Flag Football Plays

The most important thing to keep in mind when running flag football plays is variety coming from a balanced offense that takes advantage of each player's strengths. When looking at flag football plays, the first one that a coach usually comes upon is the pass play, which is considered to be the primary play in the sport. For the pass play, the quarterback throws the ball to receivers that run predetermined routes that change with each play.

A variation on the pass play involves the quarterback handing off the ball or pitching it back to another player who throws a pass to an open receiver. The advantage of this variation is that it often confuses the opposing team's defense, especially when performed quickly. Another variation on the pass play has the receiver catch the pass, either from the quarterback or from another player. Just as the defense is surrounding the receiver, he then throws the pass to another open receiver further down the field.

Another type of play to incorporate into your flag football offense is called a pitching play. During a pitching play, also known as a backwards lateral, an offensive player throws the ball backwards instead of forwards to another offensive play. The throws in a backwards lateral can be either over-handed or under-handed, depending on which your players are better skilled at, and can take place anywhere on the field. This play is best ran when facing a team with an inexperienced defense squad, since they will close in on the first offensive player, leaving the others wide open to receive the throw.

Also when coaching flag football, don't forget to take advantage of traditional straight-running flag football plays such as hand-offs and option plays. Use these plays with quick running players who will be able to outrun the defense and reserve the pass plays for your most talented throwers.

Some teams find it easier to run the same play over and over, especially when playing with a smaller number of players. However, approach this technique with caution because it can be difficult to succeed with only one play, since your strategy will soon become predictable to the other team's defense. Consider varying your playbook as much as possible unless you have a team comprised of experienced players helmed by a quarterback with an extremely accurate throwing arm.