PASSING ROUTES are paths.

These paths let you & your QB 1 know where you are going. Each path goes in a different direction so we can spread our players around the field.

We will use passing routes to help trick the defense and move defenders to run or pass.

Drawing the routes together looks like a tree so the routes are called a PASSING TREE.

Each passing route looks like the branch of a tree.

• Routes to the INSIDE are toward the football, toward the Center, the Y in our offense.

• Routes to the OUTSIDE are toward the sidelines.

When you run a pass route, always start low & run fast and forward then sink your hips, bend you knees, and burst toward a different direction. This point when you change direction is called the BREAK.

The direction of your BREAK is the time when you separate from the defense and look for the ball.

You should break at your 3rd or 4th step.

For now we want you to learn the names of the routes. Older players should learn the numbers as well - even routes inside, odd routes toward sidelines.

In other sports, such as soccer & basketball, you tend to move with the ball. In football for all positions, you must move according to a plan that is set BEFORE the snap. This is why football plays are COORDINATED.

We want you to learn pass routes as they are the foundation to understanding coordinated football movements for all positions, not just wide receivers & running backs.

Watch the video below as well.