You are watching a football game, and a receiver sprints straight down the field. Suddenly, they plant their foot and cut hard across the middle to catch a quick pass. Have you ever wondered what that play is called?
If you are new to the sport, you might ask yourself exactly what a dig route is.
I remember feeling confused by all the different play names when I first started watching. The good news is that this concept is very simple to learn.
Today, I will show you what this route is and why teams rely on it so often. You will see how a receiver runs it step by step.
We will also look at its position in the route tree, review common mistakes, and share simple practice drills.
What is a Dig Route?
Before we break down the mechanics, it helps to nail down exactly what the route is and where the name comes from.
Dig Route Definition Made Simple
If you want to know exactly what a dig route is, the concept is quite straightforward. A receiver runs straight down the field for a set distance and then makes a sharp, 90-degree turn toward the middle.
You will often hear coaches or players call this an in route. Receivers typically run this path about 10 to 15 yards past the line of scrimmage before making their cut.
The name makes perfect sense once you watch a player execute it. A receiver running full speed cannot just turn easily. They have to literally dig their outside foot into the grass to stop their forward momentum.
How the Dig Route Works
This play looks simple on television, but it depends heavily on timing, footwork, and selling a fake. It helps to walk through each part.
- Sprint: The first part of running a dig route is the vertical release. The receiver sprints straight down the field at maximum speed. They do this to make the defender think they are running a deep pass play.
- Plant: This is the plant-and-cut phase. Once the receiver hits the required depth, they push off their outside foot hard. This forceful step completely stops their forward movement. The goal is to make a sharp corner, creating instant separation from the defender who is still moving backward.
- Catch: After making the turn, the receiver must immediately find the football. They keep their eyes locked on the quarterback while running flat across the field. A smart receiver will use their body to shield the defender on the outside.
Dig Route on the Route Tree
To see how this concept fits into the bigger picture of a playbook, it helps to place it on the receiver route tree.
Where the Dig Sits in the Numbers
Football playbooks use a numbering system to simplify play calls. On a standard passing tree, this specific path is usually route number 6.
Coaches assign even numbers to paths that break inside toward the quarterback. Since the receiver turns directly to the middle, it gets an even number.
This simple numbering helps players memorize their assignments quickly during a fast-paced football game.
Routes that Look Similar
People often confuse this path with other paths. When comparing a dig route vs. an in route, they are exactly the same thing. However, an out route breaks toward the sideline instead of the middle.
A curl stops and turns back to the quarterback, while a post angles deep toward the goalposts. Knowing these differences stops you from confusing them while watching a game.
| Route Name | Break Direction | Break Angle | Typical Depth |
| Dig (In) | Inside / middle | 90° | 10–15 yds |
| Out | Outside / sideline | 90° | 10–15 yds |
| Curl | Inside, then settle | Turns back | ~10–12 yds |
| Post | Inside, stays deep | 45° | 15+ yds |
| Drag | Inside / across | Shallow flat | 2-5 yds |
| Slant | Inside / diagonal | 45° | 3-5 yds |
Dig Route in Passing Concepts
A receiver rarely runs this path alone. Seeing it inside common offensive concepts shows exactly why it gets players open.
1. Pairing with Clear-Out Routes
Offensive coordinators love to match this inside cut with deeper vertical paths. Outside receivers will sprint deep down the field to pull defenders backward.
This action clears out the middle of the field, leaving a massive empty space behind the linebackers. The receiver running the dig can then easily slide into that wide-open grassy area for a simple, safe catch.
2. High-Low Reads with the Dig
Another popular way to use this play is by stressing a single defender with two receivers. In concepts like the Mills or drive play, one receiver runs the dig while another runs a shallow path underneath it.
This creates a high-low read for the quarterback. The linebacker must choose to cover the short pass or the deep pass, always leaving one player completely uncovered.
3. The Drive Passing Concept
The Drive concept is a classic football play that pairs a short route with a medium route. In this setup, one receiver runs a shallow drag right across the line of scrimmage.
At the same time, another receiver runs a dig route right behind them at about 10 to 12 yards deep. I love this play because it forces the linebacker to make an impossible choice. I
If the defender steps up to cover the short drag, the quarterback throws to the dig route behind them. If the defender drops back to cover the dig, the short drag is wide open.
4. The Mills Passing Concept
The Mills concept is a famous play designed to trick the defense into giving up a long touchdown. It pairs a deep post route with a standard dig route.
Typically, the outside receiver runs the post, angling deep toward the center of the field. Meanwhile, the inside slot receiver runs the dig directly underneath that deep path.
This play targets the safety in the middle of the field. When the safety sees the dig route crossing their face, they often step forward to tackle the receiver.
Once that safety bites on the short pass, the quarterback throws the ball deep over their head to the post route.
5. The Dagger Passing Concept
The Dagger concept is incredibly popular in modern football playbooks. It involves three specific players working together to expose zone coverage. The inside slot receiver sprints straight down the seam at full speed.
This forces the deep defenders to run backward to prevent a long touchdown. With the middle of the field now empty, the outside receiver runs a sharp dig route right into that open space.
A third player usually runs a shallow drag underneath to hold the linebackers in place. I think this is one of the smartest ways to use the dig because the fast vertical receiver does all the hard work to clear the area.
Common Mistakes Running a Dig
Knowing the play is one thing, but running it cleanly is another. Here are the slip-ups that beginners make the most.
Rounding Off the Break
Drifting into a curved turn instead of a sharp cut is a major error. If a receiver rounds off their path, they slowly glide toward the middle instead of snapping off the route.
This slow curve gives the defensive back plenty of time to recover and catch up. To beat a defender, the cut must always be an aggressive, sharp right angle.
Tipping the Route Early
Another frequent issue happens when a receiver gives away their plan before making the cut. Slowing down, changing their running stride, or leaning their shoulders tells the defender exactly what is coming.
If the defensive back sees these clues, they will easily jump the pass. A great receiver keeps their speed and body language identical to a deep sprint until the last possible second.
- Footwork: Failing to plant the outside foot firmly causes messy, rounded turns.
- Tempo: Slowing down too early tells the defender a cut is about to happen.
- Eyes: Looking inside before making the break ruins the fake vertical threat.
Drills to Practice the Dig
The fastest way to get comfortable with this sharp movement is through repetition. A few simple drills go a long way.
Cone Cut Drill
Setting up a basic cone drill helps players master their footwork at full speed. You place cones in a straight line to mark the vertical path, with a final cone marking the turning point.
The receiver sprints, drops their hips at the last cone, plants hard, and explodes horizontally. This builds the muscle memory needed to stop quickly and change directions without losing balance.
Stem and Break Timing Drill
This drill focuses on the connection between the quarterback and the receiver. The receiver runs their vertical path to a specific depth, like 12 yards.
The quarterback practices throwing the football just as the receiver plants their foot to turn. This teaches both players the exact timing required.
The ball should arrive perfectly as the receiver crosses into the open middle space.
| Drill Name | What It Builds | Recommended Reps |
| Cone Cut Drill | Sharp footwork and balance | 5 to 8 reps per side |
| Stem and Break Timing | Quarterback connection and passing rhythm | 10 total catches |
At the End
Now that we have covered the basics, you should have a solid understanding of this popular football play. If a friend ever asks you what a dig route is, you now have the perfect answer.
We looked at the sharp plant-and-cut mechanic, where it sits on the numbering tree, and how coaches use it to stress defenses. You also learned the typical mistakes players make and the drills that fix them.
Like most things in sports, it is easy to understand but takes real practice to run perfectly. I highly recommend watching closely during your next football game to spot receivers making this sharp inside cut.
Grab a football, head to a local field, and try running these drills yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dig Route Good Against Zone Coverage?
Yes, it can work well against zone because the receiver can sit down in the open space between defenders rather than running through it.
What is the Difference Between a Dig and a Drag?
A drag is a short, shallow crossing route run just a few yards deep. Meanwhile, a dig breaks much deeper down the field, usually around 10 to 15 yards past the line of scrimmage.
Which Receivers Run the Dig Route Most?
Tight ends and slot receivers run it often because they line up closer to the middle. This inside position gives them a shorter, much more direct path to reach the open space across the field.
How Many Yards is a Typical Dig Route?
Most of these routes break between 10 and 15 yards past the line of scrimmage. However, coaches will often adjust the exact depth based on the specific play and the current down-and-distance situation.
