Flat route

A flat route is an american football passing route, used in passing plays. A flat route is ran usually by a running back or a fullback. The eligible receiver runs parallel to the line of scrimmage till near the sidelines and turns torward the quarterback to wait for the pass. The QB's pass should arrive when he has not still passed the line of scrimmage. The running back will then turn upfield at the sideline and run straight down the field.

The route is used with long post, long corner or fly routes, so the safeties and the cornerbacks should be upfield when the pass is caught by the Rb or FB. There should be a linebacker, covering the RB/FB on these kind of plays, so an easy match for an elusive runner like the running back.