The route tree is a numbered system that tells receivers which pre-planned path to run on a passing play. Most common versions number the basic routes 0 or 1 through 9, with odd numbers breaking toward the sideline and even numbers breaking toward the middle of the field. A widely used tree runs: 1 flat, 2 slant, 3 comeback, 4 curl, 5 out, 6 dig or in, 7 corner, 8 post and 9 go. Short routes are at the bottom of the tree and deep routes at the top. Numbering differs between teams and coaches, but the route shapes are almost universal, so learning the tree gives you a common language for understanding passing plays.
This guide explains each route, how the tree is organised, how routes combine into concepts, what defences they beat, how to run routes well and common mistakes.
The route tree at a glance
| Number | Route | Depth | Break direction | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Hitch (in some systems) | 5 to 6 yards | Back to the quarterback | Run upfield, stop and turn back |
| 1 | Flat | 1 to 3 yards | Outside | Quick route toward the sideline |
| 2 | Slant | 3 to 5 yards | Inside | A few steps upfield, then a sharp angle toward the middle |
| 3 | Comeback | 12 to 15 yards | Outside and back | Deep stem, then back toward the sideline and quarterback |
| 4 | Curl | 10 to 12 yards | Inside and back | Run upfield, then turn back toward the quarterback |
| 5 | Out | 10 to 12 yards | Outside | Run upfield, then break at 90 degrees to the sideline |
| 6 | Dig or in | 10 to 15 yards | Inside | Run upfield, then break at 90 degrees across the middle |
| 7 | Corner | 10 to 15 yards, then deep | Outside, deep | Run upfield, then angle toward the back corner of the end zone |
| 8 | Post | 10 to 15 yards, then deep | Inside, deep | Run upfield, then angle toward the goalposts |
| 9 | Go, fly or streak | Deep | Straight | Run straight downfield at full speed |
How the tree is organised
The tree is drawn as a trunk with branches. The trunk is the receiver’s vertical stem up the field, and each route branches off at a particular depth and angle. The numbering system lets coaches call plays quickly: a play might tell three receivers to run a 9, 8 and 2, and each receiver instantly knows their route. Because numbering varies, some teams use names instead, and many playbooks combine names and numbers.
Short, intermediate and deep routes
- Short routes (flat, slant, hitch): quick throws that beat blitzes and soft coverage.
- Intermediate routes (out, curl, dig, comeback): move the chains and attack zones between linebackers and safeties.
- Deep routes (corner, post, go): stretch the defence and create big plays.
Route concepts
Routes are rarely run alone. Offences combine them into concepts that attack specific coverages.
- Smash: a hitch underneath and a corner route above it, which stresses the cornerback.
- Flood: three routes at different depths to one side, overloading zone defenders.
- Mesh: two shallow crossing routes that create natural picks against man coverage.
- Four verticals: four receivers run deep routes to stretch the safeties.
- Slant-flat: a slant and a flat route that put an underneath defender in conflict.
What routes beat which coverage
Against man coverage, routes with sharp breaks such as slants, outs and crossing routes help receivers separate. Against zone coverage, receivers find soft spots between defenders, and routes like curls, digs and flood concepts work well. Deep posts and seams attack two-deep safety coverages in the middle, while corner routes attack Cover 3 and some quarters looks. Quarterbacks read the defence and choose the receiver whose route best attacks the coverage.
How to run routes well
- Explode off the line: a fast release sets up the route.
- Sell the stem: make every route look like a deep route early.
- Hit the right depth: the quarterback’s timing depends on it.
- Break sharply: sink your hips and cut crisply.
- Look for the ball early: get your head around quickly after the break.
- Adjust to coverage: some routes convert based on the defence, such as sitting down in a zone hole.
Common mistakes
- Rounding cuts: gives defenders time to recover.
- Wrong depth: ruins timing with the quarterback.
- Tipping the route: slowing down before the break signals it to the defender.
- Drifting: running routes that are not straight or precise.
- Not knowing the numbering: leads to missed assignments.
Rules on offensive pass interference, illegal contact and pick plays differ between the NFL, NCAA and high school. Check the rulebook for your level.
Routes by receiver position
Different receivers run different parts of the tree more often. Outside receivers commonly run go, comeback, out and post routes that use the sideline and deep space. Slot receivers run more slants, option routes, seams and quick outs, working in the middle against linebackers and nickel backs. Tight ends often run seams, drags and corner routes, while running backs run flats, wheels and angle routes out of the backfield. Knowing which routes suit each position helps players understand their role in the offense.
Option routes
Many offenses use option routes, where the receiver chooses between two or more breaks based on the coverage. Against man coverage, the receiver may break away from the defender’s leverage. Against zone, they may sit down in the open space between defenders. Option routes require the quarterback and receiver to read the defense the same way, which takes lots of practice and communication.
Route timing and depth
Quarterbacks throw many routes on rhythm, meaning the ball is released as the receiver breaks. That only works if the receiver hits the correct depth every time. Coaches often mark yard lines in practice and use drop counts, such as a three-step or five-step drop, that match specific route depths.
How defenses respond to the route tree
Defenses study an offense’s favourite routes and adjust coverage to take them away. If a team relies heavily on slants, defenders play inside leverage. If it throws many deep outs, cornerbacks sit on the sideline. Offenses counter with double moves, such as a slant-and-go or out-and-up, that look like a familiar route before breaking deep. This constant back-and-forth is why receivers need a full tree.
Learning the tree as a young receiver
Young receivers should start with a few routes, such as the hitch, slant, out and go, and master stance, release and clean breaks before adding more. Practising routes against air, then against a defender, builds confidence. Coaches often teach the tree with names first and add numbers once players know the shapes, so play calls make sense quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What do the numbers in the route tree mean?
Each number stands for a route. In many systems, odd numbers break outside and even numbers break inside.
Is the route tree the same for every team?
No. The route shapes are similar, but numbering and names vary by team and coach.
What is the easiest route to learn?
The slant and hitch are simple and are usually among the first routes young receivers learn.
