Sweep diagram
- 1
F takes the handoff and runs for the right sideline. Everyone else runs a route to pull their defender out of the way.
When to call Sweep
Call it on first down, or after a few passes when the underneath defenders have started backing up at the snap.
Know where the no-run zones are. Most leagues do not allow runs in the 5 yards before midfield and the goal line, so check your league's rules.
Sweep: each player's job
QB
Turn to your right and hand the ball to F, then fake a drop back. Most leagues do not allow a pitch.
C
Drag to the left, away from the run, 2 to 4 yards past the line. A defender who follows you is one less chasing F.
X
Run a post from wide left and take your defender deep toward the middle.
Z
Run a post to the inside from wide right. It pulls the cornerback off the sideline F is running to.
Y
Go route from the right slot at full speed, so your defender has to turn and run with you.
H
Start beside the quarterback on the left. Cross in front of him and run an arc to the right, about 4 yards past the line, ahead of F.
F
Start beside the quarterback on the right. Take the handoff, run flat toward the sideline for about 8 yards, then turn up the field.
What the quarterback looks at
There is no pass read here. The quarterback's job is a clean handoff and a good fake after it.
The read belongs to F. He runs toward the sideline until he sees open space, then cuts straight up the field. If a defender beats him to the corner, he plants and cuts back inside H.
How to teach Sweep at practice
- 1
Rep the handoff with the quarterback and F alone until they can do it without looking at the ball.
- 2
Add H. He leaves at the snap and F stays a step behind and outside him.
- 3
Run it against a full defense pulling flags, then flip it to the left.
Common mistakes
- F turns upfield too early and runs into the middle of the defense. Put a cone 8 yards wide and make him go around it.
- Receivers stand and watch the run, and their defenders come up to pull the flag. Every route is run at full speed.
- F covers his flags with his arm or the ball. Flag guarding is a penalty, so teach him to carry the ball high on the outside arm.
Sweep FAQ
Can you run the ball in 7 on 7 flag football?
Many flag leagues allow handoffs to a back, and some 7 on 7 passing leagues do not allow any runs. Where runs are allowed, the quarterback usually cannot run the ball himself.
Is H allowed to block on the sweep?
Most youth flag leagues do not allow blocking. H runs an arc route ahead of F to pull a defender out of the way.
How do I stop defenders from pulling the flag at the corner?
Give the ball to your fastest player. Have him run flat before he turns up, and practice one hard cut back inside.
More plays: all 7v7 flag football plays, easy plays, running plays. Draw your own in the flag football play designer.