A passing route where the receiver runs downfield then turns back toward the quarterback, creating separation from defenders who are running with their backs to the ball. The route is particularly effective against zone coverage.
From the literal meaning of coming back toward the starting point. The route terminology became standard as passing offenses developed more sophisticated route trees in the 1970s and 1980s.
Comeback routes exploit a fundamental principle of physics - defenders running away from the quarterback cannot react as quickly as receivers running toward him. The route became a staple because it provides a reliable target when other options are covered.
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