Stack go diagram
- 1
Z and Y are stacked so the defense can't tell who is going where. Z runs the out, Y runs by him on the go.
When to call Stack go
Call it when you want a deep shot, usually after a few short completions have pulled the safeties up.
Against a 3-2 zone, watch the safety on the right. If that safety steps toward Z's out, Y runs by.
Stack go: each player's job
QB
Find the deepest defender on the right. If Y gets even with that player, throw the go with some air under it. If the safety stays on top, come down to Z on the out, then X on the in.
C
Snap, run 6 yards up the middle and turn at 5.
X
Run 10 yards and break in toward the middle. Your route crosses in front of the left safety so that player cannot help on Y.
Y
Start right behind Z. Follow Z off the line for three steps, then run straight up the field as fast as you can.
Z
As the front player in the stack, run 10 yards and break hard to the right sideline.
What the quarterback looks at
Before the snap, see how the defense lines up on the stack. One defender up and one back means they will sort it out after the snap, and that is when the go comes open.
After the snap the QB watches the deep defender on the right. Let it go by the count of three and put it out in front so Y runs under it. If the deep defender never moves, Z's out is open underneath at 10 yards.
How to teach Stack go at practice
- 1
Line up the stack with Y two or three steps behind Z.
- 2
Run Z's out and Y's go together with no defense. Y stays behind Z for the first three steps, then goes.
- 3
Practice the deep ball by itself. The QB throws to a spot 15 to 20 yards down the right side and Y runs to it.
Common mistakes
- Y swings wide around Z at the snap. That tells the defense who is going deep.
- The throw is late and Y has to stop and wait. Throw it early and let the receiver run under it.
- Z rounds off the out and drifts into Y's lane. Make a flat cut to the sideline.
Stack go FAQ
What is a stack formation in flag football?
Two receivers line up one behind the other. The defense cannot tell which one is going short and which one is going deep until after the snap.
What is a good deep pass play for 5v5 flag football?
Stack go is a good one because the short route and the deep route start from the same spot. Call it after the defense has seen several short throws.
What if my quarterback cannot throw deep yet?
Throw the out to Z and use Y's go as a decoy. The safety still has to run with Y, which leaves Z one on one.
More plays: all 5v5 flag football plays. Draw your own in the flag football play designer.