At a glance
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- 4
- 7 s
- 5 yd
The game
Flag football plays and routes explained
A flag football play is a plan for how five offensive players use the field: usually a quarterback throwing to receivers who run routes, sometimes a hand-off. With no blocking, plays work through spacing and timing, and a few rules decide what is legal: one forward pass per down, thrown from behind the line, and no quarterback run past it.
The nine basic routes
A route is the path a receiver runs. Every offense, at every level, is built from these.
Hitch (curl)
Short. Run upfield, stop and turn back to the quarterback.
Slant
Short. A quick diagonal cut toward the middle after one or two steps.
Flat
Short. A route toward the sideline, close to the line.
Drag
Short. A shallow route across the field, parallel to the line.
Out
Intermediate. Run upfield, then break square toward the sideline.
In (dig)
Intermediate. Run upfield, then break square toward the middle.
Corner
Deep. Run upfield, then break diagonally toward the sideline corner of the end zone.
Post
Deep. Run upfield, then break diagonally toward the middle of the field.
Go (fly)
Deep. Straight up the field at full speed.
Beyond the route
The other play types, and the rule that shapes each.
Hand-off and reverse
The offense may hand off several times as long as both players are behind the scrimmage line and the ball has not crossed it (Rule 7-1-5 a). The snapper may not receive a forward hand-off (Rule 7-1-5 b).
Backward pass
A runner may pass the ball backward as long as it has not been carried beyond the scrimmage line (Rule 7-2-1).
Screen
A short pass to a receiver near the line, meant to pull defenders in before the play turns upfield. With no blocking, a screen is about timing and misdirection.
Goal-line play
When the ball is snapped on or inside the 5-yard line going toward the end zone, the offense must make a forward pass play (Rule 7-1-3 f).
Running plays
They exist, but the quarterback may not run past the line except in the cases in Rule 7-1-3 e, so most runs start with a hand-off.
How defenses answer
The shapes that routes are drawn against.
Man coverage
Each defender follows a receiver. It is clear and aggressive, and crossing routes test the communication.
Zone coverage
Defenders protect areas of the field and pass receivers between them while keeping their eyes on the quarterback.
The blitz
One or two defenders start more than 7 yards off the line, raise a hand, and rush the quarterback (Rules 2-2-6 and 7-1-4 d).
What this page leaves out
Every team's own playbook, with its names, signals and combinations, is its own. This page teaches the shared vocabulary of the sport, nothing a team keeps to itself.
Quick answers
What are the basic flag football plays?
Most plays are built from nine routes: hitch, slant, flat, drag, out, in, corner, post and go. Teams combine them so that receivers at different depths pull defenders apart.
How many forward passes are allowed per down?
One. A team may make one forward pass during each scrimmage down, thrown from behind the scrimmage line (Rule 7-3-1).
Can you run the ball in flag football?
Yes, usually after a hand-off. The quarterback may not run beyond the scrimmage line except in the cases in Rule 7-1-3 e, and snapped inside the 5-yard line the offense must pass (Rule 7-1-3 f).
Is blocking allowed in flag football?
No. Flag football is a non-contact sport (IFAF Flag Football Code), so offensive players get open with routes and timing.
How do defenders stop a play?
By pulling a flag from the ball carrier. Defenses cover receivers in man or zone, and up to two blitzers can rush the quarterback (Rule 7-1-4 d).
Rules used
IFAF Flag Football Rules 2023, 5 on 5 (standard style). Rule numbers are in brackets, so you can check any line against the rulebook. If a competition publishes its own rules, those apply.
Easier to understand by playing it
Turn up to any training day (18:00–19:30, or 17:30–19:00 when the sun sets earlier). First week is free.