INTERMEDIATE CONCEPTS

DAGGER

A vertical clear-out paired with a deep dig route, creating a window behind linebackers.

STRENGTH: Cover 3 & Cover 4

Conflict Defender: Hook/Curl defender

FLOOD

A vertical stretch of the sideline with three routes at different depths.

STRENGTH: Cover 3 & Cover 2

Conflict Defender: Flat defender

SAIL

A three-level concept attacking the sideline with routes at different depths.

STRENGTH: Cover 3

Conflict Defender: Flat defender

SCISSORS

Corner/Post combination designed to confuse safeties and create explosive plays

STRENGTH: Cover 2

Conflict Defender: Safeties

SMASH

A high-low concept that combines a short route underneath with a corner route over the top, putting the flat defender in conflict.

STRENGTH: Cover 2 & Cover 6

Conflict Defender:

Corner / Flat Defender

CHINA

Similar to levels, it combines a corner route with double in routes to key the flat defender.

STRENGTH: Cover 2 & Cover 6

Conflict Defender:

Corner / Flat Defender

Chess play diagram with moves, conflict marker, and annotations on an American football field.
Football field defensive and offensive formations diagram with position labels, routes, and coaching notes.
Football play diagram showing routes for players, offensive line positions, and a defense with a safety and cornerback. Key routes include a pass to the right sideline and a run or pass option to the right side.
Football play diagram on a field with positions, routes, and annotations.
Football play diagram on a field with offensive and defensive player positions, routes, and a play called 'Clearout', with annotations and logos.
Football play diagram showing offensive and defensive players on the field, with positions and routes marked, including quarterback, running back, wide receivers, and defensive players.

Y-CROSS

A deep crossing route that stretches the defense horizontally and vertically.

STRENGTH: Cover 3 & Cover 4

Conflict Defender: Linebackers/Safeties

POST WHEEL

A vertical concept that pairs a post route with a wheel route, stretching the defense by attacking both the middle and sideline.

STRENGTH: Cover 3 & Cover 1

Conflict Defender: Free Safety, Corner

DOUBLE POST

A vertical concept featuring two post routes designed to stress the middle of the field and force the safety to choose between deep threats.

STRENGTH: Cover 1 & Cover 3

Conflict Defender: Free Safety, MOF defender

MILLS (POST-DIG)

A vertical stretch combining a post route over the top with a dig route underneath.

STRENGTH: Cover 4 & Cover 3

Conflict Defender: Safety

SHALLOW CROSS

A shallow crossing route that works underneath to create separation and flow. Usually paired with a dig over top with fades and/or a post on the outsides.

STRENGTH: Cover 3 & Cover 4

Conflict Defender: Free Safety, Hook/Curl defender

CIRCUS

Combines a quick out from the inside receiver with a specialized corner route designed to attack the “Turkey Hole”.

STRENGTH:
Cover 2 and Cover 6

Conflict Defender:
Corner / Flat Defender

Football play diagram showing offensive and defensive positions, with routes indicated for players labeled from X, H, and Z on the bottom and side. Arrows depict player movements and passing routes, with a football marked as 'QB' and defensive players labeled across the field.
Football play diagram showing player positions and routes, labeled with abbreviations and symbols on a field with yard markers.
A screenshot of a football play diagram showing various offensive and defensive players with routes and positions marked. The diagram includes labeled circles and diamonds representing players, and arrows indicating movement routes.
American football play diagram on a field. It shows offensive and defensive positions, routes, and movements marked with arrows, with some annotations such as 'ALERT!', 'PRE', and numbered steps.
A detailed football play diagram on a field with play markings, triangles, diamonds, and circles representing players positions and movements.
American football play diagram illustrating offensive and defensive positions on the field, with annotations and an alert message.