What it is

On a curl route the receiver runs about 10 to 12 yards up the field, stops, and turns back toward the quarterback to catch the ball facing him.

In a game

The receiver settles into the open space between defenders, so the route works well against zone coverage and against cornerbacks who play several yards off. The quarterback times the throw to the moment the receiver turns, and the receiver must catch the ball and protect it from the defender.

More detail

A curl and a comeback are close cousins. A comeback is run deeper and ends nearer the sideline, while a curl stays in the middle part of the field and turns toward the quarterback. Offenses often call curls near the first-down marker, because a catch at that depth keeps the drive going.

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 about ten yards up the field. The cornerback backs away to protect against a deep pass.
2. He stops and turns back toward the quarterback. The space in front of the cornerback is now open.
3. The quarterback throws as the receiver turns, and the receiver catches the ball facing the passer.