Double slants diagram
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Both receivers on each side run slants. QB picks the side with more room before the snap and throws to the first one open.
When to call Double slants
Call it on first down or any time you need 4 to 6 yards. It is a good answer when defenders are playing 5 or more yards off your receivers, because the slant is caught in front of them with the receiver already running.
It also fits near the goal line and inside a no-run zone, where most leagues make you pass.
Double slants: each player's job
QB
Before the snap, pick the side where the defenders are deeper or wider. Catch the snap, take one step back and throw to the first slant that opens on that side. In the diagram that is H.
C
Snap, run 5 yards straight ahead and turn around. You are the safe throw if both slants on the chosen side are covered.
X
Wide left. Take three hard steps upfield, then cut inside at an angle toward the middle of the field. Keep running after the cut.
H
Left slot. Three steps and cut inside, same as X. You are closest to QB on that side, so expect the ball right out of your cut.
Z
Wide right. Three steps upfield and slant inside, a mirror of X.
Y
Right slot. Slant inside after three steps. If QB picks the right side, you are his first look.
What the quarterback looks at
The choice of side happens before the snap. Go to the side with fewer defenders or more cushion.
After the snap, watch the short defender nearest the slot. If he stays put or backs up, throw to the slot. If he jumps the slot, the outside slant is coming into the space he left. If both are covered, C is turning around at 5 yards.
How to teach Double slants at practice
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Line up one receiver and QB. The receiver takes three steps and cuts at 45 degrees. QB throws as the receiver makes the cut. Repeat from both sides.
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Put a coach where the inside short defender would stand. The coach steps toward the slot or backs away, and QB throws off that.
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Run the whole play with C. Tell QB the side before the snap for the first few reps, then let him choose.
Common mistakes
- Receivers round the cut. Put a cone at three steps and have them plant the outside foot at the cone.
- Receivers stop after the catch. A slant keeps moving across the field, so have them catch it and run to a far cone.
- QB holds the ball waiting for someone to look open. The throw goes on the receiver's cut. Count one, two, throw in practice.
Double slants FAQ
Does double slants work against zone in 6 on 6 flag football?
Yes, with shorter gains. The ball is caught between the short defenders. Against zone, tell receivers to ease up in the gap between two defenders so QB has a steady target.
What age can run double slants?
Most 8U teams can run it. Every receiver has the same route, so there is one thing to teach.
What play pairs with double slants in a 6v6 playbook?
Hitch and go. Once the defense starts jumping short routes, a double move gets a receiver behind them.
More plays: all 6v6 flag football plays, easy plays. Draw your own in the flag football play designer.