The Pass Route Tree (below) illustrates the basic pass routes run by eligible receivers.
As a rule odd numbered pass routes are run to the inside portion of the field, even numbered routes to the outside. Basic patterns are to the left in the diagram, specialty routes to the right. Pass routes can be called by number or by name.
In a passing play like the 838 Deep Cross, the numbers specify that the outside receiver run a #8 patter, the man next inside him a #3 pattern, the next receiver another #8 pattern. Of course, patterns can be modified. For example the Float is merely a soft, dragging slant pattern. The out and up is a combination of a five yard out pattern and the Fly pattern.
The pass routes or patterns depicted here are numbered as follows.
#0=The Zero or Curl Pass.
#1=5 yard Cross or In.
#2=5 yard Out or Sideline.
#3=10 yard Cross.
#4=10 yard Out.
#5=10 yard Hook or Stop (In).
#6=10 yard Hook (Outside).
#7=Post. #8=Post Corner.
#9=Fly or Go.
I personally do not favor pass route numbers higher than one digit as this hampers many play calling techniques. Other pass routes can be specified by letters of the alphabet or by name, as in the Flag, Fade, Slant, Float, and the Out and Up. Many coaches use what I call the Banana route where a pattern such as the Post is rounded or bowed in shape.