Route Running Techniques: Creating Separation from Defenders

The Art of Route Running Great route runners aren't just fast - they're precise, deceptive, and technically sound. Learn the skills that create separation.

The Route Tree

Short Routes (0-7 yards) • Slant: Inside angle cut • Hitch: Turn back to QB • Out: Sharp cut to sideline • Quick Screen: Turn for throw

Intermediate Routes (8-14 yards) • Comeback: Deep then back • Dig/In: Deep then cross • Curl: Hook back to QB • Out: Deeper sideline cut

Deep Routes (15+ yards) • Go/Fade: Straight deep • Post: Deep inside angle • Corner: Deep outside angle • Double Move: Fake then deep

Release Techniques

Against Press Coverage Speed Release: • Quick first step • Beat them with speed • Get into route quickly Swim Move: • Hand over defender's arm • Roll shoulders past • Create separation early Chop Release: • Attack hands quickly • Knock them away • Win the contact battle

Against Off Coverage • Close distance quickly • Threaten vertical • Set up your break

Breaking Points

The Cut Sharp Breaks: • Plant on outside foot • Drive off at angle • Don't round routes Selling the Route: • Full speed into break • Head and eyes sell fake • Stick the cut Coming Out: • Explode out of break • Create window for QB • Eyes to ball quickly

Timing and Chemistry

Quarterback Connection • Know his release point • Understand timing • Be where expected

Adjustments • Read coverage • Find soft spots in zone • Convert vs man coverage

Route Combinations

Pick Plays (Legal) • Natural rubs • Cross routes • Stacked releases

Flooding Zones • High-low concept • Stretch defenders • Find windows

Common Mistakes ➤ Rounding routes - Loses separation ➤ Slowing down - Alerts defenders ➤ Looking early - Tips off break ➤ Same speed - Predictable ➤ Wrong depth - Timing issues

Drills

Solo Work • Cone route running • Mirror drills • Break point repetition

With Quarterback • Full route timing • Sight adjustments • Chemistry building

Against Coverage • 1-on-1 work • Read and react • Game situations

Keys to Success ➤ Master the basics - Simple routes run perfectly ➤ Sell every route - Threaten deep always ➤ Quick in/out of breaks - No wasted movement ➤ Know the coverage - Adjust appropriately ➤ Catch everything - Routes mean nothing without the catch Become a technician at route running and you'll always get open.