10_125366 ch05.qxp
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Chapter 5: The Passing Game Square-out: The receiver on this pattern runs 10 yards down the field and then cuts sharply toward the sideline, parallel to the line of scrimmage. The square-out is also a timing play because the quarterback must deliver the pass before the receiver reaches the sideline and steps out of bounds. The quarterback must really fire this pass, which is why commentators sometimes refer to it as a bullet throw. The route works against both man-to-man and zone coverage. The receiver must roll his shoulder toward the inside before cutting toward the sideline. The quarterback throws the pass, leading the receiver toward the sideline. Streak (or Fly): This is a 20- to 40-yard pass, generally to a receiver on the quarterback’s throwing side: right if he’s right-handed and left if he’s left-handed. The receiver, who’s aligned wide and near the sidelines, runs as fast as he can down the sideline, hoping to lose the defensive man in the process. This pass must be thrown accurately because both players tend to be running as fast as they can, and often the cornerback is as fast as the receiver. This play is designed to loosen up the defense, making them believe that the quarterback and the receiver have the ability to throw deep whenever they want to. Moving a defense back or away from the line of scrimmage allows the offense an opportunity to complete shorter passes or run plays. To complete this pass, the quarterback makes sure that a safety isn’t playing deep to that side of the field. Otherwise, with the ball in the air for a long time, a free safety can angle over and intercept the pass. When the quarterback sees this, he must throw to another receiver elsewhere on the field. Swing: This is a simple throw to a running back who runs out of the backfield toward the sideline. The pass generally is thrown when the running back turns and heads upfield. This is usually a touch pass, meaning that the quarterback doesn’t necessarily throw it as hard as he does a deep square-out. He wants to be able to float it over a linebacker and make it easy for the running back to catch. The area in which the back is running is known as the flat because it’s 15 yards outside the hash marks, and close to where the numbers on the field are placed. The receiver’s momentum most likely will take him out of bounds after he catches the ball unless he’s able to avoid the first few tacklers he faces. Figure 5-3 shows the many pass patterns and how they funnel off what’s called a passing tree. The tree is numbered: 4 is a square-out; 5 is a slant; 6 is a curl or a hook; 7 is a post; 8 is a streak or fly; and 9 is a corner route. When calling a pass play, these numbers (which can vary by team) refer to the specific pass route (pattern) called by the quarterback.
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