The “receiver route tree” comprises fundamental patterns that wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs must learn. These routes form the foundation of most passing plays, enabling receivers to get open and create scoring opportunities.
As players master these standard routes, they are often introduced to subtle variations designed to exploit defensive weaknesses. One such variation is the Skinny Post route, a slight modification of the traditional Post route.
Coaches often incorporate the Skinny Post to capitalize on defensive vulnerabilities and create opportunities for significant yardage. This route can help receivers confuse defenders and find open spaces on the field.
Let’s explore the Skinny Post route, how it differs from the standard Post route, and why teams use it.
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What Is a Skinny Post Route?
A Skinny Post route is a variation of the Post route, featuring a shallower angle toward the middle of the field.
Here’s how it works:
- The receiver sprints straight downfield for a specific distance.
- Instead of making a sharp 45-degree cut toward the middle of the field (as in a standard Post), the receiver angles at about 20 to 25 degrees while continuing downfield.
The result is a deep passing route designed to get the receiver open “over the top” of the defense but with a trajectory that keeps him closer to the sideline than a traditional Post route.
The Skinny Post vs. Regular Post Route
The key distinction between the Skinny Post and the standard Post lies in the angle of the cut:
- Regular Post Route: The receiver breaks at approximately a 45-degree angle toward the center of the field.
- Skinny Post Route: The receiver takes a shallower 20- to 25-degree angle, staying closer to the sideline.
This adjustment creates new possibilities for offensive plays, providing unique advantages in certain situations.
Why Use the Skinny Post Route?
Avoiding the Opposing Safety
- A significant advantage of the Skinny Post is helping the receiver steer clear of safeties.
- On a regular Post, the sharp angle puts the receiver near the free or strong safety, especially in zone coverage.
- The Skinny Post’s shallower angle forces safeties to cover more ground horizontally, reducing their ability to provide timely help.
Maximizing the Sideline
- By staying closer to the sideline, the Skinny Post allows the receiver to catch the ball in stride and use the boundary to his advantage.
- This positioning often places him out of reach of defenders, enabling additional yardage after the catch.
Confusing the Defense
- Defenders must guess whether the receiver runs a straight Go route, a regular Post, or something in between.
- The Skinny Post keeps defenders on their toes, creating opportunities to exploit coverage breakdowns.
The Skinny Post route is a strategic tool in a receiver’s arsenal. Combining the elements of a Go route and a Post offers an effective way to avoid safeties, take advantage of sideline space, and keep defenses guessing.
When executed correctly, the Skinny Post can lead to explosive plays and significant gains for the offense. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, understanding this route provides deeper insight into the strategies behind the game.
Where to Run the Skinny Post Route
Traditionally, Post routes are run from the outside receiver positions. This is because the sharp 45-degree angle of a regular Post requires ample field space to execute correctly.
If a regular post is run from an inside receiver, the receiver risks running out of room on the field and getting too close to the sideline before completing the pass. Read Also: What is a PBU in Football?
However, the Skinny Post’s shallower angle makes it more versatile. Teams can effectively run it from any receiver position, whether inside or outside.
How to Run the Skinny Post Route
The mechanics of the Skinny Post are similar to those of the regular Post route, with a few key differences:
Start with a Straight Sprint
- At the snap, the receiver should sprint directly downfield.
Make the Cut After 10-15 Yards
- Once the receiver has covered 10 to 15 yards, they take a shallow angle (20-25 degrees) toward the middle of the field.
Execute a Precise Cut
- They need to plant their outside foot and apply pressure.
- Unlike cutting at the sharp angle of a regular post, the skinny post requires only a slight push off the outside foot due to its shallower trajectory.
Maintain Full Sprint
- The Skinny Post is a deep passing route designed for the quarterback to hit the receiver in stride for a long completion.
- The receiver must sprint at full speed throughout the route to create separation and time the pass correctly.
Why Use the Skinny Post?
The Skinny Post offers advantages over the regular Post route:
- Avoiding the Safety: The shallower angle reduces the likelihood of the receiver running into safety coverage.
- Versatility: The route can be run from any receiver position on the field, providing flexibility in play design.
Conclusion
The Skinny Post is a valuable variation of the traditional Post route. Its shallower cut makes it adaptable to any receiver position.
This versatility allows teams to integrate it into various offensive formations while minimizing the risk of safety coverage. Once your players master the basics of the route tree, introducing the nuances of the Skinny Post can add another effective tool to your playbook.
