How to Make Flag Football Plays

There are some similarities between making plays in flag football as there are in conventional tackle football, but there are subtle differences as well. In flag football, you want to run your plays to the middle of the field and away from the sideline barrier. You also generally want to stay away from running plays unless it's just to throw your opponent off balance.

Instructions

1. Run an underneath hook (or button hook) to maintain possession and keep your drive rolling. This is an easy pass for the quarterback to complete because more defensive players will allow the receiver to catch the comeback pattern so they can stay between the receiver and the goal.

2. Run crossing patterns to create big plays. When one receiver goes out and the other goes in, they will likely cross paths and the defensive players will get "picked off." It is very difficult to call a penalty on this play. If the inside receiver catches a pass in stride, it could result in a big play.

3. Throw the screen pass to your running back. If the quarterback fakes a pass to the left and throws to the running back on the right side, it allows two blockers to get in front of the back and wall off potential tacklers.

4. Throw the out-and-up to the wide receiver. This is a great play if you can get decent protection because the quarterback will pump-fake on the out move, which usually freezes the defensive back. The receiver should be running free and easy waiting for the ball, resulting in an easy touchdown.

5. Try the hook-and-trailer play to confuse the defense. If you have been running a lot of hook patterns, have the receiver flip the ball to a streaking running back after coming back to catch the pass. If the defense is closing in on the receiver, the late pitch could result in a huge play.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative on the field, and show your opponent plays they have not thought of. This is no physical intimidation in flag football. However, you can beat an opponent by out-thinking them.