Running a post route in football can be one of the most effective routes that your players will run. This is the second article following our Fade Route Analysis Here.
In this guide, we talk about what a post route is, how to do it effectively, and when you should use it on the football field.
We also include some tips for receivers who want to do a great job running post routes!
What is a Post Route?
A post route is a running pattern that takes the receiver deep down the middle of the field on an angle toward the middle goal post.
The purpose of this type of play is for the player who runs it to get open deep downfield and test the deep defender’s ability to cover.
It is also hopefully drawing in enough defenders so that other receivers can have room and time to get open in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
There are also many different types of Post Route like the Skinny Post, Quick Post, and more traditional Middle of Field Post.
Which one you have them run depends on a lot of factors like the type of play, field position, and even defensive alignment.
How To Run
Your athletes should first run at full speed straight downfield for 10 yards or 7 steps.
Then they should break on an angle to the middle of the field, getting ready to look back toward the quarterback.
About 3-5 steps after they break inside at the correct angle, have them take a quick peek back to see if the quarterback is throwing the ball and to locate where they need to be to make the catch.
Then continue to sprint to that spot and look back again right before they make the catch.
Defensive backs are waiting for them to look back to know when to knock the ball away from them so the longer they can wait to do this the better.
If the ball is coming to them, they should continue to adjust to the ball so that they can catch it at the highest point or the best position shielding the defender away from the ball.
Try to have them keep themselves between the defender and the ball.
When to Run a Post Route:
A post route is an excellent play when they are facing man coverage and the defender guarding the receiver has backed off, giving them free running room.
Another good time to run this type of route would be when the defense is playing two high safeties because the route will break open between them.
From an outside receiver position, it is also good to run it against a single high safety because they can run it with a skinny break and stay away from the safety in the middle of the field.
Tips On How To Run A Great Post Route
- Find a hole in the defense, don’t be afraid to make your own lane.
- Maintain top speed and keep running hard until you or catch the ball and score.
- Accelerate at full speed straight at your defender trying to step on his toes before you break.
- Break inside the defender and lean into him before going up and catching the ball to get better separation.
- Look straight at the defender, not where you are going – do not give the defensive backs any clues.
Conclusion
Running a post route is an essential play in the game of football.
It stretches the defense and can be used to get open receivers downfield for long gains or touchdowns.
To make sure you’re coaching your athletes to run their post routes effectively, remember these simple tips:
- Run with good technique by staying low and balanced through any contact with defenders.
- When breaking off your route (after you run past the defender), don’t look back continuously because it makes it easier for them to stop you.
- After making the catch, always protect the possession by tucking the ball away so they can’t rip it away from you.
As always, if you have any more suggestions of strategies, please share them in the comments below to help us improve this article.
