---
title: "Crossing Route in Football Explained"
description: "The crossing route runs across the field at 10 to 12 yards. How it is run, why it is hard to cover in man and how it fits into Mesh."
url: https://www.crucibletech.com/playbook/routes/cross/
---

route

# Crossing Route

A crossing route runs diagonally across the field at intermediate depth, 10 to 12 yards in Crucible's diagram, usually from a tight end or slot. Man defenders have to chase it through traffic, and against zone it moves from one defender's area into the next.

![Cross route diagram](https://www.crucibletech.com/playbook/img/football_11v11/routes/cross.webp)

## How the Cross Is Run

The receiver works across the formation at a steady angle, gaining depth along the way. Lead the receiver into the open space on the far side.

## What It Beats

- Man coverage, especially with shallow routes creating picks.
- Zones that can't pass the receiver cleanly from one defender to the next.

## Common Questions

### What is a crossing route in football?

A crossing route runs diagonally across the field at intermediate depth, 10 to 12 yards in Crucible's diagram, usually from a tight end or slot.

## Concepts Built With the Cross

-

![Mesh diagram](https://www.crucibletech.com/playbook/img/football_11v11/concepts/mesh.thumb.webp)

Mesh Shallow / Rail / Cross / In

## Related passing concepts

-

Mesh Shallow / Rail / Cross / In

Rep Cross in Crucible
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