7v7FLAG LABYOUR TACTICAL PRACTICE FIELD

03 / THE RECEIVER'S PLAYBOOK

One stem.
Every direction.

Learn the route. Find the window. Make the read.

A route tree gives receivers, backs, any eligible centers, and quarterbacks a shared language. Start with these ten common patterns, then practice the same route against different coverage.

Names first. Numbers second.

One common numbering system is shown here; your coach’s calls may differ. The optional “0” hitch is included as a useful short-route addition. This is a teaching guide, not a universal playbook.

Explore the routes ↓

All receivers can practice these patterns. Mirror them from the other side; in means toward the field’s middle, and out means toward the near sideline.

THE ROUTE TREERIGHT-SIDE RECEIVER
Common receiver route treeA receiver starts at the bottom and runs upfield. Inside routes break left toward the middle; outside routes break right toward the sideline. The numbered branches link to each route explanation below.← FIELD MIDDLE / INSIDEOUTSIDE / SIDELINE →LINE OF SCRIMMAGE 0Hitch 1Flat 2Slant 3Comeback 4Curl / hook 5Out 6Dig / in 7Corner 8Post 9Go / fly WRSTART HERE · ATTACK UPFIELD ↑
Click a number to learn the routeIllustrative paths · not to scale
01

Sell the same start. A purposeful vertical stem makes different routes harder to identify early.

02

Read the space. Separation is only part of the picture; check defenders in the passing lane.

03

Practice both sides. Mirror the route, change the coverage, and compare the window.

KNOW YOUR BREAK

The route library

Depths are approximate starting points for practice—not league rules.
Adjust them with your quarterback and coach for field size and spacing.

0

Hitch

Short & settle

Hitch: Push upfield, turn back to the quarterback, and settle in a clear window.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE DEPTH3–5 yd
RUN
Push upfield, turn back to the quarterback, and settle in a clear window.
READ
Useful against a soft cushion. Show your numbers; do not drift into a defender.
DEFEND
Close under control. Read the receiver’s stop without guessing at every short stem.
Practice hitch
1

Flat

Quick width

Flat: Break quickly toward the sideline on a shallow angle, then gain width.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE DEPTH1–3 yd
RUN
Break quickly toward the sideline on a shallow angle, then gain width.
READ
Look for space outside underneath coverage. Get your eyes to the quarterback early.
DEFEND
Protect outside leverage. Rally to the catch point without charging the passer.
Practice flat
2

Slant

Win inside

Slant: Take a short vertical stem, plant, and cut diagonally toward the middle.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE DEPTH3–5 yd break
RUN
Take a short vertical stem, plant, and cut diagonally toward the middle.
READ
Attack inside space against outside leverage. Check for an underneath defender in the lane.
DEFEND
Guard the inside shoulder. Zone defenders should see the quarterback and crossing receiver.
Practice slant
3

Comeback

Sell deep, return outside

Comeback: Sell a vertical route, then break back toward the sideline and quarterback.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE DEPTH10–15 yd break
RUN
Sell a vertical route, then break back toward the sideline and quarterback.
READ
The ball needs timing and outside space. Keep working back rather than standing behind coverage.
DEFEND
Stay balanced through the vertical stem; drive on the break without overrunning it.
Practice comeback
4

Curl / hook

Turn into the window

Curl / hook: Stem vertically, then turn back toward the quarterback, usually toward the inside.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE DEPTH8–12 yd break
RUN
Stem vertically, then turn back toward the quarterback, usually toward the inside.
READ
Settle between zone defenders. Against tight man coverage, simply stopping may not create a window.
DEFEND
Close the cushion as the receiver decelerates. Know who owns the nearby zone window.
Practice curl / hook
5

Out

Square to the sideline

Out: Run a vertical stem and make a sharp, approximately 90-degree cut toward the sideline.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE DEPTH5–10 yd break
RUN
Run a vertical stem and make a sharp, approximately 90-degree cut toward the sideline.
READ
Timing matters: release near the break rather than waiting until the receiver reaches the boundary.
DEFEND
Keep outside leverage when the call asks for it; watch for the receiver’s plant and speed change.
Practice out
6

Dig / in

Cross the middle

Dig / in: Push vertically, then make a square cut across the middle of the field.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE DEPTH8–12 yd break
RUN
Push vertically, then make a square cut across the middle of the field.
READ
Find the window behind underneath coverage and in front of deeper defenders.
DEFEND
Communicate the crossing route in zone. In man, stay connected through the square break.
Practice dig / in
7

Corner

High and outside

Corner: Sell the vertical stem, then break diagonally toward the deep outside corner.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE DEPTH8–12 yd break
RUN
Sell the vertical stem, then break diagonally toward the deep outside corner.
READ
Look for open space outside a deep defender. Allow room before the sideline.
DEFEND
Protect deep outside space; avoid driving on a short route if your assignment is the deep zone.
Practice corner
8

Post

High and inside

Post: Push vertically, then angle toward the deep middle of the field.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE DEPTH8–12 yd break
RUN
Push vertically, then angle toward the deep middle of the field.
READ
Read the deep defender’s leverage. A closing middle defender can make the throw unsafe.
DEFEND
Maintain inside help and depth according to the call. Do not chase the initial stem blindly.
Practice post
9

Go / fly

Stretch the field

Go / fly: Run vertically and maintain speed. A fade is related but may angle outside; it is not exactly the same route.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE DEPTHVertical; no fixed break
RUN
Run vertically and maintain speed. A fade is related but may angle outside; it is not exactly the same route.
READ
Look for leverage and space over the defender, not just a long route. Agree on go and fade details with your quarterback.
DEFEND
Stay on top of the route and protect deep space. Keep the receiver and ball in your field of view.
Practice go / fly

04 / BUILD ON THE BASICS

Advanced routes — common extensions beyond 0–9

Variations, layered breaks, and double moves.
Names vary by team; this is a practical collection, not an exhaustive standard.

Build beyond the numbered tree with three route families. Agree on names, breaks, and reads with your quarterback. Five seconds is the rusher’s release delay, not a required throw deadline or a promise of protection; pair slower developing routes with an early outlet.

Practice the shape, then adapt it. Diagrams are illustrative. Simulator links load fixed waypoint sketches, mirrored from either side and clipped to your field. On the provisional 15 × 50 yd field, shorten stems and reserve sideline room. Option reads, deception, and coverage-specific adjustments remain coaching decisions.

Keep it legal. Run to space; do not block, pick, screen, or obstruct a defender. The two-women minimum and three-play involvement window still apply.

Vertical extensions

Change the entry to a vertical lane. Keep width and depth available before turning upfield.

Wheel

Outward first. Upfield second.

Wheel: Sell a flat or swing release, then round the turn up the sideline. Leave room outside your starting alignment.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHFlat → sideline vertical
RUN
Sell a flat or swing release, then round the turn up the sideline. Leave room outside your starting alignment.
USE
Can challenge a defender who drives on the flat. Confirm the vertical lane and coordinate with nearby receivers.
RISK
Deep help can cap it. The turn takes time; avoid drifting out of bounds or expecting automatic separation.

Coaching reference [6] · [1]

Practice wheel

Seam

A vertical lane from the slot

Seam: From a slot alignment, release vertically through an interior lane. Keep separation from other vertical routes.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHInside vertical lane
RUN
From a slot alignment, release vertically through an interior lane. Keep separation from other vertical routes.
USE
Look for space between underneath coverage and deep defenders. Read the safety before committing the throw.
RISK
A closing safety can erase the window. A seam is an alignment and lane choice, not just a renamed outside go.

Coaching reference [2]

Practice seam

Seam bender

An agreed inside adjustment

Seam bender: Start on a seam, then bend inward only under the quarterback’s agreed coverage read. The practice link loads an inside-bend sketch.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHVertical → inside
RUN
Start on a seam, then bend inward only under the quarterback’s agreed coverage read. The practice link loads an inside-bend sketch.
USE
An inside bend may find space against some two-high looks. Confirm the actual safety movement.
RISK
Do not bend blindly into a middle safety. This simulator plays a fixed path; it does not make a post-snap read.

Coaching reference [2]

Practice seam bender

Crossers & changes of direction

Move across leverage or reverse a defender’s path. Route spacing matters more than a complicated name.

Shallow / drag

Width at a shallow depth

Shallow / drag: Stem a few yards, then cross horizontally. Keep moving; settle against zone only if that is your agreed adjustment.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCH2–4 yd, then across
RUN
Stem a few yards, then cross horizontally. Keep moving; settle against zone only if that is your agreed adjustment.
USE
Offers an early moving target and can stress a trailing man defender. Keep a clear passing lane.
RISK
Underneath defenders may pass it off or intercept the lane. Do not turn a crossing path into a pick.

Coaching reference [3]

Practice shallow / drag

Deep cross / over

Carry the route behind underneath coverage

Deep cross / over: Push vertically, then cross at an intermediate depth on a diagonal. Adjust the stem to the available field.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHVertical → diagonal cross
RUN
Push vertically, then cross at an intermediate depth on a diagonal. Adjust the stem to the available field.
USE
Look behind underneath defenders while tracking help arriving from the opposite side.
RISK
The route and throw need time. Opposite-side help or a narrow field can compress the window.

Coaching reference [4]

Practice deep cross / over

Whip / pivot

Inside threat. Outside exit.

Whip / pivot: Sell an inside break, plant under control, then pivot back outward into space.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHShort inside → out
RUN
Sell an inside break, plant under control, then pivot back outward into space.
USE
Can counter inside leverage or a defender who commits early to the first break.
RISK
A patient defender can stay balanced. Do not spin into contact or stop in another receiver’s lane.

Coaching reference [1] · [6]

Practice whip / pivot

Angle / Texas

Outward release. Inside cut.

Angle / Texas: From a back or inside alignment, sell an outward release before cutting diagonally back through the middle.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHBack/inside alignment
RUN
From a back or inside alignment, sell an outward release before cutting diagonally back through the middle.
USE
Test a defender’s outside leverage and find an inside window. Start from an alignment that leaves space for both moves.
RISK
Check middle defenders and traffic. The practice link sketches the path; use Move start to set an appropriate alignment.

Coaching reference [5]

Practice angle / texas

Choice / option

A shared read, not a fixed pattern

Choice / option: Use a short stem, then choose inside, outside, or a settle based on reads agreed with the quarterback.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHDashed = possible choices
RUN
Use a short stem, then choose inside, outside, or a settle based on reads agreed with the quarterback.
USE
A receiver and quarterback can exploit leverage when both recognize the same cue.
RISK
Different reads lead to different destinations. Learn one fixed branch first; no automatic option decision is simulated.

Coaching reference [5] · [6]

Read-based teaching diagram. Choose and draw a branch in the simulator; it does not make option reads for you.

Double moves

Sell a familiar first break before attacking a second lane. Allow time, an outlet, and room for both moves.

Sluggo

Slant-and-go

Sluggo: Sell the slant with a clear inside break, then turn upfield into a vertical lane.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHInside break → vertical
RUN
Sell the slant with a clear inside break, then turn upfield into a vertical lane.
USE
Can challenge a defender who jumps a familiar slant. The quarterback must still locate deep help.
RISK
A disciplined defender may stay over it. The extra break delays the target; keep an early outlet available.

Coaching reference [7]

Practice sluggo

Out-and-up / chair

Show the out. Climb the sideline.

Out-and-up / chair: Stem vertically, break outward, then turn upfield. Save enough outside room for the last turn.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHVertical → out → up
RUN
Stem vertically, break outward, then turn upfield. Save enough outside room for the last turn.
USE
Can punish an underneath defender who drives aggressively on an out route.
RISK
The boundary limits space, and deep help may stay over the route. Agree on the throw timing.

Coaching reference [1]

Practice out-and-up / chair

Hitch-and-go / stop-and-go

Sell the stop. Restart vertically.

Hitch-and-go / stop-and-go: Show a short stop or hitch, then accelerate vertically. The waypoint sketch shows a small return, not a timed pause.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHStop cue → vertical
RUN
Show a short stop or hitch, then accelerate vertically. The waypoint sketch shows a small return, not a timed pause.
USE
Can test a defender who closes hard on a familiar short stop.
RISK
Over-selling the stop costs time against the rush. The simulator does not model body fakes or a defender biting on them.

Coaching reference [7]

Practice hitch-and-go / stop-and-go

Post-corner

Inside diagonal. Outside finish.

Post-corner: Show a vertical stem and inside post break, then redirect diagonally toward the outside corner.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHPost threat → corner
RUN
Show a vertical stem and inside post break, then redirect diagonally toward the outside corner.
USE
Can change a defender’s leverage after the initial post threat. Preserve a clear outside finishing lane.
RISK
The second break needs balance, width, and time. Deep outside help can still close the target.

Coaching reference [8]

Practice post-corner

Corner-post

Outside diagonal. Inside finish.

Corner-post: Threaten the corner after a vertical stem, then redirect diagonally toward the middle.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHCorner threat → post
RUN
Threaten the corner after a vertical stem, then redirect diagonally toward the middle.
USE
Can attack inside space when a defender overplays the outside break.
RISK
Locate the middle safety before throwing. It is one receiver’s double move; a double-post concept usually uses two receivers.

Coaching reference [9]

Practice corner-post

Jerk / double-whip

Two changes of direction

Jerk / double-whip: Show an inside threat, counter outward, then return inside with controlled footwork. Agree on the exact team definition.← INSIDEOUTSIDE →
PRACTICE SKETCHInside → outside → inside
RUN
Show an inside threat, counter outward, then return inside with controlled footwork. Agree on the exact team definition.
USE
Can test an overreacting man defender in a short area; keep the quarterback’s timing synchronized.
RISK
Extra cuts require balance and can waste time. A patient defender and congested middle can remove the opening.

Coaching reference [1]

Practice jerk / double-whip

PUT THE ROUTE INTO A PLAY

Patterns are a start.
Spacing makes the concept.

One route can open space for another. Pair different depths and directions, then watch how defenders react. A “clear-out” is a running route—not permission to block. Do not set a pick or deliberately screen or obstruct a defender.

In your 7v7 rules, design opportunities for women to throw or be targeted at least once every three plays. Any receiver can run any route; gender does not change the simulator’s movement assumptions.

Back to the practice field →
Coaching references

Route names and numbering are adapted from the NFL FLAG football curriculum and NFL FLAG’s play and route guide. Their conventions differ; agree on your team’s language. The Buccaneers’ coaching series explains flat, comeback, and curl, out, in/dig, and shallow cross, and corner, post, and vertical routes. “Go / fly” is vertical; a fade may bend outside and is not treated as identical. Depth suggestions and read/defend prompts are practice guidance, not official rules.