Hitch and go

“Hitch and go” is a type of route a receiver can run in American football.

In this route, the receiver runs a few steps forward and then abruptly stops, or “hitches,” as if to make a short reception. The defensive back guarding the receiver may anticipate the receiver making the catch and moving in to tackle him. However, instead of catching the ball, the receiver takes off on a “go” route, running deep down the field to beat the de-fensive back and catch a long pass from the quarterback.

The hitch-and-go route is often used as a trick play or a way to catch the defense off guard and create a big play. It requires good timing between the quarterback and the receiver, as well as the ability of the receiver to sell the initial hitch and quickly accelerate into the go route.