Rub Route.

What it teaches.

Against man coverage, two crossing routes in tight space create natural collisions — defenders run into each other, and one receiver always comes free. The Rub Route is the foundation of every pick-style concept in the playbook. Drill it on Tuesday and watch your offense score on Friday.

Step by step.

1. Two receivers line up about 5 yards apart at the LOS.
2. Both run crossing routes — the inside receiver runs out, the outside receiver runs in.
3. The routes intersect at 6-8 yards, creating a natural rub against man coverage.
4. Defenders (one per receiver) play tight man coverage and follow their assignment.
5. Coach throws to whichever receiver comes free.

What to watch for.

• Receivers: run hard through the rub. Don't slow down to make contact happen.
• Routes must cross at the same depth. Mistime the depth and the rub doesn't work.
• Coach throws to the FIRST open receiver — sometimes the outside one, sometimes the inside.
• If defenders switch (rather than chase), the rub still works because the defenders have to communicate.

Progress the drill.

Where it goes wrong.

• Routes at different depths — no rub happens.
• Receivers slowing to create contact — that's offensive pass interference.
• QB throwing to the predetermined receiver instead of reading who's open.
• Defenders giving up after the rub — they have to recover and play man.