✅ Post Route – A receiver runs vertically before breaking at a 45° angle toward the goalposts.
✅ Corner Route – Another receiver runs upfield and then breaks at a 45° angle toward the sideline.
✅ The "Scissors" – The two routes intersect around 12–15 yards downfield, creating stress on zone and man coverages alike.
This dynamic pairing is lethal against nearly every defensive structure and has remained a cornerstone of offensive football from high school to pro teams.
Pro teams use Scissors concepts with pre-snap motion and formation variation to force coverage breakdowns and create massive chunk plays.
College offenses utilize Scissors to generate explosive plays against both single-high and split-safety looks, often tagging routes based on coverage reads.
High school teams run the basic Scissors from 2×2 formations, giving QBs simple high-low reads and a reliable way to punish aggressive safeties.
Youth coaches simplify the concept by emphasizing route spacing and using rollout QBs to create clean throwing lanes and teach timing.
Without linemen, Scissors thrives in flag formats by maximizing spacing and quick read progressions for rapid decision-making.
Step 1: Start with a 2×2 set and teach receivers proper depth and angles (12–15 yards, 45° cuts).
Step 2: Train QBs on reading the deep safety – Post if the safety bites on Corner, Corner if safety stays middle.
Step 3: Drill precise timing – QB footwork must match route breaks for clean execution.
Step 4: Rep against multiple coverages (Cover 3, Cover 2, Man, Match).
Step 5: Add motion or stacked formations to disguise intent and create leverage mismatches.
🚫 Cover 4 Match – Four-deep shell with match principles to limit vertical seams.
🚫 Bracket Coverage – Doubling either the post or corner route to force the QB elsewhere.
🚫 Robber Safety – Dropping a safety down post-snap to take away the post route.
🚫 Rotational Coverages – Disguising pre-snap looks to confuse the QB’s read.
Even with these tactics, Scissors remains a consistent producer of explosive plays because it attacks fundamental defensive rules that can't be entirely schemed away.
Step 1: Use a balanced 2×2 or trips formation as your base.
Step 2: Assign your Post and Corner routes with appropriate depth and break angles.
Step 3: Animate route timing and quarterback drop progression for teaching tape.
Step 4: Generate call sheets, scout cards, and install scripts.
Step 5: Use variations like motion, switches, and wheels to create your Scissors package.
The Scissors Concept is not just another route combination—it’s a time-tested method for creating explosive plays. Its ability to beat every coverage type, create space for receivers, and deliver big-yardage throws makes it essential for any passing attack.
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