Running the Shallow Cross

The receiver can have patience with this route, often he will be running this under some other player.

1. With outside foot back, take a hard upfield step. If being pressed, be physical, use your hands and make a release move.
2. Come underneath any other player. Your aiming point is the heels of the defensive linemen, gaining ground to 5-6 yards.
3. Sprint at least to a spot past the opposite offensive tackle (If you are a hot route and you see all the linebackers flying up then you might need to get your head around... don't run into the referee).
4. Look for the best "grass." If you see a man waiting for you outside, settle and find the QB's eyes. If you see open grass in front of you, sprint to it and get your head around to the QB. 5-6 yards is plenty of depth.
5. If you reach the numbers and have no gotten the ball and
a) The QB is in the pocket - Come back to him
b) The QB is scrambling to your side - Wheel up the sideline
c) QB is scrambling away - Find a way to catch up and get in his line of vision.