The Flag Football Route Tree: A Visual Guide to Every Route

Understanding the Flag Football Route Tree

The route tree is the foundation of every passing game. It is a numbered system of routes that receivers learn so they can communicate quickly with the quarterback. In flag football, where the passing game is the primary offensive weapon, mastering the route tree is not optional—it is essential.

The Nine Standard Routes

The traditional route tree consists of nine routes, numbered 0 through 8 (some systems use 1 through 9). Here is what each route looks like:

1. 0 – Hitch (or Curl) – The receiver runs straight upfield 5 to 8 yards and turns back toward the quarterback. This is a timing route—the ball should arrive as the receiver turns.
2. 1 – Flat – The receiver takes a few steps forward then breaks sharply toward the sideline at a 90-degree angle. This is a short, quick route used to stretch the defense horizontally.
3. 2 – Slant – The receiver takes two to three steps upfield and then cuts diagonally across the middle of the field. The slant is one of the highest-percentage routes in flag football.
4. 3 – Comeback – The receiver drives upfield 12 to 15 yards, plants hard, and comes back toward the sideline at a 45-degree angle. This requires arm strength from the QB and discipline from the receiver.
5. 4 – Out – The receiver runs 10 to 12 yards upfield and cuts sharply toward the sideline at 90 degrees. A staple of the intermediate passing game.
6. 5 – In (or Dig) – The receiver runs 10 to 12 yards upfield and cuts sharply across the middle of the field. This is the mirror of the out route and often produces big gains against zone coverage.
7. 6 – Corner – The receiver stems upfield 10 to 12 yards and breaks at a 45-degree angle toward the corner of the end zone. A primary red zone route.
8. 7 – Post – The receiver runs 10 to 12 yards and angles toward the goalpost (the center of the field). Posts attack the deep middle and test the safety.
9. 8 – Go (or Fly) – The receiver runs straight downfield at full speed. Simple in concept but requires the fastest player on your roster and a QB with a strong arm.

Stem Technique

The stem is the initial portion of the route where the receiver runs straight upfield before making a break. Great receivers use their stem to set up defenders—running at the defender's inside shoulder before breaking outside, or vice versa. In flag football, where there is no press coverage at the line, receivers have more space to manipulate defenders with their stems.

Teaching Routes to Your Team

Start with three routes: the hitch, the slant, and the out. These are the highest-percentage routes and the easiest to execute. Once your receivers can run these three with proper depth and timing, add the in, corner, and go. Save the post and comeback for your more advanced players—these routes require precise timing and are easier to defend if run poorly.

Pairing Routes Together

Routes are most effective when they work in combination. A slant paired with a flat on the same side creates a high-low read for the QB. A post paired with a corner creates a deep stretch that forces the safety to choose. Teaching your receivers how routes interact with each other elevates your passing game from individual talent to schematic advantage.