What Is Five Route Attack
Five route attack is your answer when opponents send everyone at you with mid blitz. Simple concept — if they blitz more guys than you can block, send everyone out on routes and get rid of the ball quick.
The math is brutal for them. They're bringing six, seven rushers. You're only blocking four or five. But guess what? They literally don't have enough people to defend five routes.
This isn't some fancy college concept. It's survival football. They want to pressure you into panic mode — throwing picks, taking sacks, getting frustrated. Five route attack flips that script. Now THEY'RE the ones scrambling to cover everything.
The Perfect Setup: Gun Wild Week - Double Drags
Formation: Gun Wild Week
Play: Double Drags
Leave this play completely stock. Don't touch anything. The route combination is already perfect for beating the blitz:
- Left drag route — quick slant underneath
- Tight end drag — crossing over the middle
- Halfback wheel route — releasing out of the backfield
- Two other routes stretching the field
Three of these routes develop FAST. That's your weapon against the blitz.
How to Read Five Route Attack
Pre-Snap Recognition
Look for mid blitz indicators:
- Linebackers creeping toward the line
- Safety rotating down late
- User defender positioned in the A-gap
- Six or seven guys within five yards of scrimmage
Soon as you see it — audible to Gun Wild Week, Double Drags.
Post-Snap Reads
Read #1: Halfback wheel route
If the user defender crashes inside toward your pocket, your halfback should be wide open releasing to the flat. This is your hot route. Get him the ball immediately.
Read #2: Drag routes over the middle
If they jump the halfback with their user, one of your drags will be open underneath. The tight end drag usually has more space because linebackers are rushing.
Read #3: Outside routes
Only if you have time. Most blitzes get home too fast for these to develop.
The Key: SPEED
You need the ball out in under 2.5 seconds. Don't wait around. Don't try to extend plays. Quick read, quick throw, move on.
When to Use Five Route Attack
Primary situation: Any time you see mid blitz pressure
Also works great against:
- Cover zero blitzes
- Aggressive users who crash gaps
- Six-man pressure packages
- Goal line situations where they're bringing heat
Don't use it when:
- They're playing straight coverage
- You need big chunks of yards
- They've shown they can cover all five routes
Why Five Route Attack Works
It's about creating impossible math for the defense.
Standard mid blitz brings six or seven rushers. That leaves four or five guys in coverage. You're attacking with five routes. They can't cover everyone.
Even if they get pressure, you're getting the ball out so fast it doesn't matter. Bang — ball's gone before they arrive.
The psychological effect is huge too. Now they have to worry about:
- You running the ball when you show single back
- You blocking their blitz with max protect
- You beating their blitz with quick throws
That's three different ways you can hurt them. Most opponents will abandon the mid blitz entirely rather than deal with all that.
What Counters Five Route Attack
Smart opponents will adjust:
Coverage Adjustments
- Robber coverage — putting a linebacker in the throwing lane
- Bracket coverage — doubling your best route
- Dropping the blitz — showing pressure but backing out
Your Counter-Counters
If they drop the blitz — hand the ball off. You'll have numbers in the run game.
If they play robber — throw over the top. Now you have single coverage on your outside routes.
If they bracket — find the open area. Someone else will be uncovered.
Common Mistakes with Five Route Attack
Mistake #1: Holding the ball too long
You're not looking for the perfect throw. Take what they give you and get the ball out fast.
Mistake #2: Forcing the wrong route
If the halfback is covered, don't throw it anyway. Move to your next read.
Mistake #3: Not using it enough
Once you show five route attack works, keep using it. Make them prove they can stop it consistently.
Mistake #4: Wrong formation
Gun Wild Week gives you the best route spacing. Other formations might not have the same quick-developing routes.
Mistake #5: Panicking under pressure
Trust the concept. Even if rushers are coming free, your routes will be open if you stick to your reads.
Five route attack isn't complicated. See blitz, send everyone out, throw it quick. Do that consistently and mid blitz stops being a problem.