Shallow Cross

If you have decided to dive into the Air Raid offense for research, or to run it is as your offense, you have seen or heard of Shallow Cross. This is a passing play that matches up with the Mesh passing play. The beauty of the Air Raid, plays match off of each other. The old Wing T philosophy that we all have heard of is "if then". Which means, if they do this, then we do this. The Air raid does the exact same thing. You run mesh a few times, then the defense will start to adjust. So, if they adjust to take away the corners or mesh, then you run Shallow. Because if they take away what was open, then something else will be open. 

The best way to run Shallow, just like mesh, works better out of 2x2 formation. To show it, we will show it from Air Raid Ace formation. Just like most of the Air Raid plays, the Y usually starts the plays. The Y is running the Shallow route. They aim for the feet of the defensive lineman and run straight down the line towards the sideline. This is more Shallow than mesh (hence the name). 

H is running the "dig" route. Make sure the H takes his route to the outside first, then flip back inside. This is important so we get the linebacker's eyes to look towards the H and hope to get the Y more important. This route is about 7 yards, and same as mesh, if it is a zone defense, have the H back find the open spot and sit. If it is man, keep running towards the sideline. 

The outside receivers both are running mandatory outside release go routes. This is also important just like the H's dig route. Having the outside release route gets the corners eyes to look away from the dig route and the Shallow route. This helps get those guys open. This also helps give the QB the option to throw it deep if you feel that you have a great one on one matchup. 

The running back, like most plays in the Air Raid, runs the swing route or the arrow route. All depends on which one you prefer, and which one your QB is more comfortable throwing. Make sure the swing route or arrow route is run opposite the shallow route. This way, you are not bringing a defender to the party towards the shallow route. 

For the QB, the progression is looking at the Shallow route/reading the defender over the H. This will tell immediately if there will be grass to throw to for the Shallow route. Then look back to the Dig route. If the H back sits and shows his hands throw him the ball. If he is running, look to throw him open. Then look to the swing or arrow route from the running back. If you want to throw it to the deep routes, make sure you let the QB know to "think" about throwing to one of them. And to make sure we aim to the outside shoulder. 

This is the simple way to run Shallow Cross from the Air Raid offense. This can be used if you are a spread coach, or even a coach that uses 11 or 12 personnel. Its easy to get to open grass, and easy for the QB to read the play. 

Always be simple!

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