route
Flat Route
A flat route takes a receiver, tight end or back toward the sideline at shallow depth, about 5 yards past an inside release in Crucible's diagram. Alone it is a safe short completion; in concepts it pulls the flat defender wide so the route behind comes open.
How the Flat Is Run
The receiver works to the flat outside the numbers, gaining width more than depth, and turns back to you on arrival. Arriving too early lets the defender sit on it.
Why It Matters
It is the bottom half of many low-high reads: the Cover 3 Curl/Flat defender can't take a curl and a flat at once, and in Cover 2 Tampa the flat holds the squatting corner down. If that defender widens, throw the other route; if it sits, throw the flat.
Common Questions
What is a flat route in football?
A flat route takes a receiver, tight end or back toward the sideline at shallow depth, about 5 yards past an inside release in Crucible's diagram.
Concepts Built With the Flat
TwistFlat / Inside Snag / Corner
