Download - The Crossing Route Combinations- Over/Under
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
X & H run the “over”Z &Y run the “under”
Z Over
F
4050
YH
X Z
X & H run the “under.”Z & Y run the “over.”
H Over
F
4050
YH
X Z
X & H run the “over”Z &Y run the “under”
Y Over
F
4050
YH
X Z
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
X Over- Second Look
F
4050
YH
X Z
As the QB’s eyes drop from X, Z is working under two potential rubs into the QB’s vision.
X Over- Third Look
F
4050
YH
X Z
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
Z & Y now execute the “follow” route.
Z Over Follow
F
4050
YH
X Z
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
As the QB’s eyes drop from X, Y is working under the defense into the QB’s vision.
X Over Follow- Third Look
F
4050
YH
X Z
Y isn’t available so the QB lifts his eyes and has the Follow moving into his vision.
X Over Follow- Fourth Look
F
4050
YH
X Z
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
By rule, X now is on the high mesh.
1-TD?
42
3
Y Over Follow
F
4050
YH
X Z
By rule Z is now on the high mesh.
1- TD?
2
3
4
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
H & Z sell the mesh then pivot back to the flat.
1-TD?
2
3
4
Nothing changes for the QB.
Z Over Pivot
F
4050
YH
X Z
1- TD?
3
24
X Over Follow Pivot
F
4050
YH
X Z
1- TD?
2
3
4
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
1- TD?
3
24
Late
5
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
1A- TD?
3
24
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
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
F
4050
YH
X Z
The chance for an initial rub is increased.
Because of the clustered formation, the mesh happens quicker.
Wide Squeeze
F
4050
YH
X Z
This formation puts the slot receivers outside of X and Z.
Wide Squeeze Y Over
F
4050
YH
X Z
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
F
4050
Y
H
X
Z
Red Gun Z Over Follow
1- TD?
2
3
4
Again, nothing has to change for the QB progression.
The Cross Concept From An Empty Set
X
H Y
Z
F
5040
Z Over Shoot 1- TD?
Quick
2
3
4
The Cross Concept From An Empty Set
X
H Y
Z
F
5040
Z Over Wheel 1A- TD?
2
3
4
1B- TD?
5 Wide Squeeze- Y Over Wheel
X
H Y
Z
F
5040
1A- TD?1B- TD?
2
3
4
•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 ([email protected])