General
buttonhook
What does buttonhook mean?
A pass route in which the receiver runs downfield, then abruptly stops and hooks back toward the quarterback to receive the ball.
"He ran a quick buttonhook to move the chains on third and short."
Origin
American football; the route's shape resembles a buttonhook tool.
Frequently asked questions
What is a buttonhook route?
It's a pass route where the receiver runs downfield, then sharply stops and turns back toward the quarterback to catch the ball, similar to a hook or curl.
Why is it called a buttonhook?
The route's sharp turn-back shape resembles a buttonhook, the old tool used to fasten buttons.
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