Simplified Cross (Over & Under)
Tim Sparacino
July 2008
Cross Rules
• The Cross concept locks receivers into an
“over” or “under” combination.
Cross Rules- Over
• One of the receivers is tagged to go “over”- 7-step
Skinny Post
• The other receiver on that side also goes “over” by
running the “high mesh”
• The backside runs an “under” combination which
for us is: #1 Shallow (low mesh), #2 Dig/In
• F- Protect, Check Down, Swing, or Shoot to either
side depending on situation, coaches preference,
defense, etc.
Cross Rules- Over
• After learning these simple rules, tags can
be added that will allow for any receiver to
be sent on the Post, Dig, Hi Mesh, or Low
Mesh.
• The QB progression will be detailed later
but it is important to know that it remains
consistent regardless of any additional
receiver tags.
X Over
40
50
X Z
H Y
X & H run the “over” F
Z &Y run the “under”
Z Over
40
50
X Z
H Y
F
X & H run the “under.”
Z & Y run the “over.”
H Over
40
50
X Z
H Y
X & H run the “over” F
Z &Y run the “under”
Y Over
40
50
X Z
H Y
F
X & H run the “under.”
Z & Y run the “over.”
QB Progression Specifics
QB Progression
• The multiplicity of this concept allows the
QB to concentrate on one progression
regardless of the combination of routes that
are employed.
• His progression will always be- look at the
“over”, scan from call side flat, to dig, to
backside flat.
X Over- First Look
40
50
X Z
H Y
F
X Over- Second Look
40
As the QB’s eyes drop from X, Z is
working under two potential rubs into the
QB’s vision.
50
X Z
H Y
F
X Over- Third Look
40
50
X Z
H Y
Z isn’t available so the QB
lifts his eyes, scans across the F
field and has the Dig/In
moving into his vision.
X Over- Fourth Look
40
50
X Z
H Y
As the QB finishes his progression his
F fourth option is moving toward the
sideline helping to reduce the threat of
a late interception.
Tagging the “Follow” Backside
• The backside combination can simply be
changed to a “follow” route.
• This gives you #2 on the low mesh and #1
on the Dig/In.
• Again, note that receivers simply know how
to apply the concept rules and the QB
progression remains consistent.
“Follow”
• Follow for us means that #2 runs the
shallow cross while #1 runs the dig.
X Over Follow
40
50
X Z
H Y
F Z & Y now execute the “follow”
route.
Z Over Follow
40
50
X Z
H Y
X & H now execute the “follow” F
route.
QB Progression Specifics
“Follow” Tag
Nothing changes for the QB except
the receivers on each route.
X Over Follow
40
QB is “alert” for the big play but knows
that the coach wants to work from short
to deep with the “follow” combination.
50
X Z
H Y
F
X Over Follow- Second Look
40
As the QB’s eyes drop from X, Y is
working under the defense into the QB’s
vision.
50
X Z
H Y
F
X Over Follow- Third Look
40
50
X Z
H Y
Y isn’t available so the QB
F
lifts his eyes and has the
Follow moving into his vision.
X Over Follow- Fourth Look
40
50
X Z
H Y
As the QB finishes his progression his
F fourth option is moving toward the
sideline helping to reduce the threat of
an interception.
Multiplicity
Sending Other Receivers To The
Post
• By tagging #2 with the “over,” a coach has
simply changed which receiver goes to the
post.
• Receiver rules do not change.
• QB progression does not change.
H Over Follow
40
1-TD?
3
50
2 4
X Z
H Y
By rule, X now is on the high mesh. F
Y Over Follow
40
1- TD?
3
50
4 2
X Z
H Y
F
By rule Z is now on the high mesh.
Adding the Pivot Tag
• “Pivot” tells the receivers that would
normally be on the shallow cross to sell the
drag route then pivot back to the flat.
• Again, nothing changes for the QB except
who is on each route.
X Over Pivot
40
1-TD?
3
50
4
2
X Z
H Y
H & Z sell the mesh then F Nothing changes for the QB.
pivot back to the flat.
Z Over Pivot
40
1- TD?
3
50
4 2
X Z
H Y
F
X Over Follow Pivot
40
1- TD?
3
50
2
4
X Z
H Y
Again, nothing changes for F
the QB’s progression.
Releasing F
• A coach can release F toward the Post
pattern to give the QB a quick option vs.
pressure and/or help clear out the area for
the low mesh.
Z Over Follow With Free Release
40
50
X Z
H Y
F
Releasing F Backside
• Check releasing F to the backside would
give the QB another safe option late in the
progression.
Z Over Follow With Check Release
40
1- TD?
3
50
4
2
5
X Z
H Y
Late
F
Releasing F For The Big Play
• The coach can take a shot at the big play
with F without major adjustments to the QB
progression.
• By sending F on a wheel route, the coach as
given the QB another big play option in his
initial field of vision.
Z Over Follow With F On A Wheel Route
40
1A- TD? 1B- TD?
3
50
4
2
X Z
H Y
F
Formation Variations
Clustered Formations
• The immediate advantage of clustered
formations is that you accentuate the
potential for natural rubs to occur.
• The “mesh” happens quicker.
• You may also force the defense into a
coverage or match-up that you want.
The “Squeeze” Formation
40
Nothing has changed for the receivers or
the QB but the compressed formation
helps you dictate coverage, speeds up
the “mesh,” and/or increases the
potential for natural rubs to occur.
50
X Z
H Y
F
Squeeze Z Over
40
The chance for an
initial rub is Because of the
increased. clustered formation,
the mesh happens
50
quicker.
X Z
H Y
F
Wide Squeeze
40
This formation puts the slot
receivers outside of X and Z.
50
X Z
H Y
F
Wide Squeeze Y Over
40
Y is now on the Post.
Now H can work off
of another rub. Because of the
clustered formation,
the mesh happens
50
quicker.
X Z
Y
H
F
Other Formation Variations
• Because of the multiplicity of this concept,
a coach can use a variety of formations to
create advantages and dictate the match-up
he desires.
Getting H Under From the Backfield
40
Red Gun Z Over Follow
1- TD?
3
50
4 2
X Y
H F
Again, nothing has to change for
the QB progression.
The Cross Concept From An Empty Set
40
Z Over Shoot 1- TD?
3
50
4 2
X Z
Quick
H F Y
The Cross Concept From An Empty Set
40
1B- TD?
Z Over Wheel 1A- TD?
3
50
4 2
X Z
H F Y
5 Wide Squeeze- Y Over Wheel
40
•F has two potential
rubs for the wheel 1A- TD?
route. 1B- TD?
•Y is now on the post.
3
•H has the benefit of
another rub.
50
4 2
X Z
H F Y
Conclusion
• I hope that this helps in some way.
• If you have more questions feel free to
contact me.
