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Table of Comparison
| Feature | Post Route | Buttonhook Route |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Receiver runs straight, then angles toward the middle of the field. | Receiver runs forward, then quickly turns back toward the quarterback. |
| Primary Purpose | Attack deep middle zones; exploit safeties. | Create quick separation; short-yardage completions. |
| Route Depth | Medium to deep route (10-20 yards). | Short route (5-10 yards). |
| Ideal Quarterback Timing | Throw when receiver breaks inside. | Throw as receiver turns back. |
| Common Usage | Passing plays targeting middle field deep zones. | Quick passing plays, screen alternatives. |
Introduction to Post and Buttonhook Routes
Post and Buttonhook routes are fundamental passing concepts in football used to create separation from defenders and open passing lanes. The Post route involves the receiver running straight downfield before angling sharply toward the middle of the field, targeting deeper zones behind linebackers and safeties. The Buttonhook route features the receiver sprinting forward, then quickly turning back toward the quarterback, aiming to exploit soft spots in zone coverage at intermediate levels.
Defining the Post Route in Football
The post route in football involves the receiver running straight downfield for 10-15 yards before angling sharply toward the middle of the field, aiming to create separation from defenders. This route challenges safeties deep in coverage, often exploiting the space between cornerbacks and linebackers. Precision timing and a strong quarterback-receiver connection are essential for the post route to effectively open passing lanes in the defense.
Understanding the Buttonhook Route
The buttonhook route is a fundamental quick pass play in football where the receiver runs a short vertical route before abruptly stopping and turning back toward the quarterback to catch the ball. This route relies on precise timing and sharp cuts, creating separation from defenders and enabling high-percentage completions in tight coverage. Mastering the buttonhook route is key for quarterbacks and receivers aiming to exploit seams in zone defenses or win one-on-one matchups.
Key Differences Between Post and Buttonhook
The key differences between Post and Buttonhook maneuvers lie in their routes and applications; Post routes involve a receiver running straight then cutting diagonally towards the center of the field, while Buttonhook routes require the receiver to run straight and then quickly turn back towards the quarterback. Post routes target deeper areas of the field to exploit defensive coverages, often used for gaining significant yardage or touchdowns, whereas Buttonhook routes are shorter, designed to create quick separation and comfortable throwing lanes for the quarterback. Understanding these differences helps quarterbacks and receivers optimize timing and positioning for effective pass completions.
Situational Uses: When to Call a Post vs Buttonhook
A post route is ideal for deep middle-field attacks, exploiting soft spots in zone defenses when the safety bites inside, providing quarterbacks with a reliable target during two-minute drills or third-and-long situations. Buttonhook routes excel in short-yardage scenarios, especially against man coverage, as receivers quickly stop and turn back toward the quarterback to create separation and allow for an easy catch. Understanding when to call a post versus a buttonhook depends on the defensive alignment and game context, with posts stretching the defense vertically and buttonhooks focusing on quick, high-percentage completions.
Techniques for Running Effective Post Routes
Executing effective post routes requires precise footwork and timing to create separation from defenders. Quarterbacks must recognize defensive coverages quickly, delivering accurate throws to the deep middle of the field where the receiver can capitalize on the inside break. Maintaining speed through the break and leveraging subtle head fakes enhances route deception and increases completion probability.
Mastering the Buttonhook: Tips for Receivers
Mastering the buttonhook route requires precise timing and sharp footwork to create separation from defenders. Receivers should plant their outside foot sharply at the break point, turning back quickly toward the quarterback while maintaining eye contact for an accurate catch. Understanding defensive coverage and using subtle hesitations can enhance effectiveness, making the buttonhook a reliable route in short to intermediate passing attacks.
Defensive Strategies Against Post and Buttonhook
Defensive strategies against post routes emphasize tight coverage by safeties and cornerbacks to disrupt timing and prevent deep completions, often utilizing press coverage and zone drops to clog passing lanes. Against buttonhook routes, linebackers and defensive backs prioritize quick reaction and physical proximity at the catch point, employing short zone coverage and man-to-man techniques to limit yards after catch. Combining communication and situational awareness helps defenses anticipate route combinations, enabling effective coverage and minimizing offensive gains.
Famous Plays Utilizing Post and Buttonhook Routes
Famous plays utilizing Post routes include the iconic "Stick Right Post" play popularized by the New England Patriots, leveraging the deep, inside-breaking route to create separation in the secondary. Buttonhook routes gained prominence through the West Coast Offense, with Joe Montana's decisive throw to Jerry Rice often exemplifying the quick, sharp turnaround pattern that confuses defenders and opens short to intermediate passing lanes. Both routes remain integral to NFL playbooks, demonstrating versatility in timing, route precision, and quarterback-receiver synchronization.
Choosing the Right Route: Post or Buttonhook?
Selecting the ideal route between the Post and Buttonhook depends on defensive coverage and quarterback timing. The Post route leverages deep vertical space, attacking the center of the field and exploiting zones like Cover 2 or single-high safeties. The Buttonhook, a quick short route with a sharp turn back to the quarterback, thrives against man coverage and press defenses, offering a reliable check-down option to maintain offensive rhythm.
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