Printable Football Route Tree: Your Ultimate Guide

by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered how those amazing plays in football happen? A big part of it is the route tree! Think of it as a secret code between the quarterback and the wide receiver. A well-defined route tree ensures everyone’s on the same page, leading to fewer interceptions and more touchdowns. In this guide, we're diving deep into the world of football route trees and providing you with printable resources to help you master them. Whether you're a coach, a player, or just a die-hard fan, understanding route trees can elevate your game and your understanding of the sport. Let's get started!

What is a Football Route Tree?

Okay, so what exactly is a football route tree? Simply put, it’s a numbered system used to define the paths a receiver will run during a play. Each number corresponds to a specific route, allowing quarterbacks and receivers to communicate effectively and efficiently. By assigning numbers to routes, teams can call plays quickly and ensure that everyone knows exactly where they need to be on the field. This level of precision is crucial, especially when every second counts!

The Basic Route Numbers

The basic route tree typically consists of numbers 0 through 9, each representing a different route. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common routes and their corresponding numbers:

  • 0 - Hitch/Comeback: The receiver runs a short distance and then turns back towards the quarterback.
  • 1 - Slant: The receiver makes a sharp, diagonal cut towards the middle of the field.
  • 2 - Post: The receiver runs towards the goalpost.
  • 3 - Flag/Corner: The receiver runs towards the corner of the end zone.
  • 4 - Out: The receiver runs towards the sideline.
  • 5 - Curl: The receiver runs a certain distance and then curls back towards the quarterback.
  • 6 - Dig/In: The receiver runs a route inside, perpendicular to the sideline.
  • 7 - Fade: The receiver runs straight down the field towards the end zone.
  • 8 - Post: Similar to the #2 route, but can have slight variations.
  • 9 - Fly/Go: The receiver runs straight down the field as fast as possible.

Why Use a Route Tree?

So, why bother with all these numbers? There are several key advantages to using a route tree:

  1. Clear Communication: Route trees eliminate ambiguity. Everyone knows exactly what route each number represents, reducing the chances of miscommunication.
  2. Speed and Efficiency: Play calls become quicker and more efficient. Instead of describing the entire route, the quarterback can simply call out a number.
  3. Flexibility: Route trees can be adapted and customized to fit different offensive schemes and player strengths.
  4. Consistency: Using a standardized system ensures that everyone is on the same page, regardless of who’s on the field.

Route Tree Variations

Keep in mind that while the basic route tree is fairly standard, teams often add their own variations and adjustments. For example, a team might add a "wheel" route or a modified version of a slant. The key is to have a clear understanding of the specific routes used by your team. Also, coaches adapt to what the defense is doing, making on the fly changes. The route tree is just a guide and a tool. It is not set in stone.

Printable Football Route Tree Diagrams

Alright, now for the good stuff! We've got some awesome printable route tree diagrams that you can use to study and practice. These diagrams provide a visual representation of each route, making it easier to understand and memorize. Whether you're drawing up plays on the whiteboard or studying on your own, these printables will be a valuable resource. You can find tons of these online, but here’s what to look for:

What to Look for in a Good Route Tree Diagram

  • Clear and Concise: The diagram should be easy to read and understand, with clear lines and labels.
  • Accurate: The routes should be drawn accurately, reflecting the proper angles and distances.
  • Comprehensive: The diagram should include all the basic routes, as well as any variations used by your team.
  • Printable: Obviously, it needs to be designed for printing, with a layout that’s easy to reproduce on paper.

How to Use Printable Route Trees

So, you've got your printable route tree – now what? Here are a few ideas on how to put it to good use:

  1. Study the Routes: Take some time to familiarize yourself with each route. Understand the proper technique and footwork for each one.
  2. Draw Plays: Use the route tree to draw up different play combinations. Experiment with different route combinations to see what works best.
  3. Practice on the Field: Take your route tree to the field and practice running the routes. Focus on precision and timing.
  4. Quiz Yourself: Test your knowledge of the route tree by quizzing yourself or having a teammate quiz you.
  5. Teach Others: Help your teammates learn the route tree by explaining the routes and drawing diagrams.

Mastering the Route Tree: Tips and Tricks

Learning the route tree can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it can be a lot easier than you think. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master the route tree like a pro:

Visualize the Routes

One of the most effective ways to learn the route tree is to visualize each route in your mind. Close your eyes and imagine yourself running the route, focusing on the footwork, angles, and timing. The more vividly you can visualize the route, the easier it will be to remember and execute it on the field.

Use Mnemonics

Mnemonics can be a helpful tool for memorizing the route numbers. For example, you could use the phrase "Sally Plays Football Outside, Catching Dirty Flies" to remember the routes Slant, Post, Flag, Out, Curl, Dig, and Fly. Get creative and come up with your own mnemonics that work for you. The sillier they are, the easier they’ll be to remember!

Practice with a Partner

Practicing with a partner is a great way to reinforce your understanding of the route tree. Have your partner call out route numbers and practice running the corresponding routes. Focus on timing, precision, and communication. You can also use this as an opportunity to work on your quarterback-receiver connection.

Watch Film

Watching film of professional and college games can provide valuable insights into how route trees are used in real-game situations. Pay attention to the routes that are being run, the timing of the throws, and the adjustments that are being made based on the defensive coverage. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of the route tree and how it can be used to create scoring opportunities.

Break Down Complex Plays

When you’re studying a new play, break it down into its individual components. Identify the routes that each receiver is running and understand how they fit together. This will make it easier to understand the overall concept of the play and how it’s designed to attack the defense.

Stay Consistent

The key to mastering the route tree is consistency. Make it a habit to review the routes regularly, practice them on the field, and visualize them in your mind. The more consistent you are with your training, the quicker you’ll master the route tree.

Advanced Route Running Techniques

Once you've got the basics down, it's time to start thinking about advanced techniques that can take your route running to the next level. These techniques will help you create separation from defenders, make contested catches, and become a more dangerous weapon on the field.

Head Fakes and Body Language

Using head fakes and body language can be a great way to deceive defenders and create separation. For example, you can use a quick head fake to make a defender think you're going one way, then quickly cut in the opposite direction. You can also use your body language to sell a route, making the defender believe you're going deep when you're actually running a short route. Learning to read defenders is important and can help a receiver know when and how to make their cut.

Stutter Steps and Hesitation Moves

Stutter steps and hesitation moves can disrupt a defender's timing and create an opportunity for you to break free. A stutter step is a quick, choppy movement that can throw off a defender's balance. A hesitation move is a brief pause in your route that can make a defender think you're slowing down, only to accelerate past them.

Hand Fighting

Hand fighting is a technique used to keep defenders from getting their hands on you and disrupting your route. It involves using your hands to push, pull, and swat away the defender's hands. Hand fighting is especially important when running routes against press coverage.

Adjusting to Coverage

A great receiver knows how to adjust their routes based on the defensive coverage. For example, if you're running a slant route against man coverage, you might need to make a quicker, sharper cut to create separation. If you're running a post route against zone coverage, you might need to adjust your route based on the movement of the safeties.

Catching in Traffic

Making catches in traffic is a skill that separates good receivers from great ones. It requires concentration, toughness, and the ability to use your body to shield the ball from defenders. Practice catching passes in tight spaces with defenders around you to develop this skill.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to the football route tree. By understanding the basic routes, using printable diagrams, and mastering advanced techniques, you can elevate your game and become a more effective player or coach. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep studying, keep practicing, and keep pushing yourself to improve. With dedication and hard work, you’ll be running routes like a pro in no time! Now, go out there and dominate the field! And don't forget to share this guide with your teammates and friends. Let's all level up our football IQ together!