Intro
Below is a list of the most common Medium Pass concepts and terminology in football. I cover what each concept does while adding some key points along with various play images for reference. These concepts are grouped together because they attack all areas of the field at once but especially around 10 yards.
The list is in alphabetical order. I use the latest football games like College Football 26 and Madden NFL 26 as a way to organize concepts so what you see below is from the Medium Pass Concepts section.
Passing concepts can be mirrored (the same concept on each side) or to just one side. This means you will often see plays with two separate concepts on either side. This is more true than ever which is comes to these specific concepts.
Choice
Choice (or option route) is an offensive strategy where receivers adjust their route based on a defender’s leverage, typically at 4–12 yards, forcing the defender into a “no-win” scenario. Common in Run & Shoot or Air Raid offenses, it allows receivers to choose between breaking inside, going vertical, or sitting in open space (hitching) to exploit defensive positioning.
Key Points
- Core Mechanism: The receiver reads the cornerback’s or safety’s position post-snap. If the defender is deep, the receiver stops; if they are inside, the receiver goes out, and vice versa.
- The “Fly or Die” Read: Often, the receiver accelerates vertically for 10 yards. If they have beaten the defender (even or ahead), they continue deep. If the defender is on top (cushion), they break off the route.
- Common Applications:
- 3×1 Formation: Often used on the single-receiver side (”backside”) to isolate a defender against a playmaker.
- 4-Verticals: Used to replace a vertical route with a hitch if the defender is too deep, improving efficiency.
- Slot/Tight End: Used to read linebackers or safeties in the intermediate passing game.
- Common Rules:
- If the defender is 7+ yards off: Run a hitch/comeback.
- If the defender is pressed (closer): Run a vertical/fade.
- Effectiveness: It is highly effective against both zone and man-to-man coverage because the receiver is instructed to simply find the open space, making it a reliable high-percentage passing option (often ~15 yards per attempt).
Curl
Curl (sometimes called Curl Flat or Hank) is a foundational, two-man passing concept that creates a horizontal and vertical “high-low” stretch to isolate a single defender (usually a cornerback or outside linebacker). A receiver runs a 10–12 yard curl, while another runs a shallow route to the flat, forcing the defender to choose between covering the short or intermediate zone. Some Curl plays do not have a Flat or underneath route, just curls.
Key Points
- The Routes: The #1 (outside) receiver typically runs a curl (10-12 yards) and turns back to the quarterback. The #2 (inside/slot) receiver or running back runs a flat/shoot/arrow route (4-8 yards) to the sideline.
- Purpose: It is designed to beat zone coverage, particularly Cover 3, by overloading the flat defender, making it a “must-have” play for many offenses.
- Quarterback Read: The quarterback reads the flat defender. If the defender moves with the flat route, the quarterback throws to the curl. If the defender stays deep or sits on the curl, the quarterback throws to the flat.
- Variations: Often called the “Hank” concept in many playbooks. It is frequently run out of trips formations (3×1) to further stress the defense.
- Adaptability: The concept can be adapted against Cover 2 by having the tight end run a seam route to pull defenders away.
Double Moves
Double Move is a passing route designed to deceive defenders by faking an initial route before quickly breaking into a second, different route. It exploits aggressive defensive backs who “bite” on the first move, allowing receivers to gain significant separation for big plays or touchdowns, particularly effective in man-to-man coverage. The goal is to make the defender think a short or intermediate route is coming, forcing them to commit, only to accelerate past them for a deep pass.
Key Points
- Essential Techniques:
- Selling the Initial Move: Receivers must use full speed, body language, and shoulder/hip commitment to make the first move look authentic.
- Sharp Transition: A sudden, violent change of direction is required to avoid giving the defender time to recover.
- Examples: Common examples include the Sluggo (slant-and-go), Post-Corner, Out-and-Up, and Comeback-and-Go.
- Executing the Concept
- For Receivers: The success depends on selling the initial fake with head fakes and convincing hip movements.
- For Quarterbacks: Requires identifying defenders prone to biting, such as aggressive cornerbacks in man coverage, and timing the throw for when the receiver breaks free on the second move.
- Effective Scenarios: Often used to combat defenses playing tight coverage or to create “home run” plays in passing situations.
Drive
Drive is a versatile, high-percentage passing play designed to attack defenses horizontally using a 3-5 yard shallow crosser and an intermediate 10-12 yard dig (basic) route from the same side. It effectively creates a high-low read on linebackers, forcing them to choose between covering the shallow or dropping deeper, often resulting in open throwing lanes against both man and zone coverage.
Key Points
- Shallow/Drag Route (Typically #2 or Z): Runs across the field at a depth of 3–5 yards to create a quick option, often creating a “rub” or natural pick against man defense.
- Dig/Basic Route (Typically #1 or H): Runs a 10–12 yard in-breaking route behind the shallow to target the soft spot in zone.
- Clear-Out/Vertical (Often #1 or X): Runs a vertical route to drag the cornerback away, opening space for the underneath routes.
- Checkdown/Swing: The running back or a tight end may swing to the flat to provide a third option or secure edge protection.
- Strategy and Execution
- Coverage Beater: Excellent against zone (finding holes) and man (using speed to cross the field).
- Quarterback Read: The progression usually goes Dig to Shallow to Checkdown.
- Spacing: Crucial for success; the shallow receiver must stay shallow to avoid interfering with the intermediate dig.
- Variations: Can be run from various sets, including 3×1 (Trips) or empty formations, frequently paired with a post route on the backside for added coverage stretching.
Levels
Levels is a concept designed to attack zone defenses by placing two or more receivers in the same horizontal area at varying vertical depths. By creating “levels” (e.g., a 5-yard route, a 12-yard route), the offense forces defenders—typically linebackers or safeties—to choose which threat to cover, opening up lanes for high-percentage throws. The concept relies heavily on proper timing and spacing, ensuring receivers maintain 5-7 yards of vertical separation from each other to properly stress defenders.
Key Points
- Route Structure: Typically features a shallow cross or drag (3-5 yards) and a deeper dig or intermediate route (10-12 yards) on the same side of the field.
- Purpose: Attacks zone coverage (Cover 3/Cover 4) by flooding specific zones and creating “high-low” conflicts for defenders.
- Quarterback Read: The QB usually reads the defenders from high-to-low (dig to shallow) or vice-versa, looking for the hole in the zone.
- Variations:
- “Snag” Levels: Often run from a 2×2 or 3×1 formation, combining an inside breaking route with a corner or snag route.
- Mesh/Levels Hybrid: Some variations combine shallow crossing routes (Mesh) with deeper in-breaking routes (Levels) for maximum conflict.
- Advantages: Excellent against zone, especially in the red zone, as it creates immediate spacing and quick decision-making for the quarterback.
Mesh
Mesh is a highly effective, short-to-intermediate passing scheme designed to create space against both man and zone coverage. It features two receivers running shallow crossing routes (drags) in opposite directions, intersecting at 4–6 yards depth, creating natural “picks” or “rubs” to free up defenders. Commonly used in third-down and red-zone situations, the mesh concept is valued for producing high-percentage completions and yards after catch (YAC).
Key Points
- The “Mesh”: Two receivers (often slots or tight ends) run routes crossing each other, with one running slightly deeper than the other to create maximum traffic.
- Purpose: It is primarily designed to beat man coverage by using the traffic to create separation. Against zone, the receivers are taught to “sit” or stop in open windows.
- Quarterback Read: QBs often use a “full-field read,” looking for an “alert” route (like a deep post) before checking the mesh routes.
- Running Back Role: The RB often runs a flat or swing route to the playside, which forces flat defenders to widen and opens up space in the middle for the drag routes.
- Variations: The concept is a staple in the Air Raid offense and can be paired with different combinations, such as shallow crossers with vertical routes outside.
Pivot
Pivot is an underneath pass pattern, often run by slot receivers or running backs, designed to beat man coverage. The receiver acts like they are running a quick slant/in-cut, only to stop, sink their hips, and sharply cut back toward the sideline parallel to the line of scrimmage.
Key Points
- The Route: The receiver (often #2 in the formation) runs a 5-yard out/slant, then cuts back to the opposite direction.
- Purpose: It exploits aggressive defenders playing outside leverage by forcing them to stop their momentum and change direction.
- Timing: Requires high-precision timing from the quarterback, often used in combinations like “Dig-Pivot” to attack multiple coverages.
- Variations: Sometimes called a “Whip” route, or used in combinations such as “Follow-Pivot” where it works with shallow crosses to manipulate linebackers.
Salem
Salem is a high-low passing concept, often utilized by Bill O’Brien, that pairs a shallow option route from the #2 receiver with a deeper dig/in-breaking route from the #1 receiver to conflict defenders. It is designed to create vertical spacing, forcing the defender to choose between the shallow hitch or deep route.
Key Points
- Route Combination: The concept involves an inside receiver (often #2) running a short route (hitch or option) while the outside receiver (#1) runs an intermediate-to-deep dig/in route.
- Key Reads: The quarterback typically reads the intermediate defender, throwing to the open area created by the defender’s movement.
- Purpose: It is used to attack both man and zone coverage by forcing defenders to commit to either the shallow or intermediate level, similar to the Sail concept.
- Variations: Salem is closely related to the Pivot concept, with Salem generally preferring a hitch from the #2 receiver, whereas Pivot uses a zigzag.
- Usage: It is a common passing concept in modern football, used to create simple, high-percentage reads for the quarterback.
Shallow Cross
Shallow Cross is a popular football passing concept designed to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically by using a fast, shallow drag route (3-5 yards deep) crossing from one side of the field to the other, usually paired with a 10-12 yard dig route coming from the opposite side. It is highly effective against both man and zone coverage, forcing linebackers to choose between covering the deep dig or the underneath crosser.
Key Points
- The Shallow Route: A receiver (often a slot or tight end) runs at full speed across the formation, just behind the defensive line (3-5 yards deep).
- The Dig/Hook Route: A receiver from the opposite side runs a deeper route (10-12 yards) to conflict linebackers.
- Running Back/Verticals: The running back often flares to the same side as the shallow cross to stretch the defense further, while outside receivers may run vertical routes to clear out safety coverage.
- Read Progression: The quarterback reads the middle linebacker. If the linebacker drops deep with the dig, the QB hits the shallow route. If the linebacker stays shallow, the QB hits the dig.
- Effectiveness
- Vs. Man Coverage: The shallow receiver uses speed to run away from defenders, or uses a rub/pick from the other routes to get open.
- Vs. Zone Coverage: The shallow receiver finds a soft spot in the zone and sits down in open space.
- Versatility: The concept is a staple in the West Coast and Air Raid offenses, often used to beat the blitz.
Slot Cross
Slot Cross (often “Y-Cross” or “Ice”) is a staple Air Raid passing concept pairing an intermediate crossing route (10–12 yards) from a slot receiver with a vertical route (post or go) to clear out defenders. It forces defenders to choose between covering deep or underneath, typically attacking linebackers and safeties.
Key Points
- The Crosser (Slot/Y): The primary route, often run by the tight end or slot receiver. They cross under the Sam linebacker and over the Mike linebacker, aiming for opposite hash marks.
- The Vertical/Clearout: An outside receiver runs a post or go route to pull the corner deep.
- Flat Route: A running back or second receiver often runs to the flat to stretch the defense horizontally and force a “curl/flat” defender to make a choice.
- Progression: The QB typically reads the underneath defenders to decide whether to throw to the crossing route or the flat, with a “peek” at the deep route.
Smash
Smash is a 2-man route combination designed to defeat zone coverage, particularly Cover 2, by placing a high-low stretch on the flat defender. It typically features an inside receiver running a 10-12 yard corner (seven) route and an outside receiver running a shallow hitch or out route. The quarterback reads the cornerback: if the corner stays deep, the hitch is open; if the corner jumps the hitch, the corner route is open.
Key Points
- The Route Combo: The #2 (inside) receiver runs a corner route to ~10-12 yards, while the #1 (outside) receiver runs a 5-6 yard hitch or “stop” route.
- Goal: To create a “high-low” conflict for the flat defender (CB in Cover 2, OLB in Cover 3/4).
- QB Reads: The QB identifies the coverage pre-snap. If the CB is deep, the ball goes to the hitch. If the CB dives on the hitch, the QB throws over the top to the corner route.
- Advantages of the Smash Concept
- Versatile & Simple: Can be run from any formation (2×2, 3×1, empty) and is effective anywhere on the field.
- Effective Zone Beater: Particularly effective at exploiting the space in Cover 2 defensive schemes.
- Quick Decision Making: Allows for quick, high-percentage throws, often used in red zone and 3rd down situations.
- Disadvantages and Considerations
- Difficult Throw: The corner route outside the hash marks requires a strong, accurate arm.
- Susceptible to “Cloud” Coverage: A disciplined cornerback playing “cloud” (flat) technique can disrupt the timing and window for both routes.
- Rarely Run in Isolation: Often requires a third route (like a post) on the backside to prevent the safety from overplaying the corner route.
- Common Variations
- Smash Seam: The inside receiver runs a seam route instead of a corner, attacking the space between safeties.
- Toggle/Switch Smash: The inside and outside receivers swap responsibilities, often creating better spacing and confusing defenders.
- Mirror Smash: Running the concept on both sides of the field to maximize effectiveness against balanced defenses.
Spot
Spot concept (or Snag) is a 3-level pass concept designed to stretch a defender horizontally and vertically using a high-low triangle read. It features a corner route, a 5-yard “spot” or “snag” route, and a flat route. Common in red zone/short-yardage, it forces defenders to choose between stopping the deep, shallow, or flat option. The concept is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in moving the chains, acting as a staple in many modern passing offenses.
Key Points
- Triangle Read: The quarterback reads three receivers in a triangle formation on one side of the field (high-to-low: Corner -> Spot -> Flat).
- Personnel & Formation: Frequently run from bunch, tight end, or 3×1 formations to create spacing conflict.
- Route Breakdown:
- Corner Route (Deep): Stretches the defense vertically.
- Spot/Snag Route (Intermediate): The primary receiver runs to 5-6 yards, wraps around the flat defender, and settles in open space.
- Flat Route (Short): A running back or receiver pressures the flat defender horizontally.
- Defensive Coverage Counters:
- Cover 2: Targets the void between the cornerback and safety (often the corner route or underneath spot).
- Cover 4: Attacked with the flat route or underneath spot.
- Man/Cover 1: The spot receiver is taught to work toward the sideline if covered.
- “Spot” Definition: It is often referred to as a “snag” or “spot” route, which is a 5-yard hitch or “mini-curl”.
Texas
Texas is a West Coast passing play designed to create high-low reads, typically using a deep post route from a tight end (or receiver) and a shorter angle route from the running back to exploit zone coverage, especially the middle linebacker, forcing a difficult decision and opening space underneath or deep. Popularized by Mike Holmgren’s Packers against the Tampa 2 defense, it’s a staple for gaining consistent yardage by attacking voids in the middle of the field, though it has evolved with variations like mesh and other route combinations.
Key Points
- Primary Routes: A receiver runs a deep route (like a post or streak), while the running back runs an angle route, crossing in front or behind the receiver to create a two-on-one situation for the defender.
- High-Low Read: The quarterback reads the linebacker: if the LB drops deep for the receiver, the RB’s angle route is open underneath; if the LB stays shallow, the deep route is available.
- Goal: To create space in the middle of the field, often picking up 5-7 yards, by stressing the defender responsible for the hook/curl zone.
- Variations & Evolution
- Mesh Concept: A common evolution, often involving crossers in the middle, sometimes called “H-Mesh,” where the back runs a route that meshes with other receivers.
- Zone Beater: Excellent against Cover 2, Cover 4, and zone defenses with deep linebackers, forcing them out of position.
- Adaptations: Coaches add tags, motion, and different formations, turning it into a versatile concept that can work with other plays like Four Verticals or as a base for other schemes.
