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of cutting at a sharp 90 degree angle as with the basic out route, a flag route involved a cut that creates a 135 degree angle from the starting point. The name of the route is derived from the orange pylons placed around the end zone. The receiver is supposed to run 8-10 yards and cut out at an angle toward the pylon of their end zone.

4) Post - The opposite of a flag route is a post route. A post route is named so because the receive runs 8-10 yards and cuts in at around 135 degrees and aims his pattern directly for the center of the goal post. When effectively executed, the receiver's cut will throw off the path of the defending player and the receiver will be hit in stride, over the shoulder, and be able to maintain momentum toward the end zone.

5) Fade - A fade rout has some variations, but it is essentially a timing play in which the receiver runs toward the corner of the end zone, of the team is attempting to score, or runs down the sideline. The quarterback lofts the ball up a bit and attempts to allow the receiver to use athletic ability to get to the ball in stride and leap over an unassuming defender. Ideally, the defender will not see know the ball is coming until it is too late to adjust and be able to leap effectively.

6) Curl - A curl route is very similar to the hook but the turn back toward the quarterback is more agressive. The receiver is attempting to come back toward the quarterback as opposed to planting in a spot as with the hook.

7) Drag - A drag route is often run by a tight end or slot receiver who simply drags, or runs underneath the coverage after other receivers have cleared out the defensive backfield by running down the field. After a pause, this route is often open as there is a gap between the defensive line and defensive backfield.

8) Flat or Swing - A flat route or a swing route are passes generally throw to a runningback off to the side of the formation. The flat route is usually a dump off pass when a downfield receiver is not open, whereas a swing is used more as a way to get the ball quickly to the back outside the formation.

9) Screen - A screen pass is very difficult to defend. It is intended to take advantage of an agressive defensive line attempting to get to the quarterback. The quarterback take the snap and drops back while looking downfield. The defensive backs generally retreat with the receivers. The offensive line allows the defensive line to run to the quarterback. At the last second, the quarterback throws the ball to a running back or tight end who is settled behind the offensive line and positioned between the rushing defensive line and the downfield defenders. The purpose is to create an opening where the runner has several blockers with fewer defenders to block because of the freed rushers from the defensive line.

These are many of the more common passing patterns. Again, there are many terms and various movements used by receivers.

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