Option routes
Receiver reads the leverage
The receiver breaks based on the defender's leverage — inside if he's outside, outside if he's inside, sit if it's zone. QB and receiver must see the same thing.
When it applies
Against man coverage with a smart receiver and QB on the same page.
+ StrengthsNearly uncoverable in man; converts third downs at a high rate.
− Trade-offsMisreads cause interceptions; zone teams muddy the leverage keys.
Filed under: Pass concepts