Receiver routes: The ins and outs of patterns

Sportradar breaks down every throw into 12 different routes, and here's a brief description of each:

Comeback: Receiver sprints downfield, then stops and comes back toward the quarterback or sideline.

Corner: After running down the field, receiver breaks off route at an angle toward the sideline. (Sportradar counts fade routes in the end zone as corner routes).

Crossing: Receiver starts his route at an angle toward the middle of the field and continues running across the field. Sometimes called a drag route when done close to the line of scrimmage.

Curl: Receiver sprints, stops, then turns back toward the quarterback. Usually shallower than a comeback route.

Flat: When a receiver (usually a running back) heads toward the sideline close to the line of scrimmage.

Go: Receiver sprints down the field, typically in a straight line.

Out: After running straight, the receiver breaks off the route at a 90 degree angle toward the sideline.

In: After running straight, the receiver breaks off the route at a 90 degree angle toward the middle of the field. Also called a dig route.

Post: When a receiver runs deep downfield and then angles the route toward the middle of the field.

Slant: When a receiver runs a few yards then angles the route toward the middle of the field.

Underneath screens and wide receiver screens: When a pass receiver catches the ball near the line of scrimmage with blocking set up in front of them. Underneath screens often go to a running back.