What it is

A corner route is a deep route in which the receiver runs up the field for about ten to fifteen yards, then cuts diagonally toward the corner of the end zone.

In a game

The cut takes the receiver away from the middle of the field, behind the cornerback and in front of the safety who is helping deep. The quarterback throws the ball over the top, to the back corner, where only his receiver can reach it.

More detail

The route is number 7 on the route tree. It is the opposite of a post route, which angles toward the goalposts in the middle. It is a favorite near the goal line, because the receiver can catch the ball in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown with one foot in bounds.

The route

The bright circle is the player running the route. The arrow shows his path. Scroll down to watch it as an animation.

Animated diagram

1. The receiver runs up the field for about twelve yards while the quarterback takes a deeper drop.
2. He cuts diagonally toward the corner of the end zone, away from the middle of the field.
3. The quarterback lofts the ball over the cornerback, and the receiver catches it near the sideline.