What it is

A flat route is a very short route in which the receiver or running back runs straight toward the sideline, staying close to the line of scrimmage.

In a game

It is usually the quickest throw on the field. The quarterback gets rid of the ball in about two seconds, and the receiver catches it in open space near the sideline with a chance to turn upfield. Defenders in the flat, the zone near the sideline close to the line, are often the ones this route tests.

More detail

The route is number 1 on the route tree, the shortest and simplest of all. Running backs and tight ends run it most often, and it is a favorite safe outlet when the pass rush is coming. Offenses also pair it with a deeper route on the same side, so one defender has to choose between the two.

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 quarterback takes the snap and the running back runs toward the sideline, staying close to the line of scrimmage.
2. The linebacker has to cover a lot of space, and the quarterback throws right away.
3. The runner catches the ball in open space and can turn upfield.