5v5Quick pass
Slant-flat
Slant-flat puts two receivers on the right side and makes one defender choose between them.
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Easy flag football plays
These easy flag football plays are the ones a first-year team can run after one practice. Each has a short throw or a handoff, and each player has one job to remember. The list covers 5v5, 6v6 and 7v7.
4 plays
5v5 easy plays
5v5Easy completion
Center delay
Center delay sends X, Y and Z deep and saves the center for last.
Open in the play designer5v5First play to teach
Quick hitches
Quick hitches is the first play most new teams should learn.
Open in the play designer5v5Run
Sweep
The sweep is a plain handoff to Y running wide to the right.
Open in the play designer4 plays
7v7 easy plays
7v7Quick pass
Bubble screen
The bubble screen is a quick throw to Y near the right sideline with two teammates in front of him.
Open in the play designer7v7Easy completion
Stick
Stick is a 5-yard completion you can call on any down.
Open in the play designer7v7Beats Cover 3
Curl-flat
Curl-flat runs the same two-man combination on both sides.
Open in the play designer7v7Run
Sweep
The sweep is a handoff to F, who runs for the right sideline and turns upfield.
Open in the play designerWhat makes a flag football play simple
Simple flag football plays share three things. The throw is short, usually 5 to 7 yards. Each receiver runs one route with one cut. The quarterback knows where he is throwing before the snap, or has only one defender to watch.
Quick hitches is the clearest example. Everybody runs 5 yards and turns around. Double slants is the 6v6 version of the same idea, with all four receivers slanting inside.
Flag football plays for beginners, in teaching order
Teach quick hitches first, then a sweep. That gives you one pass and one run. At the third practice add center delay, where the receivers clear out deep and the center slips out underneath after a one-Mississippi count.
Slant-flat comes next. It is the first play where the quarterback reads a defender. If the flat defender widens, he throws the slant behind him. If the defender sits, he throws the flat.
Flag football plays for 6 year olds and 8 year olds
At 6U, most plays should be a handoff or a throw of 3 to 5 yards. Use the sweep and quick hitches, and tell the quarterback who gets the ball before the snap. Give each play a one-word name.
At 8U, players can remember two or three routes and many quarterbacks can throw 7 to 10 yards. Add slant-flat and center delay, or stick if you play 7v7. Keep the playbook at five or six plays.
An easy defense to go with them
Zone is easier than man for young players. Each defender stands in an area and goes to the ball. Use the 3-2 zone in 5v5, the 3-3 zone in 6v6 and Cover 3 in 7v7.
Easy flag football plays FAQ
What is the easiest flag football play to teach?
Quick hitches. Every receiver has the same route, 5 yards and turn around. The quarterback throws to the receiver with the most room.
How many plays should a beginner flag football team have?
Four is enough to begin. One quick pass, one run, one play to the center and one deeper throw. Add more only after the team runs those without mistakes.
Can 6 year olds run pass plays in flag football?
Yes, if the throw is short. Keep it under 5 yards and have the receiver stop and face the quarterback. A hitch is an easier catch than a route where the receiver is running away from the ball.
What is a simple flag football play for the goal line?
Slant-flat or double slants. Most leagues have a no-run zone 5 yards before the goal line, so you need a quick pass there. Both get the ball out in about two seconds.
Free flag football play designer
Open the play designerDraw your own flag football plays
Start from any play on this page or a blank field. Give each player a route, watch it run, and print it on wristbands. The flag football play designer page shows how it works, and there are more free tools on the football coaching tools page.