Offense · Passing Concepts
Passing Concepts
A route tells one receiver where to go. A passing concept combines multiple routes so they work together to attack a defense.
Start Here
What Is It?
When you watch a passing play, it can look like several receivers simply running in different directions.
Usually, those routes are connected.
A route is the path run by one receiver. A passing concept combines two or more routes to attack particular defenders or areas of the field.
Route
What one receiver runs — for example a slant, out, curl, corner or go route.
Passing Concept
How multiple routes work together to create space, stretch coverage or put a defender in conflict.
Instead of trying to memorize every possible play, learn to recognize the relationships between the routes.
Football Watching 101
How It Works
Passing concepts are designed to create problems for coverage.
One route may pull a defender deep while another attacks the space underneath. Two receivers may cross and force defenders to navigate traffic. Three routes may attack the same side of the field at different depths.
Start With The Route Tree
You do not need to memorize a numbered route tree. Start by recognizing the basic shapes receivers run.
Quick
Slant · Flat
Breaking Out
Out · Corner
Breaking In
Dig · Post
Vertical
Go · Seam
Once you recognize individual routes, begin asking: how are these routes working together?
Mesh — A Simple Example
Cross
Cross
Routes Cross
Defenders must communicate, follow receivers through traffic or exchange responsibilities.
Mesh uses shallow crossing routes from opposite sides of the formation. Other routes can be added around the core concept.
Simplified Mesh example — actual route combinations and adjustments vary by offense and coverage
The Reason
Why Teams Use It
A good passing concept does more than try to get one receiver open. It creates a problem for the defense.
Some concepts stretch defenders horizontally, forcing them to defend more width.
Others stretch defenders vertically, forcing them to choose between a shorter route and a deeper route.
Crossing concepts can create traffic against man coverage. Flood concepts can overload one area of zone coverage. Vertical concepts can threaten safeties deep down the field.
The quarterback's job is often to identify the coverage, work through the appropriate progression and throw to the receiver who gains the advantage.
The big idea is: routes are not isolated — they are designed to help each other.
Remember These
Passing Concepts You'll Hear About
Mesh
Two receivers run shallow crossing routes from opposite sides of the formation. The crossing action can create traffic against man coverage and give the quarterback underneath options.
Four Verticals
Four receivers attack vertically down the field. The concept stretches deep coverage and can create difficult decisions for safeties.
Flood
Multiple receivers attack one side of the field at different depths, commonly giving the quarterback a short, intermediate and deeper option.
Smash
A shorter outside route is paired with a deeper corner route. The combination can put a cornerback or underneath defender in conflict.
Stick
A quick-game concept built around a receiver settling or breaking near the first-down area while other routes create spacing around him.
Spacing
Receivers spread across underneath areas of the defense, creating several quick throwing windows and forcing zone defenders to choose where to position themselves.
Slant / Flat
One receiver breaks inside on a slant while another attacks the flat. The combination horizontally stretches an underneath defender.
Levels
Receivers cross the field at different depths, creating layered options and making underneath defenders defend more than one level.
Drive
A shallow crossing route is paired with a deeper in-breaking route, creating two horizontal levels for the quarterback to read.
Y-Cross
A receiver, traditionally the Y or tight end, runs a deeper crossing route across the field while complementary routes stretch and clear the coverage around him.
Watch The Game Differently
What Should I Watch For On Saturday?
On a passing play, try not to follow the football immediately.
Watch the receivers for the first few seconds and look for shapes and relationships.
Are two receivers crossing each other underneath? Think Mesh.
Are several receivers attacking the same side at different depths? Think Flood.
Are four receivers pushing vertically down the field? Think Four Verticals.
Do you see one short route and another deeper route attacking the same defender? The offense may be creating a high-low read.
Your Saturday Shortcut
Don't try to name every route. First ask: Are the receivers stretching the defense horizontally, vertically or at multiple depths?
Broadcast replays are especially useful. Once you know the result of the play, ignore the football on the replay and watch how the routes created the opening.
Your sequence is: Watch the routes → Find the pattern → Watch the defenders react → See where the opening appears.
Keep Learning
Related Concepts
Lesson 08
Screens
Learn why an offense sometimes allows defenders to rush upfield on purpose before throwing the football behind them.