Things You'll Need:
- A Football
- Flags
- Teammates
- A Field
-
Step 1
The first thing you need to do with your teams is put your players into their positions. Try to maximize each player's potential when doing so. In 7-on-7 flag football, the most general offensive formation is having 3 wide receivers, 3 linemen, and 1 quarterback. On defense, the most general package is having 2 pass rushers, 3 cornerbacks, 1 linebacker, and 1 safety; another possible combination is 3 pass rushers, 3 cornerbacks, and 1 safety.
-
Step 2
On offense, try to get taller players as your receivers (if they can catch well). Players who can throw a football well should obviously play quarterback, but if you have several players who can throw well, choose the one who is fastest or most athletic, as the ability to escape from a pass rush is crucial in flag football. Quicker players should be chosen to play as linemen, as flag football is a non-contact sport and the ability to stay in front of a pass-rusher is very important.
-
Step 3
On defense, the most important flag football position is the pass rusher. Try to get your most athletic players rushing the pass, as this will force the QB to make poor decisions, and/or throw interceptions. Taller players should play safety. Cornerbacks should be fast enough to stay with the opposing wide receivers. If you choose to play a linebacker, they should be very fast, as it is likely that they will be running after receivers/quarterbacks in order to pull flags.
-
Step 4
In terms of offensive playcalling, you're going to want to have multiple options for the quarterback. With 3 receivers, have one receiver run a short route (such as a Curl, In, or Out route), another receiver run a mid-range route (such as a Post, or Corner route), and the last receiver run a longer route (such as a Go route). You should always have lineman dump options, so that if none of the receivers are open, a blocking lineman can release out and catch the ball. Many times, opposing teams are not accounting for this extra receiver and will usually leave him/her open, allowing for a big catch-and-run. Flag football is more about getting open, rather than running exact routes and throwing into tight passing windows.
-
Step 5
For defensive schemes, you can run a man-to-man defense, or zone defense. In standard situations, playing man-to-man is suggested. Have each cornerback line up opposite a receiver and make sure they do not let the receiver get behind them -- this is a sure touchdown for the opposing team. In short-yardage goal line situations, playing zone defense works well.
-
Step 6
courtesy footballbabble.comNow, all that has to be done is to execute! Do your best to pull flags on the first attempt, as this can lead to many extra yards for the opposing team. On offense, try to work the outside of the field, as there usually is a lot of room to work with (try throwing 7-10 yard Out routes). At the goal line, try to throw lob passes (or fades) to your taller receivers. Hopefully, all these tips will help you to win your 7-on-7 flag football league!
