What it is

On an out route the receiver runs straight up the field for about ten yards, then makes a sharp cut toward the nearest sideline.

In a game

The quarterback throws the ball to the receiver’s outside shoulder as he makes the cut, so the catch happens close to the sideline. A receiver who catches the ball there can step out of bounds and stop the clock, which is why teams love this route in the two-minute drill.

More detail

The route is number 5 on the route tree. The throw has to travel across the field to the sideline, so the quarterback needs a strong arm and good timing. A defender who reads the cut early can jump the route and run the ball back for a score, so the receiver sells a fake upfield before the break.

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 straight up the field for about ten yards. The cornerback backs up with him.
2. He plants a foot and cuts sharply toward the sideline.
3. The quarterback throws to the outside shoulder, and the receiver catches the ball next to the sideline.