Short Cross works because receivers move through different lanes at the same time. Man defenders have to chase through traffic, while zone defenders have to pass routes off cleanly instead of staring at the quarterback.

The center's route is the hidden value. In many youth games, defenders forget the center after the snap. Let the crossing routes pull attention, then use the center underneath when the middle opens.

When To Call It

On third or fourth and short when you need a fast completion.
Against man coverage that is chasing receivers across the field.
When the pass rush is speeding up your quarterback.
After deeper routes have forced defenders to give cushion.

Quarterback Read

Read the first crosser through the middle, then find the center underneath if defenders chase the deeper traffic. The ball should come out as the receiver clears the first window.

Common Coaching Mistake

The common mistake is running every cross at the same depth. Stagger the routes so defenders have to sort through layers instead of covering one horizontal line.

Coaching Adjustments

1If receivers collide, stagger their release timing by a half step.
2If the center is covered immediately, widen their release underneath the crossing routes.
3If defenders sit in zones, have the crossers settle between defenders instead of running into coverage.

Pair This With Related Starter Plays

High Low PassAttacks zone when defenders stop chasing the crossers.Attack DeepPunishes defenders who start sitting low on short routes.

Short Cross

A free 7v7 offensive play template from the 7v7 Starter Plays collection.

Starter Notes

A quick crossing concept that creates traffic for man coverage and gives the center an underneath path into open space.

Customize Template

Opens in the FlagSketch Editor

More plays like this

Browse 7v7 Starter Plays →