Flag Football Positions
Football is the ultimate team sport. Every play is designed like a machine, with each individual doing their part to make it work. If one person fails, the entire team can suffer.
The same applies whether you are on offense or defense. Every football position serves a purpose—especially in flag football, where there are fewer players on the field. While tackle football consists of 12 players, LFMM FLAG football teams compete in a 5-on-5 format. As a result, football positions vary depending on the number of players on the field.
If you are new to 5-on-5 flag football, this 5-on-5 football positions chart will help you better understand where each player lines up at the line of scrimmage and what their role is on the field.
Positions Chart
What Are the Positions in Flag Football?
In simple terms, flag football positions are essentially the same as in tackle football, but without offensive and defensive linemen. In LFMM FLAG football, there are five players on the field on both offense and defense, each with assigned roles. Below is a basic overview of 5-on-5 football positions.
Offensive Positions
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Quarterback: The quarterback receives the initial snap and either passes the ball or hands it off (they are not allowed to run with the ball after the initial snap).
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Center: The center snaps the ball to the quarterback and can then run a route as a receiver.
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Wide Receiver: Depending on the play, some 5-on-5 teams line up with three receivers, or a combination of receivers and a running back. The receiver runs designated routes to catch a pass (typically lined up on the right and left sides).
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Running Back: The ball carrier takes handoffs and runs with the ball or throws it. They are also eligible to receive a pass.
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Defensive Positions
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Defensive Back: The defensive back covers wide receivers and monitors short-yardage runs, either in man-to-man or zone coverage.
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Safety: The safety lines up deeper in the field and is responsible for covering offensive players who break free.
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Rusher: The rusher attempts to prevent the quarterback from completing a pass (they must be at least seven yards from the line of scrimmage at the snap).
Offensive Positions
Players with well-rounded skills have the greatest impact in offensive positions. They can throw, catch, and execute complex pass routes with speed and precision. They are able to read the defense and know how to adjust their position during a play to successfully advance the ball down the field.
Here are the offensive football positions explained:
DEFENSIVE POSITIONS
Since there is no contact in flag football—such as tackling or blocking—the defense is somewhat different. Instead of linemen, there are five defensive players who typically line up in one of two main roles: defensive back or rusher. However, all defensive positions in flag football share the same objective: to prevent the offensive team from scoring. Below is an explanation of the defensive football positions.
Defensive positions in flag football have three primary responsibilities: read the play, locate the ball, and “tackle” the ball carrier by pulling their flag(s). Although players do not physically tackle their opponents, many of these defensive skills transfer directly to tackle football. For example, the way flag football players must position their body and align their head and knees with their opponent before pulling a flag is the exact same positioning required to physically tackle a player. That is why coaches strongly emphasize proper technique, as these fundamentals are essential at all football positions.
Which position should I play?
Now that you understand the different positions in flag football, it’s time to determine which one suits you best. Fortunately, flag football players develop a wide range of skills regardless of the position they choose, due to the overlapping responsibilities within a given play.
For example, a center often becomes a receiver after snapping the ball; a quarterback may run out for a pass after handing off the ball; and any player is allowed to throw a forward pass. On defense, there is no tackling, but defensive positions in flag football use similar skills to prevent the offense from advancing.
Keep in mind that there are only five players on the field at a time, so each player participates on both offense and defense. In other words, specialization is not as common in flag football as it is in tackle football. However, if you’re looking to specialize—such as at quarterback or wide receiver—you can certainly develop valuable technical skills here.
All positions in flag football offer advantages, and the best part is that players do not need a specific body type to succeed. Flag football is incredibly inclusive, and players of all builds and development levels can find a position where they can compete effectively.
When families specifically ask us about positions for girls in flag football, we always respond—the same as for boys! Flag football is designed as a non-contact sport, allowing female and male players to compete in all positions. In fact, there are many co-ed flag football leagues across the country.
The bottom line is that flag football players are constantly moving and adapting their role within each play. That’s why versatile, well-rounded players tend to thrive. No matter which position you choose, you will develop a variety of transferable skills.