Flag Football Plays
To build winning teams, coaches teach a variety of formations, routes, and 5-on-5 flag football plays throughout the season. Since every player is eligible to receive a pass—including the quarterback—coaches can be creative and tailor their plays to their team’s strengths or their opponent’s weaknesses.
Some plays are complex, while others are more basic. Some aim for long gains, while others focus on short yardage. In every scenario, these plays shape the flow of the game and teach players the fundamental principles needed to succeed. In other words, they teach players how to play flag football.
That’s why we always recommend that coaches start with the basics—first helping players build a solid foundation, then mixing in more challenging plays as the team gains confidence.
The running game
When players run with the ball, their feet must remain on the ground to avoid a defensive player. In other words, players may pivot to evade an opponent, but they may not jump or dive.
Hand-offs or sweeps from behind the line of scrimmage are allowed and are considered running plays. All defensive players are eligible to pursue once the ball has been handed off or when there is a fake pass or handoff. The player who receives a handoff is also allowed to throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage. As a result, even though a designated quarterback may be on the field, many plays actually rely on other teammates to throw the ball. This changes the plays, keeps the defense on its toes, and makes the game even more exciting.
Additionally, under flag football rules, the quarterback may not run with the ball unless it has been handed off to them in the backfield. All defensive players pursuing the quarterback must be at least seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped by the center.
Finally, if an offensive player’s flag is pulled while running with the ball, the spot of the ball is determined by the player’s hips, not the position of the ball.
The passing game
Flag football rules state that all passes must be forward and must be received beyond the line of scrimmage. The quarterback has seven seconds to throw the ball after it is put into play. If a pass is not thrown within seven seconds, a delay-of-game penalty must be called.
Interceptions are allowed. The defense may return the ball on interceptions, and possession is awarded to the team that intercepted the ball at the spot where the play ends. Interceptions are the only change of possession that does not begin at the team’s 5-yard line.
Rushing the quarterback
All players rushing the passer must be at least seven yards from the line of scrimmage at the snap. Players who are not rushing the quarterback may defend along the line of scrimmage. Once the ball has been handed off or a fake handoff has occurred, the seven-yard rule no longer applies and all defenders may cross the line of scrimmage.
To stop the ball carrier’s progress, a defender must pull one or both flags without impeding the ball carrier. The ball is declared dead at that spot. After pulling a flag, the defender must remain in place and raise the flag in the air so the official can confirm the end of the play, then return the flag to the ball carrier.