Flag football running plays

How running plays work without blocking

Most youth flag leagues do not allow blocking, so the run game moves defenders with routes. In the 5v5 sweep, Z and X run deep to take their defenders with them. Y takes a plain handoff and runs wide to the open edge.

The 7v7 sweep adds a back. F takes the handoff and heads for the right sideline while everyone else runs a route. If receivers jog those routes, their defenders stay near the line and pull the flag.

No-run zones and quarterback run rules

Most leagues mark no-run zones 5 yards before midfield and 5 yards before the goal line. Inside them the offense has to pass. Find them on your field before the game, because a run called there is a penalty.

In most leagues the quarterback cannot run the ball across the line of scrimmage. He can hand it off behind the line, and the player who takes the handoff can run. Some leagues let the quarterback run when he is rushed, so check your league's rules.

Jet sweeps and 5v5 flag football run plays

A jet sweep adds motion. In the 5v5 version, Y goes in motion across the formation and the quarterback snaps the ball as Y arrives. In 6v6, H does it from the left slot. The runner gets the ball at full speed, and the defense has to catch up.

Teach the plain sweep first. Add the jet sweep once the quarterback and center can time the snap to the motion. Leagues differ on pre-snap motion, so read that rule before you install it.

When to call a run

Call runs on first down in the middle of the field, when the defense is backing up to stop the pass. Against man coverage the defenders follow receivers deep and the edge opens up. Against a zone with short defenders sitting wide, runs gain less.