What it is

A wheel route is usually run by a running back, or sometimes a slot receiver. He first runs toward the sideline and then turns upfield, so his path looks like a wheel turning.

In a game

The defender covering him is often a linebacker, and a back who breaks free along the sideline can outrun him. The quarterback has to lead the receiver with the throw, because the receiver is running away from him.

More detail

It works best against man coverage, where a linebacker is assigned to a faster back, and against defenses that rush extra players and leave the sideline open. The first part of the route is often disguised as a route to the flat, which draws the defender toward the sideline before the back turns upfield.

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 running back leaves the backfield and runs toward the sideline, looking like a short route to the flat.
2. The linebacker follows him to the sideline, and the back turns upfield, running past him along the sideline.
3. The quarterback throws ahead of the back, and he catches the ball with only the cornerback and the safety in front of him.