Quick hitches diagram
- 1
Everybody runs five yards and turns around. QB throws to whoever has the most room. A good first play for a new team.
When to call Quick hitches
Call it on first down, on the first play of the game, or any time the defenders are backing up at the snap. If the defense gives your receivers a 5 yard cushion, take the free completion.
It is a poor call when defenders are standing right on your receivers. A hitch thrown to a tightly covered receiver can be picked off and run back.
Quick hitches: each player's job
QB
Before the snap, find the defender playing farthest off. Throw to that receiver as the turn happens. The diagram shows the throw going to X on the left.
C
Snap, run 6 yards up the middle and come back a step toward the QB. Show your hands.
X
On the left, run 6 yards as if you are going deep, plant and turn back to the QB. Come back toward the ball to about 5 yards.
Y
From the right slot, go 3 yards and break out toward the right sideline, underneath Z's hitch. You are the only receiver still moving at the catch, so the QB needs to lead you.
Z
On the right, you have the same route as X. Get to 6 yards, stop, turn inside and work back to 5.
What the quarterback looks at
Most of the read happens before the snap. The QB looks at how far off each defender is standing and picks the biggest gap.
After the snap, the throw goes out as the receiver plants. If the first choice is covered, C is always in the middle. Y's quick out is the best throw when the short defender on the right drops back with Z.
How to teach Quick hitches at practice
- 1
Put cones at 6 yards. Every receiver runs to the cone, stops and comes back one step.
- 2
Add the QB and throw to one receiver at a time, five reps each.
- 3
Run all four routes and have the coach call a name right at the snap. The QB throws to that player.
Common mistakes
- Receivers drift backward after they turn. Come back toward the QB so the defender cannot step in front.
- Y and Z end up close together on the right. Have Z line up wide so the out has room underneath.
- The QB holds the ball and waits for someone to wave. This is a rhythm throw that leaves the hand as the receiver turns.
Quick hitches FAQ
What is the easiest flag football play to teach?
Quick hitches is a good first play. Three of the four routes are the same, and every throw is about 5 yards.
What are good flag football plays for beginners?
Start with quick hitches, slant-flat and a sweep. That gives a new team two short passes and a run.
How deep is a hitch route in flag football?
Run to 6 yards and come back to about 5. For 6U you can cut that to 4 yards and back to 3 so the throw is shorter.
More plays: all 5v5 flag football plays, easy plays. Draw your own in the flag football play designer.