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Flag Football Coaching Resources

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Flag Football Fanatics

Flag Football Fanatics has innumerable valuable resources.  Here are our favorites: 

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Coaching Responsibilities.

  • Contacting Parents

    • Call or text parents (do not email) within 24 hours of receiving your roster.

  • Player Information

    • Ensure you have contact information and waivers for all players at every game and practice.

  • Punctuality

    • Be on time. Remember, we are role models for our children.

  • Maintain a Positive Attitude

    • Stay upbeat and encourage positivity in all interactions.

  • Make It Fun

    • Whether it’s a game or practice, youth football should always be fun.

  • Limit Standing Around

    • Avoid downtime during games, practices, clinics, or camps.

    • Keep all participants actively engaged to ensure they enjoy the experience and improve their skills.

    • Fast-paced, interactive practices help maintain energy and enthusiasm while minimizing passive observation.

  • Ensure Everyone Plays

    • Every player should participate in at least half of the game.

    • Youth football is an inclusive learning experience for all players.

    • As a coach, focus on developing the skills and confidence of every team member, starting with the least experienced.

  • Provide Constructive Feedback

    • Yell encouragement; whisper constructive criticism.

    • Maintain a positive environment by avoiding negative comments from yourself, players, parents, or staff.

    • Children are aware of their mistakes; focus on teaching them how to improve through supportive and actionable feedback.

Basic Flag Football Rules by Division.

Minis (Kindergarten)

  • The coach serves as the quarterback (QB).

  • Teams have four downs to achieve either a first down or touchdown.

  • The defense has five players on the field and must stay 3 yards back from the offensive center.

  • The offense has five players on the field, with the coach acting as the QB.

  • Before snapping the ball, the offensive coach must confirm readiness with the defensive coach.

PeeWee (1st and 2nd Grade)

  • Interceptions can be returned.

  • Teams have four downs to achieve either a first down or touchdown.

  • The QB cannot run unless they receive a handoff, lateral, or pitch behind the line of scrimmage.

  • The defensive rusher has the right of way to the QB.

  • The rusher must start 9 yards off the line of scrimmage.

  • The rusher must aim to remove the QB’s flag during a rush.

  • No-Run Zones are not in effect for this division.

  • When a lateral, pitch, or handoff occurs, the 9-yard rush line no longer applies.

  • Two coaches are allowed on the field for both the offensive and defensive teams.

Junior Varsity (3rd and 4th Grade)

  • Interceptions can be returned.

  • Teams have four downs to achieve either a first down or touchdown.

  • No blocking or screening of any kind is allowed.

  • The QB cannot run unless they receive a handoff, lateral, or pitch behind the line of scrimmage.

  • The defensive rusher has the right of way to the QB.

  • The rusher must start 7 yards off the line of scrimmage.

  • The rusher must aim to remove the QB’s flag during a rush.

  • No-Run Zones are located 4 yards before a first down or touchdown.

  • When a lateral, pitch, or handoff occurs, the 7-yard rush line no longer applies.

  • Two coaches are allowed on the field for both the offensive and defensive teams.

Varsity (5th and 6th Grade)

  • Interceptions can be returned.

  • Teams have three downs to achieve either a first down or touchdown.

  • No blocking or screening of any kind is allowed.

  • The QB cannot run unless they receive a handoff, lateral, or pitch behind the line of scrimmage.

  • The defensive rusher has the right of way to the QB.

  • The rusher must start 7 yards off the line of scrimmage.

  • The rusher must aim to remove the QB’s flag during a rush.

  • No-Run Zones are located 4 yards before a first down or touchdown.

  • When a lateral, pitch, or handoff occurs, the 7-yard rush line no longer applies.

  • One coach is allowed on the field for both the offensive and defensive teams.

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Basic Concepts.

  • Focus on Positive Yards on 1st Down

    • Encourage simple, effective plays that consistently move the ball forward.

  • Incorporate Defensive Rush

    • Aim to rush at least one player on defense to put pressure on the quarterback and disrupt offensive plays.

  • Teach Defensive Man-to-Man Principles

    • Instill the fundamentals of man-to-man defense to help players develop awareness and accountability on the field.

  • Address Flag Guarding Early

    • Break the habit of flag guarding as soon as possible to ensure fair play and adherence to the rules.

  • Reinforce Non-Contact Play

    • Emphasize that flag football is a non-contact sport, promoting safe and respectful gameplay.

  • Introduce Offensive Motion

    • Implement some form of motion in your offensive sets to create variety and keep the defense guessing.

  • Prepare Offensive Plays Before the First Game

    • Develop and practice at least three offensive plays in advance to build team confidence and readiness.

  • Establish a Substitution Cycle

    • With teams consisting of 10 or fewer players, set up a consistent substitution plan to ensure everyone gets playing time and stays engaged.

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