| When properly executed, receiver crossing routes | | | | line full speed for the predetermined yards before |
| are some of the most effective and exciting | | | | making your cut. Give the head or shoulder fake |
| passing routes in football. | | | | and or stutter step, then break to the inside |
| Crossing routes are run at shallow angles from | | | | crossing route. This provides the necessary step |
| one side of the field to the other. Usually run by | | | | to separate from the defender. |
| wide receivers, there are variations that involve | | | | As the two receivers go towards the middle of |
| tight ends and wide outs. | | | | the field, it allows one receiver to interfere with |
| Effective against zone defenses, these routes are | | | | his teammate's defender. As free receiver comes |
| particularly effective in attacking man to man | | | | into the quarterback's vision he can catch a timing |
| defense. They are designed to take the defender | | | | pass in space on a full run gaining more yards. |
| out of position, getting the receiver open. | | | | The two receivers should be looking at each |
| The focus of this article will be wide receiver | | | | other while they are running towards the middle |
| crossing routes against man to man defense. | | | | of the field preparing to cross routes. |
| Crossing routes bring an important versatility to | | | | Running full speed as they prepare to cross, one |
| the game. They can be run as short, medium or | | | | under the other is designed to cause problems for |
| long passing routes. Suitable for 2nd and short | | | | the defenders. Making them slow down or running |
| passing plays to going for 6. Receiver's crossing | | | | into each other freeing up both receivers. Some |
| routes need to be part of the offensive schemes. | | | | times the routes reward the offense with pass |
| Successfully attacking defenses using receivers | | | | interference on the defense, giving the offense a |
| crossing routes comes down to timing between | | | | free play. |
| the Quarterback and the receivers. | | | | Quarterbacks, timing is everything for effective |
| First, before the play is run, establish which | | | | crossing route plays. Stay focused on where the |
| receiver crosses in front and which crosses | | | | receiver's routes cross. Look for which receiver |
| behind. This helps the quarterback's timing, | | | | breaks free of the defender or if both receivers |
| knowing who is going to be where and eliminates | | | | break free. Decide which receiver is the target |
| the kind of confusion between the receivers that | | | | and make the throw, do not hesitate or second |
| can blow up the play. | | | | guess. The advantage is the defenders might run |
| Depending whether the crossing route is short, | | | | into each other, slow down or be called for pass |
| medium or long receivers need to explode off the | | | | interference. |
