Routes
The flag football route tree
A route is the path a receiver runs. The route tree numbers the basic ones from 1 to 9, so a whole team speaks the same language: odd numbers break toward the sideline, even numbers toward the middle, 9 goes straight up the field.
- Routes
- 9, numbered
- Odd
- Break outside
- Even
- Break inside
- Fastest
- Slant, flat, hitch
- 1
Flat
Out to the sideline right away, 1–2 yards past the line. The QB's quick outlet.
- 2
Slant
Two steps up, then a sharp angle inside. Win in the first second.
- 3
Comeback
Sell deep, then plant and come back toward the sideline.
- 4
Curl
Eight yards, then turn back inside toward the QB and sit down.
- 5
Out
Five yards, plant your inside foot, cut flat to the sideline.
- 6
Dig
The in at 10 yards, behind the short defenders.
- 7
Corner
Seven yards up, then break deep toward the corner pylon.
- 8
Post
Seven yards up, then break deep toward the middle of the end zone.
- 9
Go
Full speed straight up the field. Sell it from the first step.
How to run any route well
- Same depth every time. If the out is 5 yards, it's 5 yards on every snap. The QB throws to a spot, not to you.
- Sell the go. Every route starts like it could be a 9. The defender has to respect deep before you break.
- Plant and snap. Cut off the foot away from the break (the outside foot for an in-breaking route), and get your eyes back to the QB.
- Catch, tuck, then run. No contact means one catch can go a long way, but only if you catch it first.
Flag football favourites
Flag offenses live on quick, short routes. These aren't on the numbered tree, but every playbook uses them.
- Hitch: Run hard 6 yards, stop, turn back to the QB. Quick and safe.
- Drag: Shallow across the field. Run away from man coverage, sit in a zone hole.
- Wheel: Start like a flat, then turn it up the sideline.
- Out & Up: Fake the out, then explode up the sideline when the defender bites.
- Stick: Five yards, then settle inside in the open space. Show your numbers.
- Spot: Five yards, then a short angle inside and sit in the gap.
- Fade: Go, but drift toward the sideline so the ball lands where only you can get it.
- Seam: Straight up the inside. Splits two deep defenders.
See them inside real plays: 5v5 plays. For the QB's side of it, read the quarterback guide.
Questions
What is a route tree in flag football?
A numbered set of the basic pass routes a receiver can run from one spot. Each number is one route, so a coach can call "run a 7" and everyone knows it means the corner.
Why are odd routes outside and even routes inside?
It's the common convention: odd numbers (1 flat, 3 comeback, 5 out, 7 corner) break toward the sideline, even numbers (2 slant, 4 curl, 6 dig, 8 post) break toward the middle, and 9 is the go straight up the field.
Which routes work best in 5v5 flag football?
Quick ones: the slant, flat, hitch and drag beat the 7-second clock and the rush. Add one deep shot (the go, post or corner) to keep the defense honest.