The Crossing Route Combinations- Over/Under

transcript

Simplified Cross (Over & Under)

Tim Sparacino

July 2008

Cross Rules

• The Cross concept locks receivers into an “over” or “under” combination.

Cross Rules- Over

• One of the receivers is tagged to go “over”- 7-step Skinny Post

• The other receiver on that side also goes “over” by running the “high mesh”

• The backside runs an “under” combination which for us is: #1 Shallow (low mesh), #2 Dig/In

• F- Protect, Check Down, Swing, or Shoot to either side depending on situation, coaches preference, defense, etc.

Cross Rules- Over

• After learning these simple rules, tags can be added that will allow for any receiver to be sent on the Post, Dig, Hi Mesh, or Low Mesh.

• The QB progression will be detailed later but it is important to know that it remains consistent regardless of any additional receiver tags.

X Over

X & H run the “over”Z &Y run the “under”

Z Over

X & H run the “under.”Z & Y run the “over.”

H Over

X & H run the “over”Z &Y run the “under”

Y Over

X & H run the “under.”Z & Y run the “over.”

QB Progression Specifics

QB Progression

• The multiplicity of this concept allows the QB to concentrate on one progression regardless of the combination of routes that are employed.

• His progression will always be- look at the “over”, scan from call side flat, to dig, to backside flat.

X Over- First Look

X Over- Second Look

As the QB’s eyes drop from X, Z is working under two potential rubs into the QB’s vision.

X Over- Third Look

Z isn’t available so the QB lifts his eyes, scans across the field and has the Dig/In moving into his vision.

X Over- Fourth Look

As the QB finishes his progression his fourth option is moving toward the sideline helping to reduce the threat of a late interception.

Tagging the “Follow” Backside

• The backside combination can simply be changed to a “follow” route.

• This gives you #2 on the low mesh and #1 on the Dig/In.

• Again, note that receivers simply know how to apply the concept rules and the QB progression remains consistent.

“Follow”

• Follow for us means that #2 runs the shallow cross while #1 runs the dig.

X Over Follow

Z & Y now execute the “follow” route.

Z Over Follow

X & H now execute the “follow” route.

QB Progression Specifics

“Follow” Tag

Nothing changes for the QB except the receivers on each route.

X Over Follow

QB is “alert” for the big play but knows that the coach wants to work from short to deep with the “follow” combination.

X Over Follow- Second Look

As the QB’s eyes drop from X, Y is working under the defense into the QB’s vision.

X Over Follow- Third Look

Y isn’t available so the QB lifts his eyes and has the Follow moving into his vision.

X Over Follow- Fourth Look

As the QB finishes his progression his fourth option is moving toward the sideline helping to reduce the threat of an interception.

Multiplicity

Sending Other Receivers To The Post

• By tagging #2 with the “over,” a coach has simply changed which receiver goes to the post.

• Receiver rules do not change.

• QB progression does not change.

H Over Follow

By rule, X now is on the high mesh.

Y Over Follow

By rule Z is now on the high mesh.

1- TD?

Adding the Pivot Tag

• “Pivot” tells the receivers that would normally be on the shallow cross to sell the drag route then pivot back to the flat.

• Again, nothing changes for the QB except who is on each route.

X Over Pivot

H & Z sell the mesh then pivot back to the flat.

Nothing changes for the QB.

Z Over Pivot

1- TD?

X Over Follow Pivot

1- TD?

Again, nothing changes for the QB’s progression.

Releasing F

• A coach can release F toward the Post pattern to give the QB a quick option vs. pressure and/or help clear out the area for the low mesh.

Z Over Follow With Free Release

Releasing F Backside

• Check releasing F to the backside would give the QB another safe option late in the progression.

Z Over Follow With Check Release

1- TD?

Releasing F For The Big Play

• The coach can take a shot at the big play with F without major adjustments to the QB progression.

• By sending F on a wheel route, the coach as given the QB another big play option in his initial field of vision.

Z Over Follow With F On A Wheel Route

1A- TD?

1B- TD?

Formation Variations

Clustered Formations

• The immediate advantage of clustered formations is that you accentuate the potential for natural rubs to occur.

• The “mesh” happens quicker.

• You may also force the defense into a coverage or match-up that you want.

The “Squeeze” Formation

Nothing has changed for the receivers or the QB but the compressed formation helps you dictate coverage, speeds up the “mesh,” and/or increases the potential for natural rubs to occur.

Squeeze Z Over

The chance for an initial rub is increased.

Because of the clustered formation, the mesh happens quicker.

Wide Squeeze

This formation puts the slot receivers outside of X and Z.

Wide Squeeze Y Over

Now H can work off of another rub. Because of the

clustered formation, the mesh happens quicker.

Y is now on the Post.

Other Formation Variations

• Because of the multiplicity of this concept, a coach can use a variety of formations to create advantages and dictate the match-up he desires.

Getting H Under From the Backfield

Red Gun Z Over Follow

1- TD?

Again, nothing has to change for the QB progression.

The Cross Concept From An Empty Set

Z Over Shoot 1- TD?

The Cross Concept From An Empty Set

Z Over Wheel 1A- TD?

1B- TD?

5 Wide Squeeze- Y Over Wheel

1A- TD?1B- TD?

•F has two potential rubs for the wheel route.

•Y is now on the post.

•H has the benefit of another rub.

Conclusion

• I hope that this helps in some way.

• If you have more questions feel free to contact me.

• Tim Sparacino (tim.sparacino@gmail.com)

The Crossing Route Combinations- Over/Under

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