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Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Post Route | Endzone Fade |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Deep pass route toward the middle of the field. | High-arcing pass to the corner of the endzone. |
| Primary Use | Stretch defense vertically and create separation. | Target tall receivers in jump ball situations near endzone. |
| Route Path | Diagonal route running 10-20 yards toward center. | Vertical route ending at endzone corner. |
| Ideal Receiver | Fast, agile receivers with strong catching ability. | Tall receivers with strong leaping and body control. |
| Defensive Challenge | Requires safety coverage over the top. | Cornerback must contest high catch near sideline. |
| Common Usage | Mid to long-yardage passing situations. | Red zone scoring opportunities. |
| Risk Factor | Interception risk if underthrown or defender reads route. | Ball placement critical to avoid pass interference. |
Understanding the Post Route and Endzone Fade
The post route targets the deep middle of the field, requiring precise timing and speed as the receiver cuts at a 45-degree angle toward the goalposts to outmaneuver defenders. The endzone fade emphasizes a high-arching throw to a receiver positioned at the corner of the endzone, relying on vertical separation and the receiver's ability to outjump defenders for a contested catch. Understanding these routes involves recognizing how the post exploits soft safety zones while the fade challenges defenders with a jump-ball scenario, making each route essential for varied red zone passing strategies.
Key Differences Between Post Route and Endzone Fade
The post route targets the middle of the field, typically running 10-20 yards downfield and sharply angling toward the goalposts, exploiting deep seam coverage weaknesses. In contrast, the endzone fade is a fade route run toward the corner of the endzone, relying on precise timing and cornerback matchup to create separation in tight spaces. The post route emphasizes vertical seam attacks and intermediate range, while the endzone fade focuses on jump-ball situations and contested catches near the goal line.
Situational Effectiveness: When to Use Each Route
Post routes excel in medium to deep passing situations where tight coverage demands sharp, inside breaks, making them ideal for exploiting zone defenses and creating separation in the middle of the field. Endzone fade routes maximize red zone scoring opportunities by leveraging a receiver's height and leaping ability against cornerback coverage, often optimal in one-on-one matchups near the goal line. Choosing between these routes hinges on defensive alignment, field position, and receiver skill set, with post routes thriving in open-field scenarios and fade routes shining in confined, vertical target zones.
Route Concepts: Design and Execution
The Post route and Endzone fade differ in route concepts, focusing on timing and spatial exploitation in the passing game. The Post route is designed to exploit deep middle zones, requiring precise quarterback anticipation and receiver ability to break inside towards the goalposts. Endzone fade emphasizes vertical speed and high-point catches along the sideline, demanding tight coverage and perfect throw placement to create separation and scoring opportunities.
Player Skillsets Suited for Each Route
Post routes favor receivers with precise route-running skills, strong body control, and the ability to adjust quickly to deep throws, typically suited for taller players with reliable hands and top-end speed. Endzone fades require receivers to excel in high-pointing the football, possess strong leaping ability, and demonstrate physicality against defenders, often benefiting taller athletes with vertical catching skills and strong concentration. Quarterbacks must also have the arm strength and touch needed for each route, making synergy between player skillsets and route type crucial for successful execution.
Defensive Coverages and How They Affect Route Choice
Post routes exploit deep middle zones in Cover 2 and Cover 3 defenses, targeting seams between safeties and linebackers, forcing defenders to make difficult coverage decisions. Endzone fades thrive against man-to-man coverage, especially with cornerbacks playing tight, as the receiver's vertical route challenges defenders' ability to match height and timing at the sideline. Choosing between post and endzone fade routes depends on the defensive scheme's vulnerability--soft middle zones favor post routes, while tight man coverage near the goal line amplifies the effectiveness of fade routes.
Timing and Quarterback Decision-Making
The Post route demands precise timing as the receiver breaks toward the middle of the field, requiring the quarterback to anticipate the break and deliver the ball before defenders converge. Conversely, the Endzone fade depends on the quarterback's ability to gauge the receiver's positioning near the boundary, often relying on a high-arcing throw to exploit mismatches or physical advantages. Quarterback decision-making hinges on reading defensive coverage pre-snap and during the route, balancing anticipation and accuracy to optimize each play's effectiveness.
Red Zone Strategies: Maximizing Touchdown Opportunities
The Post Route targets the deep middle of the field, creating high-reward touchdown opportunities by exploiting tight coverage often seen in red zone defenses. The Endzone Fade uses a vertical leap advantage to secure contested catches near the goal line, forcing defenders into one-on-one coverage. Combining these routes in red zone strategies maximizes scoring potential by challenging defenders across multiple vertical levels and increasing quarterback read progression efficiency.
Common Mistakes in Running Both Routes
Common mistakes in running post routes include breaking too early or failing to sell the initial outside release, which reduces separation from defenders. Endzone fade errors often stem from poor timing between the quarterback and receiver and incorrect body positioning that prevents securing contested catches. Proper footwork and consistent eye tracking are critical to executing both routes effectively and avoiding defensive interceptions.
NFL Examples: Post Route vs Endzone Fade in Action
The post route and endzone fade are key NFL passing strategies with distinct patterns; the post route involves a receiver running 10-20 yards before cutting sharply towards the middle of the field, while the endzone fade requires a vertical sprint along the sideline aiming for a high throw near the goalpost. Notable NFL examples include Patrick Mahomes connecting with Tyreek Hill on precision post routes exemplified in Kansas City Chiefs' offensive schemes, contrasting with Tom Brady's famous endzone fade throws targeting Rob Gronkowski during clutch moments. Successful execution depends on quarterback timing, receiver speed, and defensive coverage, making the post route effective for creating separation in intermediate zones and the endzone fade ideal for contested catches near the pylon.
Post route Infographic
