Pass Defense Route Concepts

Predicting routes through extensive film study and opponent down and distance tendencies allow the Defensive Back the luxury of taking risks where appropriate. With each risk taken is also the possibility of failure. Know when to gamble and when to play dependable coverage. The first step in responsible risk taking (a contradiction in terms if there ever was one) is the recognition of the possible pass routes that can be run in any situation. For example, if the ball is on the opposite hash and #1 to the field is spread wide to the boundary the likelihood of an “out” route is negligible. You must know your opponent’s route combinations and favorite schemes. Start with the basics:

ROUTE DEPTH:

All receiver routes or patterns can be broken into three categories of route depth.  Defensive backs must be aware of and alert to the depth of the receiver’s route throughout the entire duration of the play. It is critical that you have knowledge of various route depths to assist in playing your coverage effectively. The categories are as follows:

1.    LEVEL ONE: Shallow (0 – 7 yard routes)

These routes are 3 step QB drops or quick play action

Examples: screens (jailbreak, bubble, quick), slant, hitch, speed out

2.    LEVEL TWO: Intermediate (7 – 12 yard routes)

These routes are 5 step QB drops, sprint or play action

Examples: out, curl, dig, comeback

3.    LEVEL THREE: Deep (12+ yards and deeper)

Generally, these routes are 5 to 7 step QB drops, sprint, boot, or  

Play-Action

Examples: post, go, corner, wheel

The skills you need to master the recognition of routes and route depths are acquired through repetition and film study. Defensive backs must be drilled thoroughly to foster the acquisition of these skills. Proper (quick) route recognition of the final break point in a route will allow the defensive back to predict the route and react faster to make a play on the ball. Route recognition increases the probability of interceptions for the defensive back. The goal of route recognition is to get to the interception point and make the pick.