The Post Route: Timing the Break Toward the Middle

Aug 21

2 min read

Updated: 5 hours ago

A post route starts with a vertical threat and then breaks diagonally toward the middle of the field. Its name refers to the general direction of the goalpost. The exact depth and angle depend on the offense and the called variation.

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A post route is a pass pattern in which a receiver pushes vertically, threatens the defender’s cushion and then breaks diagonally toward the middle of the field—traditionally toward the near goalpost.

The route tries to win inside position while the quarterback delivers before central help can close the window.

The setup makes the break work

The receiver first needs a release that lets him threaten upfield. A convincing route stem can make the corner protect a go route or turn outward. The receiver then plants and accelerates diagonally inside.

Announcing the inside break too soon makes the defender's job easier. Adding too much movement can instead make the route late. The quarterback and receiver need a shared landmark so the ball can leave before the opening becomes obvious.

A skinny post stays more vertical after the break. A deeper post may cross more of the field. Neither label supplies a universal yardage or a rule that every receiver must follow.

Find the help defender

Against a single deep safety, the post bends toward a player positioned to defend the middle. Beating the corner does not automatically win the throw. The offense may use play action or another route to influence that safety.

Against two deep safeties, the route can threaten the space between them, but their leverage and underlying coverage still matter. In quarters, a safety may match an inside vertical route or help on the post according to his rules.

The Yankee concept pairs a deep post with an over route to make those help decisions difficult. The receiver running the post may become the target or create room for the crossing route.

Post, slant and dig

A slant breaks inside quickly. A dig turns more squarely across the field. A post continues gaining depth on a diagonal. A post corner adds another break back outside after showing the post.

On replay, locate the receiver's break and the nearest safety at the same moment. Then notice when the quarterback released the ball. A post often succeeds because the throw anticipated a brief window; a late throw can bring a helper back into a matchup the receiver appeared to win.