Route tree
What it is
The numbered set of routes a receiver runs — odd numbers break out, even numbers break in, nine is vertical and zero comes back.
Why it matters
The tree is a compression scheme for play calling: three digits can describe what three receivers are doing, so a concept becomes a number rather than a paragraph. The numbering is not arbitrary — the odd/even split means a coach can flip a concept to the other side of the formation by changing nothing, and the depths are chosen so that routes on the same tree arrive at compatible times.
Also called
Programs call this route tree, numbers, 989 or the tree. The Coach answers to any of them.
Related
This entry is authored, not generated. It is one of 205 in the index that the AI-ssistant Coach retrieves from, and that Film Study tags clips against.