General
route one
What does route one mean?
A straightforward, direct style built on hitting long balls from defence to a physical forward, skipping midfield build-up.
"They went route one all game, just launching it at the big striker."
Origin
British tactical slang; the most direct 'route' from back to front.
Frequently asked questions
What is route one football?
It is a direct style that bypasses midfield by hitting long balls from defence straight to a physical forward.
Why is it called route one?
Because it is the most direct 'route' from the back of the pitch to the front, going straight for goal rather than building up patiently.
Is route one football effective?
It can be effective with the right target man and in bad conditions, but it is often criticised as basic or unattractive compared with possession play.
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