Flag football is a sport that helps prepare young people for tackle football. It also is a recreational sport played at the high school, college and amateur level. Flag football game plans include some running plays but it primarily features the pass. In addition to the deep pass, teams like to use the crossing pattern that allows receivers to catch the ball at full speed.
Rollout Pass
Quarterbacks rarely sit in the pocket and wait for a receiver to break open in flag football. To buy time, quarterbacks roll out to the right or left -- depending on which hand they pass with -- and then let go of the pass. In this drill, the quarterback will take the shotgun snap from center, take five steps in either direction and then throw the ball to get used to throwing the ball on the move.
Freeze and Quick Tuck
To be effective in flag football, players must be able to catch the ball and then secure it by tucking it away. To execute this drill, have the quarterback and receiver stand 10 yards apart. On the coach's signal, the quarterback puts the ball in the throwing position. On the next command, the quarterback throws the ball to the receiver. Then the receiver catches the ball in his hands -- and does not let the ball bounce off of his body. Then he must tuck the ball away to keep the defense from knocking the ball free.
Defensive Wrap Drill
While there is no tackling in flag football, it is still a physical game. Defensive players have to wrap up if they are going to stop opponents consistently. Simply reaching for your opponent's midsection and pulling the flag will not get the job done. In this drill, the linebacker will run to the ball carrier, wrap one arm around the midsection and reach for the flag with the other. This keeps the ball carrier from spinning out of the grasp of the defender.
Conditioning Drill
Whether it's tackle football or flag football, players have to be in good shape. Conditioning drills are vital to keep players from getting exhausted in the fourth quarter of games. in this drill, each player starts at the goal line. On the coach's whistle, each player sprints to the 10-yard line and back, the 20-yard line and back and then the 40-yard line and back. Have each player do this drill twice.
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