How to Call Flag Football Plays

Flag football looks like organized chaos to the casual observer. With players seemingly running every which way, there appears to be little method to the madness. But if a team wants to be successful, then being able to operate an offense is important. Creating an easy-to-understand, yet difficult to defend, set of offensive plays is a good start, but that is only half of the equation. Effectively calling those plays in game situations is the final piece of the puzzle to flag football offensive success.

Things You'll Need

• Quarterback wristband
• Index cards

Instructions

1. 

   Create a play-calling card. Divide a 4-by-6 index card to create six equal-sized boxes in which to diagram your plays. Each diagram should clearly label the responsibilities for each running back and wide receiver on the field. Every player should have a copy of the card, which can be kept in a quarterback wristband (can be ordered online) and worn on the arm.

2. In order to prevent the defense from easily deciphering your play calls, each formation and pass pattern should correspond to a number or code word. Your code words could be names of states, cartoon characters or types of cars. The key is to create a series of words that have something in common and can be easy for everyone to remember.

3. At the line of scrimmage, the first call will be the formation that lets the players know where they should line up.

4. After the formation is set, the quarterback will call out the pass patterns. Each pattern should be called out starting from the left and moving to the right.

5. Occasionally you may have an idea that the defense is ready for whatever play you have called. In that case, you can call an audible--another play that can either be run from the current formation or with a slight shift in formation. Make sure all of the players hear and know the code word that signals the change in plays.

Tips & Warnings

• Limiting the number of squares allows you to draw the plays big enough to be easily seen. It also simplifies the offense for your teammates. Consider running different plays from similar formations.

References

• Flag Football Plays