Have you ever wonder why some pass plays have numbers in them instead of text in football video games. In real football, many of the pass plays use a combination of numbers and text, which is called Pass Routes Naming System. In this breakdown, we are going to take a look at popular passing play that can be found in football video games that uses numbers and text. We want to explain what the pass routes naming system is used for so that next time you see a play with numbers in it, you will get a better understanding of what play name means.
Gun Bunch Wk – 518 Hook
The Gun Bunch Wk – 518 Hook can be found out of the Patriots playbook. If you look at the play diagram above, you will notice, the split end (X) runs a 15-yard hitch, the tight end (RB) runs a flat, the slot receiver (A) runs a hook, and the flanker (B) runs a post. The split end, tight end, and flanker have a number assigned to them what pass route they should be running.
For example, the split end knows he is to run a deep hitch, which is the “5” number in the play names title.
Tight end is told to run a “1” pass route, which is a flat.
Finally the flanker is told to run an “8” pass route, which is a post.
The only receiver not assigned a number is the slot receiver, who runs a hook. That's how the play gets it's name 518 Hook.
Madden Guides Tip
Each team uses a pass route tree to name their pass routes. Routes with smaller numbers are short routes and routes with larger numbers are deep pass routes. Also even numbers are on the right of passing tree and odd numbers are on the left side of a passing tree.
Final Thoughts
The reason team use numbers and text is the shorten the plays name down. For example, imagine if no numbers were used for this play how long the play name would be. It real football it may look something like this; Gun Bunch Wk – X Deep Hitch –Y Flat – Z Post – A Hook. Imagine the quarterback having to call that play name out in the huddle. Numbering pass routes makes it that much more easier.
