route
Shallow Route
A shallow route, also called a shallow cross or drag, runs across the formation at about 5 yards in Crucible's diagram. It is the underneath route in both Drive and Mesh.
How the Shallow Is Run
The receiver releases inside and crosses just past the line of scrimmage, under the linebackers. Against zone, the receiver sits in the first open hole facing you; against man, the route stays on the move.
What It Beats
- Man coverage, where defenders chasing across the field get caught in traffic.
- Blitzes that vacate the short middle.
- Underneath linebackers, when paired with a deeper in-breaker behind them.
Common Questions
What is a shallow route in football?
A shallow route, also called a shallow cross or drag, runs across the formation at about 5 yards in Crucible's diagram.
