Jet sweep diagram
- 1
H comes in motion and takes the handoff at full speed. The receivers on the right run deep so the edge is empty when H gets there.
When to call Jet sweep
Call it when the defense is in man and following receivers deep, or when the short defenders have been backing up to stop passes. It is a good first down call in the middle of the field.
Check where the ball is first. Most leagues have no-run zones 5 yards before midfield and 5 yards before the goal line, and a handoff run is not allowed there.
Jet sweep: each player's job
QB
Start H with a hand signal or a foot tap. Call for the snap when H is a step or two away, turn and hand him the ball as he passes. Most leagues do not let the quarterback run, so the handoff is the whole play.
C
Snap, then run a 5-yard hitch to the left. That holds the middle defender away from the side H is running to.
H
Start in the left slot. Before the snap, run behind the line toward QB. Take the handoff at full speed and head for the right sideline. Turn upfield once you are outside the last defender.
X
Wide left. Post route. Take your defender deep and toward the middle.
Z
Wide right. Go route up the sideline. Run hard so the defender on you has to turn and chase.
Y
Right slot. Go route straight up the field. You and Z are emptying the edge for H.
What the quarterback looks at
This is a run, so QB has no read after the snap. The snap has to come when H is close enough that he never slows down to take the ball.
Before calling it, look at the right side of the defense. If the defenders there have been running deep with Z and Y, the edge will be empty. If a short zone defender is sitting wide on the right, H will have to cut inside him.
How to teach Jet sweep at practice
- 1
Practice the motion and snap with QB, C and H. H starts on the signal and QB calls for the ball when H reaches a cone 2 yards away.
- 2
Add the handoff. QB holds the ball out with two hands and H takes it without slowing down. Run it ten times at full speed.
- 3
Add Z and Y on go routes with defenders covering them. Show H the open edge.
Common mistakes
- H slows down or stops to take the handoff. Move the snap earlier or later until he can take it running.
- H drifts toward the line before the snap. In most leagues motion has to be sideways or backward. Have him follow a row of cones behind the line of scrimmage.
- Z and Y jog their routes and their defenders stay near the line. They have to sell the deep pass.
Jet sweep FAQ
Is the jet sweep legal in flag football?
In most leagues, yes. Handoffs behind the line are allowed and one player can be in motion. Runs are not allowed in the no-run zones, and some leagues limit motion. Check your league's rules.
Can you block on a jet sweep in 6 on 6 flag football?
Most youth flag leagues do not allow blocking. That is why Z and Y run deep routes. They move their defenders out of the way by making them cover a pass.
What should I call after the defense starts stopping the jet sweep?
Use the same motion and throw. When the defense slides right with H, X on the post or C on the hitch is open on the left.
More plays: all 6v6 flag football plays, running plays. Draw your own in the flag football play designer.