5v5 play · Spread

Curl Flat

Updated November 3, 2026 · 1 min read

Curls sit down in the holes of a zone; the flat holds the short defender. Easy reads for young QBs.

Routes

• CSeam

  Straight up the inside. Splits two deep defenders.

• XCurl

  Eight yards, then turn back inside toward the QB and sit down.

• YFlat

  Out to the sideline right away, 1–2 yards past the line. The QB's quick outlet.

• ZCurl

  Eight yards, then turn back inside toward the QB and sit down.

• QRead

  Read X → Y → Z. Throw as she breaks open.

The QB's read, step by step

1. X on the curl. Look here first, right from the snap.
2. Y on the flat. Covered? Move your eyes here next.
3. Z on the curl. The last look. Get the ball out before the 7 seconds run out.

Coaching points

• Line up in Spread: two wide receivers near the sidelines, the slot inside, the center over the ball.
• Every route at the same depth on every snap, so the QB can throw on time.
• No picks: receivers cross near each other, never into a defender on purpose.
• Run it to both sides: mirror it and it's two plays.

When to call it

Against a zone: the defenders guard areas, and this play puts two receivers in one area. Mirror it to attack the other side.

All 5v5 plays · The route tree · How defenses line up