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.

• Tim Sparacino (tim.sparacino@gmail.com)