How to Run a Deep Out Route in Football (Three-3 Route)

How to Run a Deep Out Route in Football (Three-3 Route)

Here are the steps to performing an out route:

This route is run just like a basic out route accept you’re going to run 10 yards up field instead of 5 yards.

1. Wide receivers and/or tight ends run about 10 yards and get the defensive back in his back pedal.
2. Then you’re going to stop the route. You can either give an inside jab step or a shank move (fake inside) and then go to the outside or cut the route off without any fakes and head towards the sideline. Unless you’re uncovered or there’s little time remaining on the clock, I’d suggest a jab step to take the defender off balance and so you can establish separation.
3. Next, open your body up, looking back towards the quarterback, keeping the defensive back on the inside. The quarterback should be able to deliver the pass to the outside.
4. When you catch the ball on the out route, you have to catch it, tuck it, turn and try to get up field as quick as possible if time is not a factor. Otherwise, run quickly towards the sidelines to stop the clock.

A lot of times you'll see the defensive back try to jump the route (bait the receiver with space then try to intercept the pass) but if you can catch the football, secure it and head up field quickly, you’re going to have a defender in your dust, just where you want him and that makes for a very effective out route.

What I personally like about this route is that it usually opens your opportunity for bigger yardage in comparison to the standard out route, because if ran deep enough, you are further away from the defensive line and secondary that could usual make your run for extra yardage more challenging. Study and practice this route diligently and you’re sure to see great results.

To learn more about the deep out route and other basic routes in the route passing tree, click here