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Table of Comparison
| Feature | Out Route | Wheel Route |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Receiver runs straight, then cuts sharply toward the sideline. | Receiver runs a short route before turning upfield along the sideline. |
| Primary Area | Sideline, 10-15 yards from the line of scrimmage. | Sideline, typically right outside linebacker coverage. |
| Purpose | Create separation with a quick, sharp break to catch short passes. | Stretch defense vertically and horizontally for big gains. |
| Common Usage | Short to intermediate passing, third-down conversions. | Screen passes, wheel routes to running backs or receivers. |
| Defensive Coverage Challenged | Man coverage, especially press or bump coverage. | Linebackers and zone defenders tracking sideline routes. |
| Advantages | Easy timing, quick separation, reliable for quick completions. | Creates mismatches, exploits slower linebackers, potential for large gains. |
| Disadvantages | Vulnerable to well-timed defensive anticipation and mixing zones. | Requires precise timing and speed; risk if defenders anticipate route. |
Understanding the Out Route: Fundamentals and Execution
The Out Route is a fundamental passing route in football where the receiver runs straight downfield before abruptly cutting towards the sideline, creating separation from defenders. Effective execution hinges on precise timing between the quarterback and receiver, sharp footwork, and reading defensive coverage to exploit open spaces on the field. Mastering the Out Route enhances a team's passing attack by enabling quick, high-percentage throws along the boundary, increasing yardage after catch opportunities.
What Is a Wheel Route? Key Characteristics Explained
A wheel route is a pass pattern in American football where the receiver begins running vertically downfield before curving outward toward the sideline, resembling the shape of a wheel. Key characteristics include its ability to create separation by exploiting the defense's zone coverage, combining speed and timing to confuse linebackers and defensive backs. This route is effective for gaining yardage on the perimeter and is commonly used in combination with flat or curl routes to create mismatches.
Route Mechanics: Out Route vs Wheel Route Differences
Out route and wheel route differ primarily in their route mechanics and intended defensive reaction. The out route involves a sharp, quick cut toward the sideline at a defined depth, designed to create separation by using crisp footwork and timing against press coverage. The wheel route combines a short initial route--commonly a flat or hook--immediately transitioning into a vertical or diagonal wheel motion upfield, challenging defenders with its change of direction and ability to exploit zone coverages or man coverage mismatches.
Strategic Uses: When to Choose an Out Route
An out route is strategically ideal for short-yardage situations or quick sideline gains, maximizing separation by cutting sharply away from coverage. This route exploits defensive alignments focused on inside containment, creating reliable targets for high-percentage passes. Teams often choose an out route when timing and precision are crucial to avoid sacks and maintain offensive rhythm.
Situational Advantages of the Wheel Route
Wheel routes offer situational advantages in creating confusion for defenders by involving multiple receivers running circular or overlapping patterns around the field, which maximizes route combinations and mismatches. This routing strategy excels in short to intermediate passing zones, enabling quarterbacks to exploit soft spots in zone coverage with quick reads. Teams benefit from increased timing synchronization and spacing, which stretches defensive coverage horizontally and vertically, enhancing offensive versatility.
Defensive Coverage: Beating Zones and Man with Each Route
Out routes provide sharp, quick cuts that effectively exploit soft spots in zone coverage and create separation against man-to-man defenders by forcing them to turn their hips rapidly. Wheel routes combine a vertical threat with lateral movement, allowing receivers to attack deeper zones and challenge linebackers or slower defenders in man coverage by capitalizing on their angles and speed. Using out routes to beat shallow zones and wheel routes to stretch coverage vertically creates strategic advantages against varied defensive schemes.
Quarterback Reads: Out Route vs Wheel Route Decision-Making
Quarterback decision-making between out routes and wheel routes hinges on reading defensive alignment and coverage tendencies. The out route typically targets a quick, horizontal throw against zone coverage, exploiting soft spots near the sidelines, while the wheel route demands patience and recognition of linebacker drops or man coverage breakdowns to capitalize on vertical space along the sideline. Effective reads involve identifying linebacker positioning and defensive backs' depth, enabling the quarterback to determine if the out route provides a safer, timely completion or if the wheel route offers a higher-reward yardage play downfield.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them on Both Routes
Common mistakes in Out routes include over-committing to the sideline, which reduces the receiver's ability to adjust to the quarterback's throw, and failing to maintain proper speed through the break, causing timing disruptions. In Wheel routes, runners often misjudge the depth, leading to premature cuts or getting trapped by defenders in the flat. Avoid these errors by practicing precise route depth and maintaining consistent pace, while ensuring clear communication between quarterback and receiver on progression timing and coverage recognition.
Integrating Out and Wheel Routes Into Offensive Schemes
Integrating out and wheel routes into offensive schemes enhances passing diversity by creating intermediate and deep options that stress defensive coverages. Out routes provide quick, sharp breaks toward the sideline ideal for timing-based plays and third-down conversions, while wheel routes leverage running backs or slot receivers running vertical flats turning upfield to exploit mismatches in zone defenses. Combining these routes in combination concepts forces defenders to choose between covering short stops or deep threats, increasing the quarterback's ability to read coverage and find open receivers efficiently.
NFL Examples: Successful Out and Wheel Route Plays
The Out route and Wheel route are pivotal in NFL passing strategies, with the Out route involving a sharp, 90-degree turn towards the sideline, often used for quick, reliable completions as showcased by players like Larry Fitzgerald. The Wheel route features a receiver running vertically then curving upfield along the sideline, creating mismatches and big-play opportunities, famously executed by Steve Smith Sr. Peyton Manning frequently exploited the Out route to convert third downs, while coaches like Ron Rivera used the Wheel route to maximize yards after catch.
Out route Infographic
