---
title: "Curl Route in Football Explained"
description: "The curl is a 12-yard route that turns back inside toward the quarterback. How it is run, how it differs from a hitch and the coverages it beats."
url: https://www.crucibletech.com/playbook/routes/curl/
---

route

# Curl Route

A curl pushes upfield, then stops and turns back inside toward you, at 12 yards in Crucible's diagram. It settles in the window between underneath zone defenders and is the top half of the Curl concept.

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

## How the Curl Is Run

The receiver drives hard enough to back the defender off, then sinks the hips, turns inside and works back to the ball. Against zone, the receiver finds the window and sits; against man, the turn is the separation.

## Curl vs Hitch

A hitch stops around 5 or 6 yards and turns back quickly; a curl pushes to about 12 before working back inside. Both turn back toward you. Both attack defenders playing off and retreating.

## What It Beats

- Cover 3, paired with a flat against the Curl/Flat defender.
- Soft zones that drop deep and give up the intermediate window.

## Common Questions

### What is a curl route in football?

A curl pushes upfield, then stops and turns back inside toward you, at 12 yards in Crucible's diagram.

## Concepts Built With the Curl

-

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

Cafe Diagonal / Corner / Curl

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

Curl Diagonal / Curl
-

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

Hank OTB / Diagonal / Curl

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

Hook Swing / OTB / Curl

## Related passing concepts

-

Curl Diagonal / Curl

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