Wide Receiver Training - Running Crossing Routes
When properly executed, receiver crossing routes are some of the most effective and exciting passing routes in football.
Crossing routes are run at shallow angles from one side of the field to the other. Usually run by wide receivers, there are variations that involve tight ends and wide outs.
Effective against zone defenses, crossing routes are particularly effective in attacking man to man defense. They are designed to take the defender out of position, getting the receiver open.
The focus of this article will be wide receiver crossing routes against man to man defense.
Crossing routes bring an important versatility to the game. They can be run as short, medium or long passing routes. Suitable for 2nd and short passing plays to going for 6. Receiver's crossing routes need to be part of the offensive schemes.
Successfully attacking defenses using receivers crossing routes comes down to timing between the Quarterback and the receivers.
First, before the play is run, establish which receiver crosses in front and which crosses behind. This helps the quarterback's timing, knowing who is going to be where and eliminates the kind of confusion between the receivers that can blow up the play.
Depending whether the crossing route is short, medium or long receivers need to explode off the line full speed for the predetermined yards before making your cut. Give the head or shoulder fake and or stutter step, then break to the inside crossing route. This provides the necessary step to separate from the defender.
As the two receivers go towards the middle of the field, it allows one receiver to interfere with his teammate's defender. As free receiver comes into the quarterback's vision he can catch a timing pass in space on a full run gaining more yards.
The two receivers should be looking at each other while they are running towards the middle of the field preparing to cross routes.
Running full speed as they prepare to cross, one under the other is designed to cause problems for the defenders. Making them slow down or running into each other freeing up both receivers. Some times the routes reward the offense with pass interference on the defense, giving the offense a free play.
Quarterbacks, timing is everything for effective crossing route plays. Stay focused on where the receiver's routes cross. Look for which receiver breaks free of the defender or if both receivers break free. Decide which receiver is the target and make the throw, do not hesitate or second guess. The advantage is the defenders might run into each other, slow down or be called for pass interference.
Crossing routes are run at shallow angles from one side of the field to the other. Usually run by wide receivers, there are variations that involve tight ends and wide outs.
Effective against zone defenses, crossing routes are particularly effective in attacking man to man defense. They are designed to take the defender out of position, getting the receiver open.
The focus of this article will be wide receiver crossing routes against man to man defense.
Crossing routes bring an important versatility to the game. They can be run as short, medium or long passing routes. Suitable for 2nd and short passing plays to going for 6. Receiver's crossing routes need to be part of the offensive schemes.
Successfully attacking defenses using receivers crossing routes comes down to timing between the Quarterback and the receivers.
First, before the play is run, establish which receiver crosses in front and which crosses behind. This helps the quarterback's timing, knowing who is going to be where and eliminates the kind of confusion between the receivers that can blow up the play.
Depending whether the crossing route is short, medium or long receivers need to explode off the line full speed for the predetermined yards before making your cut. Give the head or shoulder fake and or stutter step, then break to the inside crossing route. This provides the necessary step to separate from the defender.
As the two receivers go towards the middle of the field, it allows one receiver to interfere with his teammate's defender. As free receiver comes into the quarterback's vision he can catch a timing pass in space on a full run gaining more yards.
The two receivers should be looking at each other while they are running towards the middle of the field preparing to cross routes.
Running full speed as they prepare to cross, one under the other is designed to cause problems for the defenders. Making them slow down or running into each other freeing up both receivers. Some times the routes reward the offense with pass interference on the defense, giving the offense a free play.
Quarterbacks, timing is everything for effective crossing route plays. Stay focused on where the receiver's routes cross. Look for which receiver breaks free of the defender or if both receivers break free. Decide which receiver is the target and make the throw, do not hesitate or second guess. The advantage is the defenders might run into each other, slow down or be called for pass interference.