Slant-flat diagram
- 1
QB reads the flat defender. If he widens with Y, throw the slant to Z behind him. If he sits, throw Y in the flat.
When to call Slant-flat
Call it on first down or any time you need 4 to 6 yards.
It is good against man and against a 3-2 zone. Against zone, the short defender on the right can only cover one of the two routes.
Slant-flat: each player's job
QB
Catch the snap and look right. Watch the short defender on that side and throw the slant to Z by the count of two. If that defender stays inside, throw to Y in the flat.
C
Snap, run 6 yards straight up the middle and turn back to the QB at about 5. You are the safe throw if both routes on the right are covered.
X
Go deep up the left sideline. Your job is to take your defender and the safety on that side deep.
Y
Line up in the right slot and run the flat. Head for the sideline about 2 yards past the line and look for the ball right away.
Z
Take three hard steps upfield, plant on the outside foot and slant inside. Expect the ball 6 to 8 yards deep, right behind where Y's defender was standing.
What the quarterback looks at
The QB reads one player, the short defender lined up over Y and Z. If that defender runs to the flat with Y, the slant is open behind.
If the defender sits in the slant window, throw the flat to Y and let Y turn upfield. If both are covered, come back to C over the middle.
How to teach Slant-flat at practice
- 1
Start with Y and Z and no defense. Walk the two routes so Z's slant crosses behind Y's flat route.
- 2
Add a coach as the flat defender. The coach picks a route to cover and the QB throws the other one.
- 3
Add C on the hitch and X on the go, then run it against a full defense at half speed.
Common mistakes
- Z rounds the slant and drifts upfield. Put a cone at three steps and make the cut sharp.
- Y looks back late. The flat is a catch in the first two seconds, so the head turns as soon as Y clears the line.
- The QB stares at Z the whole way and the defender jumps the route. Teach eyes on the defender first, then the throw.
Slant-flat FAQ
Is slant-flat a good play for beginners?
Yes. It has one read and two short throws, which makes it one of the easy flag football plays to put in during the first week.
Does slant-flat work against zone defense in 5v5?
A 3-2 zone has one short defender on each side, and slant-flat puts two receivers in that defender's area. Whichever way the defender moves, the other route is open.
What do I do if the defense takes away the slant every time?
Throw the flat until they move. You can also swap the routes so Y slants and Z runs the flat, which looks the same before the snap.
More plays: all 5v5 flag football plays, easy plays. Draw your own in the flag football play designer.