Short Patterns: Hitch, Quick Out & Slant

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It is best to learn to run all patterns without using a ball in the drill. After the players can run the routes correctly, a quarterback and ball can be added. Because these are patterns which are thrown quickly, the receiver should drive straight up the field, breaking the pattern at the designated depth, immediately turn his head and eyes around to the quarterback, and get his hands in position to make the catch.

When running the "hitch" pattern, the receiver should drive hard for five yards, making the defender think he is going to run deep. He then should plant his outside foot to stop his momentum up the field, instantly turning his body back toward the ball, with his hands chest high ready to receive the pass.

For the "quick out" route, the receiver again drives off the line. At four yards he starts his two 45-degree turns to the outside. Once he has redirected his momentum toward the sideline, he should further adjust his path so that, as he goes out, he is also coming slightly back to the line of scrimmage. It is very important for all wide receivers to expect the 41 quick out" pass to be delivered low, often arriving well below the receiver's waist, necessitating a catch with the little fingers together, forming the receiving cone.

The "slant" pass is different from the other two short-pass routes in that the receiver will continue running up the field after making his break. As he reaches a depth of four yards, the receiver should redirect his path in toward the center of the field at a 45-degree angle. Because he has not had to stop his sprint off the line of scrimmage, he must expect to run at least six yards before receiving the pass. All receivers must be prepared for a collision when running any pass pattern of this type into the center of the fieid where the majority of defensive players are. This makes it all the more important that the receiver instantly put the ball away, protecting it against a possible fumble upon impact.

"Play Football The NFL Way" is the first Instructional Manual for Football Players and Coaches ever published by the NFL. It is the ultimate position-by-position guide of techniques and drills for Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Author Tom Bass is a former NFL coach with more than 20 years of experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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