---
title: "Hitch Route in Football Explained"
description: "The hitch is a quick 6-yard stop route. How it is run, how it differs from a curl and why it is a go-to throw against soft coverage."
url: https://www.crucibletech.com/playbook/routes/hitch/
---

route

# Hitch Route

A hitch runs upfield, about 6 yards in our diagram, then stops and turns back to you. Against corners playing off, it is one of the easiest completions in football, often thrown before the receiver even turns.

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

## How the Hitch Is Run

The receiver bursts off the line as if running deep, then snaps around and sits. Throw on rhythm off a quick drop so the ball arrives as the receiver turns.

Crucible's hitch converts to a go against a pressed or cloud corner (the dotted path, labeled TUFF in the diagram). Stopping in front of a defender who is right there gets you nothing; running past one can.

## What It Beats

- Off coverage with a big cushion.
- Cover 3 and quarters corners retreating to deep zones.
- Paired with a seam, as in Crucible's Hitch concept, it stretches the defender over the top of it.

## Common Questions

### What is a hitch route in football?

A hitch runs upfield, about 6 yards in our diagram, then stops and turns back to you.

## Concepts Built With the Hitch

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

Hitch Seam / Hitch
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![Ohio diagram](https://www.crucibletech.com/playbook/img/football_11v11/concepts/ohio.thumb.webp)

Ohio Option / Hitch

## Related passing concepts

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Hitch Seam / Hitch

Rep Hitch in Crucible
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