FLAG FOOTBALL TERMS TO KNOW
If you’re new to flag football—or football in general—phrases like “flag guarding” probably sound a little confusing. But it’s important to understand the meanings behind these common flag football terms, especially when you’re learning flag football rules. Plus, it makes watching the game that much more fun.
To make it easy, we’ve broken down these flag football terms into two categories: those that explain how the field is set up and those that explain how the game is played.
FLAG FOOTBALL FIELD TERMS
Boundary lines: The outer perimeter lines around the field, including the sidelines and back of the end zone lines.
Offense: The team who has possession of the ball and is trying to advance to the opponent’s end zone for a touchdown.
Defense: The team who doesn’t have possession of the ball and is trying to prevent the other team from scoring by pulling the ball-carrier’s flags down.
End zone: The two end zones, located on opposite sides of the field, are the scoring areas. The goal line, which a player must cross to score a touchdown, is the start of the end zone.
No run zone: The rules for flag football include no run zones that are located five yards before each goal line and the midfield. If the ball is spotted within a no run zone, the offensive team must use a pass play to earn a first down or touchdown. The objective is to prevent power football in tight spaces, limiting contact.
Line-to-gain: The line the offense must cross to get a first down or score.
Line of scrimmage: This is an imaginary line that expands the width of the field and runs through the point of the football. It indicates where teams can’t cross until the play has begun.
Backfield: The part of the field directly behind the line of scrimmage
FLAG FOOTBALL GAME TERMS
Dead ball: This refers to the period of time directly before or after a play, when the ball isn’t in motion. Flag football rules are more strict about deadlines: they commonly happen when the ball touches the ground, the ball-carrier’s flag is pulled from their belt, the ball-carrier steps out of bounds, the ball-carrier’s body—outside of their hands or feet—touches the ground, the pass is incomplete, the ball-carrier’s flag falls out or the receiver has one or no flags when catching the ball.
Downs: A down is the period after the ball is snapped and the team is attempting to advance down the field. In flag football rules, teams have four downs to cross midfield. If they successfully cross midfield within four downs, then they have three downs to score a touchdown.
Flag guarding: This flag football term happens when the ball-carrier prevents a defender from pulling down their flags. For example, they might stiff arm, cover their flag with their open hand, or lower their elbow. It is illegal and results in a penalty.
Lateral: A backward or sideway toss of the ball by the ball-carrier. Reminder: laterals are not permitted according to youth flag football rules.
Live ball: This is the period of time when the ball and play is in motion. It’s generally used in regard to penalties—live ball penalties are enforced before the down is considered complete.
Passer: The passer is the person throwing the ball. This flag football term is more common in flag football because the passer doesn’t necessarily have to be the quarterback.
Rush line: An imaginary line running across the width of the field seven yards (into the defensive side) from the line of scrimmage. In other words, any defensive player who is positioned seven yards off the line of scrimmage is eligible to rush.
Rusher: The defensive player assigned to rush the quarterback to prevent him/her from passing the ball by pulling his/her flags or blocking the pass. Offensive players must steer clear of the rusher. When the ball is handed off, any defender may rush.
Shovel pass: A pitch attempted beyond the line of scrimmage. The quarterback “shovels” the ball directly forward to a receiver. These are legal, whereas laterals and pitches are illegal plays, according to flag football rules.
FLAG FOOTBALL POSITIONS
Picture a traditional offensive line in tackle football, all 11 players. Now, remove the linemen. This is where the idea of 5 on 5 flag football comes from—it’s essentially the shell of tackle football, without the linemen. In other words, from an offensive standpoint, everyone can catch the pass, creating a continuous, fast-paced game. Here’s a closer look at flag football positions, and what skills are needed for both offense and defense:
OFFENSE
Typically, teams set up in a formation with these 5 positions:
Quarterback
Center
Wide receivers, running backs, or a mix of both
At the start of a play, the center snaps the football back to the quarterback, who can either hand it off or throw it. One question we hear frequently is: Can the QB run in flag football? No, most youth flag football rules don’t allow the quarterback to directly run with the ball. They must hand it off behind the line of scrimmage, or complete a forward pass. But if handed off, the quarterback can then run to receive a pass. The center is also allowed to run for a pass.
While 5 on 5 flag football leagues typically don’t have offensive linemen, 7 on 7 or 9 on 9 might offer this position. Exactly how does offensive linemen work in flag football? Like tackle, they’re responsible for protecting the quarterback and buying him/her more time to find an open player.
Of any rules, though, you’ll find that flag football blocking rules differ the most from league to league, with some allowing forms of contact.
If it is allowed, here’s how to block in flag football: Instead of launching forward at the snap, blocker’s use quick footwork and lateral movements to disrupt the defensive player’s path. Their hands are up and palms are open—arms can’t be crossed or fully extended.
DEFENSE
Without linemen in the mix, there are really two kinds of flag football defensive positions: rushers and defensive backs. Rushers try to get to the quarterback as quickly as possible, while defensive backs line up to face wide receivers, or even farther back as safeties.
What is a safety in flag football? The safety is an essential defensive position who acts as a catch-all, covering deep throws and any players who get loose. They’re responsible for keeping offensive players in front of them and covering players who slip through the cracks.
Coaches typically teach both man-to-man and zone defensive strategies. But the most important skill players learn on defense is the proper way to pull off an opponent’s flags. This technique actually lays the foundation for tackle football. For example, when breaking down, players are taught how to square up their opponent, where to align their head and knees, and what angles to take when pulling off flags. Essentially, it’s the exact position an athlete would need to take to physically tackle their opponent. This is a transferable skill set that benefits players who eventually want to play tackle football.
FLAG FOOTBALL PENALTIES
Flag football penalties are called directly by the referee and are assessed from the line of scrimmage, with the exception of spot fouls. Spout fouls are exactly how they sound: flag football penalties that are assessed from the spot on the field where the foul occurred.
With more than 20 offensive and defensive flag football penalties in NFL FLAG football, understanding all of them can be a bit overwhelming at first. To make it easy, we’ve broken down these flag football terms into two categories: how the field is set up and how the game is played.
See the full chart of flag football penalties here.
FAQs
What are the 5 rules of flag football? ›
- No pads.
- No helmets.
- No contact.
- No tackling, blocking, or diving.
- Nothing but fun.
The most important rule in flag football is that there's no contact allowed, including tackling, diving, blocking, screening or fumbles. Instead of physically tackling an opponent to the ground, players wear flags that hang along their sides by a belt.
What can the quarterback not do in flag football? ›Wide receivers, running backs, or a mix of both
One question we hear frequently is: Can the QB run in flag football? No, most youth flag football rules don't allow the quarterback to directly run with the ball. They must hand it off behind the line of scrimmage, or complete a forward pass.
Fouls during the play will be enforced from the basic spot. Illegal hand-off, blocking, illegal flag pull, intentionally kicking a pass, pass interference, illegal contact, targeting, game interference, illegal participation.
What is the first rule in flag football? ›The first rule of flag football is fairly straight-forward. No contact is allowed. That includes tackling, diving, blocking, and screening. Instead, players wear flags that hang along their sides by a belt.
What is the mercy rule in NFL flag football? ›Mercy Rule: After one team is winning by twenty eight points or more, the losing team gets one offensive series to continue regulation play. If they do not score, the game goes into scrimmage mode playing up to the fifteen minute mark in the second half if time allows. After the fifteen minute mark, the game is over.
Is jumping allowed in flag football? ›You cannot jump or hurdle an opposing player. You may jump to avoid having your flag pulled as long as you are not hurdling another player. (Penalty #10) FUMBLES 1. The ball is dead where it hits the ground.
What are 5 penalties in flag football? ›| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Illegal flag pull | A player pulls the flag off an opponent before they have full possession of the ball |
| Roughing the passer | A player makes contact with the passer after they've thrown a forward pass |
For example, flag football positions 7 on 7 use a combination of wide receivers, running backs and tight ends on offense, in addition to the quarterback and center. The number of each position depends on the coach's strategy and whether limited contact is allowed on the field.
How is flag football scored? ›In order to score a touchdown in flag football a player must cross the goal line and get into the end zone with possession of the football. The end zone is 10 yards deep and 40 yards wide. Players can either catch the ball inside of the end zone or carry the ball over the goal line.
What are the 5 on 5 formations in flag football? ›
In a 5 on 5 flag football single set formation, two receivers line up on the line of scrimmage, equal distances away from each other. The final receiver stands a few yards behind the quarterback. Keep in mind that distance between players can be adjusted for personal customization.
Can you rush the QB in flag football? ›RUSHING THE PASSER RULES-
) All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the quarterback. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage.
STIFF ARMING: Stiff arming is not allowed; a personal foul will be called, and if warranted an unsportsmanlike conduct or ejection will result. OBSTRUCTING THE RUNNER: A defensive player shall not hold, grasp, or obstruct the forward progress of the runner when attempting to remove the flag belt.
Why are there no pockets in flag football? ›The no pocket design reduces the danger of injuring fingers and thumbs as players grab for your flag, with an elastic waistband and draw cord that gives each player a customized, snug fit.
What is a illegal procedure in flag football? ›**Illegal Procedure is an infraction by the offense when a player or players is/are not lined up correctly. The offense must have four players on the line of scrimmage to begin each play. Two players may never be in motion at on time.
What are the 4 types of penalties you may receive in flag football? ›...
These are some of the penalties:
- Facemask.
- Pass Interference.
- Holding.
- Roughing The Passer.
- Illegal Contact.
Rule Summary View Official Rule
All other players must be stationary in their positions. If an eligible receiver who is on the line moves to another position on the line (not forward), he must reset prior to the snap. If he does not reset, it is Illegal Motion.
All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage. Shovel passes are allowed but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage. seconds, play is dead, loss of down. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule no longer is in effect.
Can you run backwards in flag football? ›The player punting may not take any steps backward, and he/she may only take steps forward. PENALTY: Illegal Procedure; 5 yards from line of scrimmage. If the ball hits the ground off the snap, it shall be declared dead and the receiving team will take possession at the spot.
Is it a penalty to tackle someone in flag football? ›What if Someone Does Tackle in Flag Football? If someone fully tackles another player in flag football, they are likely to be called for an “Unsportsmanlike” penalty.
Where are the no running zones in flag football? ›
The rules for flag football include no run zones that are located five yards before each goal line and the midfield. If the ball is spotted within a no run zone, the offensive team must use a pass play to earn a first down or touchdown.
Do you snap the ball in flag football? ›Per NFL FLAG rules, each time the ball is snapped counts as one of the four downs allotted to cross midfield. If the team crosses midfield within the allotted four downs, the offensive team then has three snaps, or downs, to score a touchdown.
Can you slap hands in flag football? ›Note: No Blocking below the waist. No Bull-Rushing: This means the defense must work around offensive blockers, not plow or push over or through them. No Arm Slapping: Rushers cannot slap the blockers arm away. A blocker can push the arm of the defender away but not slap or hit defender.
Can a QB scramble in flag football? ›QB cannot run directly with the ball. QB can scramble behind line of scrimmage. QB must pass from behind line of scrimmage and has 7 seconds to pass the ball. If QB still has the ball after 7 seconds the play is dead.
Can you do spin moves in flag football? ›Any player who takes a handoff or backwards lateral can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage. Once the ball has been handed off or there is a fake handoff, all defensive players are eligible to rush. Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (no diving).
What play immediately follows a touchdown in flag football? ›The ball will be put into play by the team scored upon by a scrimmage down from their 10-yard line following a touchdown (and try-for-point). The ball will be put in play by the scoring team from their 10-yard line following a safety.
What is the most important position in flag football? ›When you are playing flag football, you have to decide who will play what position. Among the most important positions is the quarterback position. The quarterback has to be able to run. There is no greater offensive weapon than a quarterback that can pass as well as take off running.
What position is defense in flag football? ›- Defensive backs;
- Safety; and.
- Rusher (7 on 7 only).
- If the ball is fumbled, it is an automatic loss of down. - A play will start when the quarterback says "hike".
Can you do unlimited forward passes in one play in flag football? ›Only one forward pass may be attempted per down and it must be attempted from BEHIND THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE. All players are eligible to catch a forward pass. Unlimited lateral/backward passes may be thrown during a down and from anywhere on the field.
Can a field goal be scored in flag football? ›
- A field goal is worth 3 points and a safety is worth 2 points. - Each team plays 11 players on offense and 11 players on defense. - 7 players must start on the line of scrimmage. - Offensive linemen are not eligible to receive a pass.
Where is a touchdown scored in flag football? ›End zone – the end zone is a 10-yard section stretching the width of the field at both ends of the playing field. A player entering the end zone whilst in possession of the football scores a touchdown, as does a player who catches the ball from a forward pass whilst in the end zone.
What is the best defense to run in flag football? ›A zone defense is the best type to use as your base defense in youth flag football. In a zone defense, each defender is assigned an area of the field, known as a “zone”, and it is their responsibility to guard that entire zone.
What is the best strategy for flag football? ›- Create a Playbook. Getting key plays down on paper is a key organizational tool for a flag football team. ...
- Have Players Wear Wrist Bands That Show Plays. A wrist band can serve as a portable playbook. ...
- Pressure the QB. ...
- Pitch the Ball. ...
- Character Counts in Key Positions. ...
- Avoid Turnovers. ...
- Removing a Flag. ...
- Rotate Players.
- Catch snap, drop back 10 yards, look off the defense to the right, turn and throw it to the 2.
- Show pass blocking, then release when the offensive linemen pull out. ...
- Post pattern, clear out the cornerback. ...
- Backside pass block.
Kneel Downs
You'll often see a quarterback kneel down to run out the final seconds of a game. On the stat sheet, it gets logged as a rushing attempt with anywhere from zero to 3-yards lost. If there is enough time left, a quarterback might do this two or three times in succession.
Each player has a specific role on the field and every play counts. The most important rule in flag football is that there's no contact allowed, including tackling, diving, blocking, screening or fumbles. Instead of physically tackling an opponent to the ground, players wear flags that hang along their sides by a belt.
Is spinning flag guarding? ›Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a flag pull. Players spinning out of control will be called for flag guarding.
Can you play flag football without cleats? ›Metal cleats are not allowed in flag football. Football gloves (optional). Some players prefer to use football gloves, which give extra grip to help control the ball. These aren't required, though.
What are the 7 positions in flag football? ›The seven players on offense consist of a center, a quarterback and five eligible receivers. Two of those receivers must be on the line of scrimmage at the snap – each positioned on opposite sides of the center.
Can you steal the ball in flag football? ›
8. No player shall attempt to steal the ball, trip an opponent, contact an opponent who is on the ground, make unnecessary contact with an opponent, deliberately dive or run into an opponent or tackle the ball carrier or push the ball carrier out of bounds to stop the play.
Can you hurdle in flag football? ›8.6 An offensive player may not dive or hurdle over, through or into an opponent who is on their feet. 8.7 Any dead-ball penalty occuring after a touchdown will be assessed on the extra point.
Can you push in flag football? ›A defensive player may not hold, push, or knock down the ball carrier in an attempt to remove the flag, nor shall an offensive player hold, block, or run through a defensive player trying to remove the flag belt.
Who guards the quarterback in flag football? ›Safety: The safety stands further back from the line of scrimmage and is responsible for stopping opponents who get loose. Rusher: The rusher attempts to prevent the quarterback from passing the ball (must be at least seven feet off the line of scrimmage at the snap to rush the passer).
Can you rush the quarterback in flag football? ›RUSHING THE PASSER RULES-
) All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the quarterback. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage.
1 point-conversion attempt made from the 3-yard line. 2 point-conversion attempts made from the 10-yard line. 3 point-conversion attempts made from the 20-yard line. * A team may not return a P.A.T. for points (Ball is dead once turnover occurs).
Can you stiff arm people in flag football? ›STIFF ARMING: Stiff arming is not allowed; a personal foul will be called, and if warranted an unsportsmanlike conduct or ejection will result. OBSTRUCTING THE RUNNER: A defensive player shall not hold, grasp, or obstruct the forward progress of the runner when attempting to remove the flag belt.
Can you block with your arms in flag football? ›3. No body blocks, roll blocks, or shoulder blocks are allowed at anytime (Penalty will be expulsion from game and automatic suspension from league play). Offensive players may not keep their elbows out when blocking, they must be against the body.