Mesh diagram
- 1
H and Y cross underneath while X and Z run deep. The crossers rub off man coverage and QB hits the one who comes free.
When to call Mesh
Mesh is a man beater. When defenders chase receivers across the field, the two crossers pass close to each other and the trailing defenders have to slow down or go around. One crosser usually comes out with a step or two.
It is a good call on third and short and near the goal line.
Mesh: each player's job
QB
Watch the spot where H and Y cross. Throw to the crosser who comes out of it ahead of his defender. The diagram shows the ball going to Y, who is moving right to left.
C
Snap, run 5 yards and turn around. Stay in the middle so QB has a short throw if both crossers are covered.
H
Left slot. Release to about 3 yards and run across the field to the right, drifting up to 4 yards. You go underneath Y.
Y
Right slot. Get to about 3 yards and cross to the left, climbing to 5 yards. You go over the top of H, close enough to slap hands.
X
Wide left. Go route straight up the sideline. Take your defender with you.
Z
Wide right. Head upfield and break to the post. You clear out the deep middle.
What the quarterback looks at
First look is the crossing point. QB waits for H and Y to pass each other, which takes about two seconds, then throws to whichever one has separation. Lead him so he catches it running.
If the defense is in zone, nobody will be trailing the crossers. Each crosser should slow down in the first gap between short defenders and show his hands. If both are covered, C is at 5 yards facing QB.
How to teach Mesh at practice
- 1
Start with H and Y only. Set a cone at 4 yards in the middle. H goes under the cone and Y goes over it. Have them slap hands as they pass.
- 2
Add QB. Throw to each crosser five times so both get used to catching on the move.
- 3
Put in X, Z and C and run the full play. The rule for the crossers never changes. H is under and Y is over.
Common mistakes
- Crossers pass too far apart, so the defenders run through the gap. Keep the hand slap in practice until the spacing is automatic.
- A crosser runs into a defender on purpose. That is a penalty in most leagues. Receivers run their own path and let the traffic do the work.
- QB throws before the cross. The separation comes after they pass, so wait for it.
Mesh FAQ
Is the mesh play legal in flag football?
Yes. Two receivers are allowed to cross. What most leagues do not allow is running into a defender or stopping to screen him. Check your league's rules on picks.
How do you run mesh in 6 on 6 flag football?
Use the two slots as the crossers. H goes underneath at 3 to 4 yards and Y goes over the top at about 5. The outside receivers run deep and the center hitches in the middle.
What do I call if the defense switches to zone against mesh?
Stay in the play and have the crossers sit down in open space. If that is not enough, call smash or flood next.
More plays: all 6v6 flag football plays. Draw your own in the flag football play designer.