5 STEP CROSSING
ROUTES
Will Compton- Offensive Coordinator
Conroe Oak Ridge
wcompton@conroeisd.net
Types of Crossing Routes


Y- Cross- This is a concept based pass. We
primarily have the Cross come from the right
side. We can tag a post on it from either side.
This works very well as a play action pass.
Shallow- This is a concept based pass that we
are looking to throw the shallow or the dig. All
receivers can be tagged to run the shallow. The
dig always happens opposite.
Types of Crossing Routes

Mesh- This is a concept based pass. We
primarily use this concept on the positive side of
the field. In the past we have also tagged this
play with a RB Wheel route. It is a great play to
use VS. Man coverage. This concept takes the
most time to work and execute.
Why use Crossing Routes in your
Scheme?



In the original Air Raid, they used crossing routes to
make up for a lack of speed. They felt that if their 4.8
rec could make a 4.6 defender slow down his reaction
time then they would be on an even playing field.
If you have speed this allows you to get your athletes
moving across the field quickly with a high percentage
pass in the open zones.
Great man beaters.
PLAY ACTION in CROSSING
ROUTES




We can turn almost any pass inside our scheme into a
play action pass.
This allows you to stay inside your concept not
changing your QB reads. It also adds the element of
misdirection.
If we want to fake our RB we tag the play concept with
a “FIRE” or “FLAME
If we want to fake the jet sweep we tag the WR and the
word “FLY”
4-2 RB DUAL READ
BS
C
(MIKE
) LB
W
DE
X
LB
1
SS
3
DE
Y
A
Q
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
LT- MAN
LG- MAN TO MIKE
RT- MAN
RG-MAN
C- MAN TO MIKE
B- DUAL SAM TO EDGE, SKY
QB- Will LB
C
B
Z
4-1 BOX
BS
C
SS
LB
W
DE
X
1
S
3
DE
Y
A
Q
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
LT-MAN
LG-MAN
RT- MAN
RG- MAN
C- MAN
B- SAM LB
QB- WILL LB
C
B
Z
3-2 BOX
BS
C
LB
LB
DE
X
SS
LB
N
Y
Q
LT-MAN
LG-MAN
RT- MAN
RG- MAN
C- MAN
B- SAM LB
QB- WILL LB
C
DE
A
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
LB
B
Z
HOTS & PEEKS




We use a philosophy of Hots & Peeks.
Inside WR and the Right and Left Tackle
identify the Hot.
Once the Hot is identified. The QB can check
the WR to a Hot Route ( Stick, Fast, Out).
If QB does not change route the WR PEEKS at
QB on 1st 5 yards of the Route.
2012 OAK RIDGE FOOTBALL
95 = CROSS
95 = Y-CROSS

CONCEPT:
Go, Cross, Option, Curl,
Swing

Read starts on left if you don’t move Y
The Y-Cross or USOM



USOM = Under the Sam Over the Mike.
We teach that if there is 1 Safety you go under
the Sam over the Mike, cross the field at 12-15
yards.
Versus a 2 Safety look. We teach Under Sam
over Mike split 2 vertical. It turns the Cross
route into a pipe route.
2 0
2 0
BLUE 95
1
1 5
1 5
4
2
M
1 0
1 0
S
5
5
3
Y
X
Z
A
Q
B
5
2 0
2 0
DOUBLES 95
1
1 5
1 5
2
M
1 0
1 0
S
5
5
3
X
4
Y
A
Z
Q
B
5
TRIPS RT. 95
2 0
2 0
1
4
1 5
1 5
2
1 0
1 0
M
5
5
S
4
Y
X
A
3
*** Can also run TRIPS Lt 95
Q
B
Z
Trips Rt. A Fly 85 Z POST
1 5
2 0
2
4
1 5
2 0
1
M
1 0
1 0
5
5
S
X
Y
3
A
Q
B
* A will have Fly
Motion
Z
2012 OAK RIDGE Football
90 = SHALLOW
SHALLOWS = 90

CONCEPT:
Hot , Shallow, Dig, Shoot
Pre-snap Post and Go if “0” cover or grass - Shallow
rules (eyes away from where shallow starts- if
shallow starts on right side , eyes start left ,etc.)
Teaching Point for the Shallow


Shallow- We want our Shallow to be 4-6 yards
away from the tackle. We feel that no matter his
speed he should be able to get across the
formation from this alignment.
Dig- We run our dig at 10 yards. We want our
dig to go through the outside shoulder of the
OSLB. This makes the OSLB open his hips
away from the shallow.
Doubles 90 Y-SHALLOW
2 0
2 0
PRE
1 5
1 5
3
1 0
5
5
1 0
1
2
X
Y
A
Q
B
Z
DART 90 Y SHALLOW
1 5
1 0
1
5
HOT
A
5
1 0
3
1 5
2 0
2 0
PRE
2
Y
X
Z
Q
B
EMPTY Rt. 90 Y SHALLOW
2 0
2 0
PRE
1 5
1 5
2
HOT
5
5
X
1 0
1 0
PRE
1
Y
A
B
Q
Z
3
Doubles 90 A-SHALLOW
2 0
2 0
1 5
1 5
PRE
PRE
5
X
3
1 0
5
1 0
2
1
Y
A
Q
B
Z
PRE
1 0
2
1 0
1 5
PRE
1 5
2 0
2 0
TRIPS LT. 90 Z SHALLOW
M
5
5
1
hot
3
A
X
S
Z
Y
Q
B
1 5
PRE
PRE
1 0
1 0
2
1 5
2 0
2 0
TRIPS RT. 90 X SHALLOW
S
5
5
M
1
3
hot
A
X
Y
Q
B
Z
2012 OAK RIDGE FOOTBALL
92-82 MESH
MESH

CONCEPT:
 High (Corner or Post),
Playside
mesh, Playside back (Swing or
Shoot), Backside mesh,
Backside back (Swing or Shoot)

Read starts on side of most receivers (Y and Z or X and Z)
which also side of “high” route.
Teaching Points for Mesh





Must get reps on this play almost every day.
The WR on the right sets the Mesh at around 6
yards.
Must teach your WR to dip and rip through
traffic.
VS a Man defense continue running through the
mesh and gradually gain ground.
VS. Zone defense Settle & Noose after Mesh.
2 0
1
1 5
1 0
4
1 0
1 5
2 0
BLUE 92
2
5
5
5
Y
X
Z
A
Q
B
3
DOUBLES 92
1 0
1 0
1 5
4
1 5
2 0
2 0
1
2
5
5
5
X
Y
A
Z
Q
B
3
BLUE SQUEEZE 92 Z PST –B WHEEL
2 0
2 0
2
1 0
1 5
1 0
1 5
1
3
4
5
5
5
Y
X
A
Q
B
Z