Flag football trick plays

How 5 on 5 flag football misdirection plays work

Misdirection needs a play the defense has already seen. The reverse starts like a handoff to Y heading left. The defense chases, and Y hands the ball to X coming back the other way with the right side open.

The double pass starts with a quick backward pass from QB to Z behind the line. The defense runs up to stop Z. X sells a short route, then turns and goes deep, and Z throws it to him.

Rules to check before you call a trick play

The first pass in a double pass has to go backward. If it goes forward, the second pass is illegal. Practice it until the first throw is clearly backward every time.

Leagues differ on how many handoffs are allowed and on who can throw after a handoff. No-run zones apply too, so in most leagues a reverse cannot be called 5 yards before midfield or the goal line. Read your league's rules before you spend practice time on either play.

Other plays that fool a defense

A few plays filed under passing and running use the same idea. The play-action post fakes a handoff to Y and throws to Z behind the defenders who stepped up. The jet sweep uses motion to pull eyes across the field. Hitch and go, a 6v6 play, has Z fake a hitch and run deep.

When to call them

Call a trick play when the defense is chasing hard. If defenders are staying in their zones and reading the quarterback, a reverse runs into a defender who never left. Trick plays also take practice time, so get one working before you add another.