Out (route)

An out route

An Out route (or Jet route) is a pattern run by a receiver in American football. On an out route, the receiver will start running a fly pattern (ie running straight down the field toward the end zone), but after a certain number of steps, will cut hard 90 degrees "to the outside," or toward the sideline, away from the quarterback. If the cut comes very quickly, usually after only a few steps, it is called a "Quick Out." Out routes generally allow a one-on-one match-up between the receiver and the defensive back who is guarding him, as safeties generally are concerned with helping out on long routes downfield or the center of the field.

This route is used much more frequently near the end of each half, when a team is running their two-minute drill to preserve time on the clock, because as soon as the receiver catches the ball or after a short run after the catch, he should be able to get out of bounds, stopping the clock. Out and in routes are the most difficult routes to cover in man-to-man coverage, but can be dangerous plays to run because if the defender intercepts the pass, he will often have a clear path to the end zone.