The route tree is a numbered system of routes that come from the same release. Hitch, out, slant, post, corner, fly. At 11-12, focus on three: hitch, out, slant. All three start with the same first three steps. Defense can’t tell which is coming until the break.
What you need: A football, cones, two players (QB + receiver).
Setup: Receiver at the line. Cone 5 yards downfield (the break point). QB 5 yards behind.
How to run it:
- QB calls the route before the snap (1 = hitch, 2 = out, 3 = slant).
- Receiver releases off the line with the same first three steps every time. Drive hard upfield.
- At step 3 (the cone), receiver makes the route-specific move:
- Hitch: stop, turn back to QB.
- Out: plant, break toward sideline.
- Slant: plant, break toward middle at 45 degrees.
- QB throws to the spot. Receiver catches and tucks.
- Do 9 reps total (3 of each route).
What to watch: Are the first three steps identical for all three routes? If the receiver tips off the route by changing the release, the defense reads it. Same release, different break.
If they’re struggling: Drop the throw. Walk through each route 3 times until the footwork is grooved.
If they’ve got it: Add a defender. The receiver has to sell the route and beat coverage.