Flag football is a recreational and competitive game that allows players to use their athletic skills to play football. Flag football can be played by high school teams that lack the resources to support tackle football. It can also be played at the intramural level or as an introduction to football for youngsters.
Eligible Receivers
In tackle football, the players on the offensive line are not eligible receivers. However, there are no ineligible receivers in flag football. While the quarterback will be vulnerable to getting his flag pulled if the offensive linemen don't block, those offensive linemen can go out for a pass if they choose. Offensive linemen can catch the ball and run after making the catch as well.
No Tackling
It may seem obvious, but there is no tackling in flag football. Players are allowed to grab opponents for the purpose of pulling out a flag and stopping the play, but they may not apply a hard hit or make a tackle while attempting to pull the flag. An official will throw a penalty flag for rough play for any tackle or hit that is deemed too hard. If a player commits that infraction a second time, he may not be allowed to continue playing and may not be eligible for future games.
Wide Receiver Pass Back
Trick plays have a better chance of working in flag football than they do in tackle football. One of the most effective plays is the wide receiver pass back to the quarterback. On this play, the wide receiver starts off on the left side of the formation. He sprints toward the backfield and the quarterback hands him the football. The quarterback then runs to the spot the receiver came from and runs down the left sideline. If nobody from the defense picks him up -- very likely from this formation -- the wide receiver stops, turns and throws him the ball. This almost always results in a big play.
Square-Out Pass
All teams need a bread-and-butter play that they can depend on to make a first down in most situations. Flag football is highly dependent on the pass, and the square-out pass to the tight end can help keep drives alive. On this play, the quarterback will roll out to his right. The tight end will run 8 to 10 yards straight up field and then cut hard to his right. At this point he will be running toward the sidelines, as will the quarterback who continues to roll out. They should both be on the same plane and the quarterback should be able to make an easy toss to the tight end for a first down.
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