Teaching Your Child the Football Route Tree: A Simple Guide for Parents

If you’ve ever watched your child run a route and thought, “What exactly was that supposed to be?” — you’re not alone.

One of the best ways to help young athletes improve in football (especially flag football) is by teaching them the route tree. It sounds complicated, but it’s actually one of the simplest—and most powerful—tools your child can learn early.

Let’s break it down so you can confidently teach it at home.

What Is a Route Tree?

A football route tree is a standardized, numbered diagram representing all possible paths (routes) a receiver can run, designed to coordinate offensive plays between quarterbacks and receivers. Routes are numbered (often 0-9), with odd numbers breaking toward the sideline and even numbers breaking toward the middle.

Think of it like a map:

• Each number = a specific path

• The quarterback and receiver speak the same “language”

• It makes plays faster, cleaner, and more effective

For young players, this builds:

• Confidence

• Timing with the quarterback

• Game awareness

  
  

The Basic Route Tree (Simplified for Kids)

Here’s a beginner-friendly version you can teach your child:

1️⃣ Flat

• Short route straight to the sideline

• Quick and easy throw

• Great for beginners

👉 Coaching tip: “Run fast to the sideline and turn your head right away.”

2️⃣ Slant

• Take a few steps forward, then cut diagonally inside

• One of the most effective routes in youth football

👉 Coaching tip: “Explode forward, then cut like you’re dodging a defender.”

3️⃣ Comeback

• Run forward 7-10 yards, then turn back towards the sideline

• Creates space from the defender

👉 Coaching tip: “Sell it deep, then snap back fast.”

4️⃣ Out Route

• Run forward, then cut toward the sideline

• Requires sharp cuts

👉 Coaching tip: “Plant hard and turn flat.”

5️⃣ Curl (Hook)

• Run forward 5-7 yards, then stop and turn to face the QB

• Great for timing routes

👉 Coaching tip: “Sprint, stop quick, show your hands.”

6️⃣ Dig (In Route)

• Run forward 7-10 yards, then cut across the middle

• Helps find open space in the defense

👉 Coaching tip: “Stay low and cut strong across.”

7️⃣ Corner

• Run forward 5-7 yards, then angle toward the corner of the field

• Slightly more advanced

👉 Coaching tip: “Think ‘up and out at an angle.’”

8️⃣ Post

• Run forward 5-7 yards, then angle toward the middle of the field

• Big-play route

👉 Coaching tip: “Drive forward, then cut toward the goalpost.”

9️⃣ Go Route (Fly)

• Run straight downfield as fast as possible

• Simple, but powerful

👉 Coaching tip: “Just run fast and don’t slow down!”

How Parents Can Teach This at Home

You don’t need a field or fancy equipment. Just a little space and consistency.

1. Walk Before You Run

Start slow. Literally walk through each route so your child understands the shape.

2. Use Cones or Landmarks

• Use cones, water bottles, or even shoes

• Helps kids visualize where to cut

3. Call Out Numbers

Instead of saying “run a slant,” say:

• “Run a 2!”

This builds football IQ early.

4. Keep Reps Short and Fun

• 10–15 minutes max

• Focus on quality, not quantity

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

Clean cuts, good effort, or catching the ball—highlight it all.

Why This Matters for Your Child

Learning the route tree early gives your athlete a huge advantage:

✅ Better understanding of the game

✅ More confidence on the field

✅ Stronger connection with teammates

✅ Faster development than peers

Most importantly—it makes football more fun.

Final Thought

You don’t have to be a coach to help your child improve. Just spending a few minutes working on routes together can make a massive difference.

At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection—it’s about building confidence, having fun, and helping your child fall in love with the game.

Are you in the Austin, TX area and have a youth football player? Check out our mini-camps and clinics at Little Legends Football.