Levels diagram
- 1
Two in-breaking routes at 5 and 10 yards on the same side. The linebacker can only take one. QB throws to the other.
When to call Levels
Use it against zone when the underneath defenders are dropping straight back and watching the quarterback.
From trips, the defense has to shift toward the three-receiver side. If they stay put, you have three receivers against two defenders before the ball is snapped.
Levels: each player's job
QB
Find the linebacker in the middle of the field. Throw the 10-yard in to Y behind him, or the 5-yard in to Z if he drops.
C
Hitch at 5 yards and face the quarterback. Stay still so Z and Y know where you are.
X
Alone on the left, run a post that breaks toward the middle at about 10 yards.
Z
From the widest spot on the right, go 5 yards up, plant and run flat toward the middle for 10 yards.
Y
The first throw goes to you. From the slot, run 10 yards straight up and break in. The ball comes within three steps of your cut.
H
As the inside receiver in the trips, run a go route to clear out the deep defenders.
F
Leave from beside the quarterback and run to the left flat to widen the defender there.
What the quarterback looks at
The quarterback watches the middle linebacker, the one closest to where the in routes are headed. If he steps up to take Z at 5 yards, Y is open behind him at 10. That is the first throw and the bigger gain.
If the linebacker backs up under Y, throw to Z right now and let him run. The ball should be out by the time Y makes his cut.
How to teach Levels at practice
- 1
Set cones at 5 and 10 yards on the right side. Z and Y run their in routes with no defense until the cuts are flat.
- 2
Stand a coach at linebacker 7 yards deep. He steps up or drops back and the quarterback throws opposite.
- 3
Finish with H, X, F and C running their routes so the quarterback sees the whole picture.
Common mistakes
- Both in routes end up at the same depth, usually around 7 yards, and one defender covers both. Use cones until Z stays at 5 and Y gets to 10.
- Y rounds off his cut and a defender undercuts it. Have him plant his outside foot and come back flat.
- The quarterback waits too long and the routes run into the defenders on the left side. Throw when the receiver comes out of his break.
Levels FAQ
What is the levels concept in flag football?
Levels is two in-breaking routes at different depths on the same side. The quarterback reads one underneath defender and throws to whichever depth he leaves.
Is levels good against man coverage?
It can be, because in-breaking routes let a receiver run away from his defender. Against man, throw to the receiver who has a step.
Which receiver should run the 10-yard in?
Put your most reliable hands at Y. He catches the ball in the middle of the field with defenders close by.
More plays: all 7v7 flag football plays. Draw your own in the flag football play designer.