A post dig route is a football passing concept designed to create separation between a receiver and the defender by combining a deep “dig” route with other routes that influence defensive coverage. The term is most commonly associated with American football, particularly offensive passing schemes in which receivers run predetermined patterns based on the defensive alignment.
Understanding a post dig route requires first understanding the two routes that make up the concept: the post route and the dig route. Although they are different patterns, they can work together to put significant pressure on defensive backs and create opportunities for the quarterback.https://nybusines.com
Understanding the Post Route
A post route is a deep passing route in which the receiver initially runs vertically down the field before breaking toward the middle of the field. The receiver’s path resembles the shape of a goalpost, which is where the route gets its name.
The receiver typically runs several yards downfield before making an angled cut toward the centre of the field. The exact depth and angle can vary depending on the offensive system and the play design.
Post routes are especially useful because they can attack the area between the cornerback and safety. If the receiver has enough speed, the route can force the safety to make a difficult decision. A poorly positioned safety may give the receiver an opportunity to catch a deep pass for a substantial gain.https://nybusines.com
Understanding the Dig Route
A dig route, sometimes called an in route, is a route in which the receiver runs vertically and then makes a sharp cut toward the middle of the field.
Unlike a post route, which normally breaks toward the middle at a relatively gradual angle, a dig route generally involves a more pronounced horizontal cut. The receiver may run 10 to 20 yards downfield before turning inward toward the quarterback.
Dig routes are particularly effective against certain forms of zone coverage. A receiver running a dig can enter an open area between defenders, giving the quarterback a reliable intermediate passing option.
How the Post-Dig Concept Works
The post-dig concept combines these two routes to manipulate the defence. One receiver may run a deep post while another runs a dig underneath or from a different alignment.
The purpose is not simply to have two receivers running toward the middle of the field. Instead, the routes are designed to influence defenders and create space.
For example, a deep post can attract the attention of a safety. If the safety moves toward the post route, the dig route may become available underneath. Conversely, if the defender stays closer to the dig, the quarterback may have an opportunity to throw the deeper post.
This creates a basic high-low or layered conflict depending on the exact formation and defensive coverage.
Why Coaches Use Post-Dig Routes
One of the main advantages of a post-dig concept is that it can attack different levels of the defence at the same time. The deep post threatens defenders downfield, while the dig provides an intermediate option.
This can make the defence choose between competing responsibilities. Defensive backs must communicate effectively and maintain proper positioning. If one defender reacts too aggressively to one route, another receiver may become open.
The concept can therefore be particularly useful against zone coverage, where defenders are responsible for areas of the field rather than following individual receivers everywhere.
Post-Dig Routes Against Zone Coverage
Against zone coverage, the post-dig combination can force defenders to make difficult decisions. A deep safety may have responsibility for the middle or deep portion of the field, while a linebacker or underneath defender may be responsible for an intermediate area.https://nybusines.com
When the post receiver enters the safety’s zone, the safety may have to move toward that threat. At the same time, the dig receiver can cross into an opening created underneath.
Timing is extremely important. If the quarterback throws the ball too early, the receiver may not have reached the intended opening. If the quarterback waits too long, the defence may have enough time to close the space.
For this reason, quarterbacks must understand defensive coverage and anticipate where the receivers will be when the ball is released.
Post-Dig Routes Against Man Coverage
The concept can also be useful against man coverage, although its effectiveness depends heavily on the individual matchups.
A receiver running a post can use speed and an angled break to create separation from a cornerback. Meanwhile, the dig route can cross the field and potentially create natural traffic that makes it more difficult for a defender to maintain position.
The quarterback must identify whether the defence is playing man or zone and then determine which receiver has the best opportunity.
The Importance of Route Depth
Route depth is one of the most important aspects of a successful post-dig concept. Receivers cannot simply run their routes at random depths.
The post may be designed to travel deep enough to occupy a safety, while the dig may be designed to settle into an intermediate area. The difference in depth helps create separation between the routes.
If both receivers run at nearly the same depth, they may bring multiple defenders into the same area. That can make the play easier to defend.https://nybusines.com
Good offensive design therefore creates appropriate spacing between receivers.
Quarterback Reads
The quarterback’s read depends on the offensive system and the exact defensive coverage. In many versions of the concept, the quarterback begins by identifying the deep defender and determining how that defender reacts to the post.
If the safety stays deep and protects against the post, the quarterback may look underneath to the dig. If the safety moves toward the dig or fails to provide sufficient help, the quarterback may have an opportunity to attack the post.
The quarterback must also consider pass protection. A successful route combination is not useful if the offensive line cannot give the quarterback enough time to allow the routes to develop.
Timing and Communication
Timing between the quarterback and receivers is essential. The receiver must make the break at the expected location, while the quarterback must release the football at the correct moment.
In competitive football, even a small timing error can turn an open completion into an incompletion or interception.
Receivers also need to understand how their routes interact with one another. The objective is not only to complete an individual route but also to influence defensive players and create opportunities for teammates.
Variations of the Post-Dig Concept
There are many possible variations of the post-dig concept. Offensive coordinators can change formations, receiver alignments, route depths and additional routes to make the concept fit their overall system.
A running back or tight end may be included to attack another area of the defence. An outside receiver may run the post while an inside receiver runs the dig. In another design, the positions may be reversed.
Motion can also be used before the snap to give the quarterback information about the defensive alignment.
These variations make the concept difficult to identify purely from one formation.
Advantages and Limitations
The major advantage of a post-dig concept is its ability to stretch a defence vertically and horizontally. The post threatens the deep middle while the dig attacks an intermediate area.https://nybusines.com
The concept can also provide the quarterback with more than one passing option, which is valuable when the defence successfully takes away the primary receiver.
However, the play has limitations. It can require significant time to develop, making pass protection important. Defences that maintain excellent communication can also prevent the routes from creating large throwing windows.
Additionally, the quarterback must be careful when throwing across the middle because defenders can sometimes anticipate the dig route and make plays on the football.https://nybusines.com
Conclusion
A post dig route, or more accurately a post-dig passing concept, is an offensive football design that combines a deep post route with an intermediate dig route to create conflicts for defenders. The post attacks the deep middle of the field, while the dig works underneath or across the middle.
The success of the concept depends on route spacing, timing, quarterback decision-making, receiver technique and the way the defence responds. When properly executed, the combination can create open passing lanes and force defenders to choose between competing threats.
For players learning football strategy, studying the post-dig concept is useful because it demonstrates an important principle of offensive football: successful passing plays are often designed not simply to get receivers open individually, but to make defensive players choose between multiple threats. That combination of route design, spacing and timing is what makes concepts such as the post-dig an important part of modern passing attacks.
