high school wide receiver routes (1-9)

Question
I have a chance at being one of the starting receivers but this is my first year playing receiver and I don't know what the routes are. Can you tell me what the wide receiver routes (1-9) are please?

Answer
Dear Josh,
The passing tree system is designed so that all even (2,4,6,8) numbered routes are run towards the middle of the field; and all odd (1,3,5,7,9) numbered routes will be run towards the sideline. Not all coaches us the same numbering system or even a numbering system so you will need to check with your coach to find out what he uses. Some coaches (much like me) like to name the play instead of numbering it.

For example, Split right. 100 post. Split right tells the quarterback what formation to use, the 100, tells the linemen how to block the defense, and the word post, tells the quarterback who we want the ball to go too.

There are 3 characteristics a receiver must have. A receiver must demonstrate a strong ability to block the other guy, consistently get opened on pass patterns, and he must be able to prove (time and time again, to all) that he has sure-hands. If you can consistently turn a third-down into a first-down you will be the go to guy on any team.

Let us start with blocking; blocking is nothing more than hard work and never giving up. What you need to do is spend some time in the weight room (during the summer) this will make you stronger.

I would also work on my conditioning and my ability to react to the ball. Playing a lot of handball and basketball will help you developed these skills. Handball and basketball will make you quicker and better conditioned.

Remember when running your patterns, the biggest mistake you can make is to slow down when catching the ball or after making your break. If you slow down before you catch the ball or after your break, you will be giving the defensive back time to catch up with you.

You must run your pattern as fast as you can, while still keeping under control, and let the quarterback lead you. It is up to the quarterback to get you the ball when you are open.


1 - Quick Out. . You run up the field about 5 yards, and then make a sharp cut out towards the sideline.

2 - Slant Route. Take 3 long steps forward then slant at a 45 degrees angled towards the center of the field. This is a timing route, so you will need to work with the quarterback to get the timing down.

3 - Deep Out. You run up the field about 10 yards, and then make a sharp cut out towards the sideline. This is the same pattern as the quick out except deeper.

4 - In/Drag Route. You run up the field and then cut in toward the center of the field at a sharp angle.


5 - Flag Route. You run up the field about 12-15 yards, and then break towards the flag in the back of the end zone.

6 - Curl Route. You run up the field about 12-15 yards, and then curl in towards the quarterback, at a 45 degrees angled. Find the open area of the field if they are playing a zone defense.

7 - Post/Corner. Fake a deep Post, and then run towards the flag in the back of the end zone.

8 - Post Route. You run up the field about 15 yards, and then break at a 45 degrees angled towards the deep middle of the field. This is the same pattern as the slant except deeper.

9 - Go/Streak/Fly Route. You will be running a straight sprint route off the line of scrimmage, as hard and as fast as you can.

The most important skill that a receiver can master is strong desire to catch the ball. A receiver should concentrate on looking the ball into his hands (all the way into his hands).

A receiver must be able to shut everything out of his mind by focusing all his attention on looking the ball into his hands.

A receiver must watch the football until he catches it and puts it away before he starts to run with it. The catch is more vital than the run after.

The last twelve inches of the flight, of the ball, are the most important of all, this is where most receivers take their eyes off the ball and drop it.

Here is a list of drill you can work on. You will need someone to play quarterback-B. All passes will be no longer than 3-5 yards at first. When you get good, at catching the ball, at this distance, move up to 8-10 yards.

1. Have the quarterback throw the ball over your left shoulder (catch the ball with your right hand only) 5-10 passes per-practice.

2. Have the quarterback throw the ball over your right shoulder (catch the ball with your left hand only) 5-10 passes per-practice.  

3. Two handed catch over your right shoulder (5-10 times).

4. Two handed catch over your left shoulder (5-10 times).

Always catch the ball with your hands only (do not trap the ball against your body it will bounce off your shoulder pads. Try this for about a week or two, 20-30 minutes a day. Short passes only. At first you will drop a lot of passes but don't give up. When you are ready, move on to (a little) longer passes.

I hope this information will be of help to you. Remember, take it one step at a time there are no short cuts to being an impact player.


Your friend, Coach Louis