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Key Takeaways
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Wheel route is a simple yet effective offensive play primarily involving running backs.
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The play’s success depends on the quarterback’s accuracy and the receiver’s ability to evade defenders.
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Coaching and variations in wheel routes can elevate the play’s strategic effectiveness.
Understanding Wheel Route in Football
The running back starts by running a short route toward the sideline. It’s called a “flat” route. The running back goes toward the sideline.
Then they turn and run upfield in a curved pattern, like the outside of a wheel. The quarterback throws a quick pass to the receiver as they move from one route to another.
The wheel route is an effective play in football for several reasons. The running back’s speed and agility can cause problems for the linebacker.
The defense can be surprised by the route’s sudden change, resulting in big gains and scoring chances.
The wheel route is a key play in a team’s offense. It uses the skills of the running back or wide receiver to gain yards and score.
Effective Routes
In football, the wheel route is a key football play that uses trickery and adaptability.
The running back or wide receiver fools the defenders by moving sideways toward the sideline. It looks like they’re going a different way. As the play progresses, they suddenly turn upfield, running a curved path towards the end zone.
The defender gets confused when the direction changes. This gives the receiver an advantage. This creates opportunities for big yardage gains.
Successful Wheel Route
In order for a wheel route to succeed, several factors come into play. The quarterback and receiver must have perfect timing and chemistry when working together.
Effective communication is crucial. The quarterback must find the open receiver fast. The receiver needs to adjust based on the defender’s position.
Additionally, the offensive line is crucial for protecting the quarterback. They give him time to throw. The running back or wide receiver needs to be agile, fast, and good at running routes to get away from defenders.
Combining these elements helps the team’s offense and boosts their chances of winning games.
Execution of Wheel Route
Position of Players
The running back or wide receiver and the quarterback are the key players in a wheel route. The running back stands in the backfield.
The quarterback stands behind the center in a shotgun or under-center formation. The goal of this play is to take advantage of the difference in speed between the running back and the defenders. These defenders could be linebackers or safeties.
Role of Quarterback
The quarterback’s main job is to throw a precise pass to the running back. This helps them gain a lot of yards. The quarterback needs to read the defense and find the right time to throw. Timing is important. The pass should be thrown so the running back can catch it while moving, leaving the defender behind.
Receiver’s Task
The running back or wide receiver is the main focus of the wheel route. They have many tasks to do. At first, the running back needs to trick the defender by pretending to run a short route near the sideline.
Once the defender is tricked, the running back quickly turns and speeds up, leaving the slower defender.
The running back must watch the football, change speed, and position for a good catch. To catch the pass, they need to stay in bounds but not too close to the sideline.
To make a wheel route successful, the key players need to understand their roles and responsibilities. This play capitalizes on defensive mismatches and helps the offense gain a lot of yards.
Variations of Wheel Routes
Flat Route
A flat route is like a wheel route. The receiver runs parallel to the line of scrimmage, staying close to it. Then, they make a sharp cut toward the sideline. This route is usually for running backs or slot receivers. It helps them get open fast and take advantage of the area by the sideline. The quarterback usually throws a short pass to the receiver. This helps the receiver catch the ball and gain yards.
Go Route
The go route, also known as a fly route or streak, is another variation of the wheel route. In a go route, the receiver sprints straight down the field, aiming to get behind the defense. The quarterback throws a long pass to where the receiver will be downfield.
Wide receivers who are fast often use this route to beat slower defenders and gain yardage. The go route and the wheel route have similarities. They both want to create mismatches against the defense. They rely on the receiver’s speed and the quarterback’s accuracy.
Out and Up Route
The out and up route, also known as a double move route, is a more complex variation of the wheel route. In this route, the receiver starts by running an out route, breaking toward the sideline after a few yards.
The receiver runs along the sideline and then turns sharply upfield, sprinting vertically.
The aim of this route is to deceive the defender. The receiver pretends to run out, then changes direction. When done well, this trick can cause a lot of distance and help the offense succeed.
Coaching Wheel Route
Derek Carr to Alvin Kamara. Wheel route. TD #saints ( video by Edwin Goode) pic.twitter.com/bcRNDIkYdT
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) August 18, 2023
To coach the wheel route in football, focus on strategic details for a successful play.
The wheel route is when the quarterback throws a short pass to a receiver. The receiver, often a running back, runs alongside the line of scrimmage. Then, they turn toward the end zone. To use the wheel route well, offensive players must work together and do their jobs.
Using Deception
Deception plays a significant role in making the wheel route work. One of the elements that coaches can incorporate into the wheel route is the pump fake. The quarterback fakes a pass to trick the defense and distract them from the wheel route.
To teach deception in the wheel route, coaches should emphasize the following techniques:
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Practice the pump fake, so the quarterback can make it look realistic. This will force the defense to commit to the fake, creating an opening for the wheel route.
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Timing is crucial in the wheel route. The coaches need to help the running back and quarterback get their timing right. This will make sure the pass arrives when the running back starts running.
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To confuse defenders, running backs should vary their speed and direction when running routes. This makes it harder for defenders to predict the upcoming wheel route.
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The quarterback needs time to fake and pass. The offensive line protects him. The wheel play is slow. During this process, it is important to make sure the offensive line knows their job is to protect the quarterback.
When coaching the wheel route, focus on physical techniques and deception involved in the play. Coaches can teach their team to execute the wheel route and create a strong offense. They emphasize the pump fake, timing, route running, and offensive line protection.