At a glance
- 5
- 15
- 7 s
- 7 yd
- 2
The game
Flag football positions explained
In 5-on-5 flag football the rulebook names roles, not fixed positions. On offense a player is a snapper, a quarterback (the first runner) or a receiver. On defense a player is a defender, a rusher or a blitzer. Five players per team are on the field, from a roster of up to 15.
Offense
The team with the ball. The roles are defined by what a player does on the play.
Snapper (center)
Puts the ball in play by handing or passing it backward from the ground with a quick, continuous motion (Rule 7-1-2). A snapper may not receive a forward hand-off (Rule 7-1-5 b).
Quarterback
The offensive player who first gets possession of the ball after the snap, and the first runner (Rule 2-2-3). The quarterback has 7 seconds to pass or hand off (Rule 7-1-3 g), and may not run with the ball beyond the scrimmage line unless another player has had sole possession and returned it, or a defender has touched it in flight (Rule 7-1-3 e).
Receiver
An offensive player who runs a route to catch a pass. The game is non-contact, so receivers get open with speed, route and timing, not by blocking (IFAF Flag Football Code).
Runner
Any player in possession of a live ball (Rule 2-2-5). The offense may hand the ball 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).
Defense
The team without the ball. A defender is one of three things on any play.
Defender
Covers receivers and closes space. A defender who starts less than 7 yards from the scrimmage line must stay behind it until the ball has been handed off, fake handed off or passed (Rule 7-1-4 f).
Rusher
A defender who gives no signal and legally crosses the scrimmage line (Rule 2-2-6). Any defender who starts more than 7 yards away may cross the line and rush the quarterback during the play (Rule 7-1-4 e).
Blitzer
A defender who starts more than 7 yards from the line and raises one hand clearly above the head in the last second before the snap. The blitzer gets right of way, but must rush immediately, quickly and straight at the spot where the quarterback receives the snap, and no more than 2 players may do it (Rule 2-2-6, Rule 7-1-4 d).
The sack
Removing the flag from a quarterback who is behind the scrimmage line with a live ball (Rule 2-10-4).
Which position suits you?
Nobody is locked into one. These are the qualities each role leans on.
Quarterback
Accurate throwing and quick decisions: the 7-second limit leaves little time to hold the ball.
Receiver
Speed, sharp cuts and reliable hands. Basketball, handball and track athletes often move across well.
Defender
Awareness, quick feet and clean flag pulls, because there is no tackling to fall back on.
Rusher or blitzer
Acceleration from a standing start and good timing, so the rush is quick and straight.
Quick answers
How many positions are there in flag football?
The 5-on-5 rulebook names roles rather than fixed positions: a snapper, a quarterback or runner and receivers on offense, and defenders, rushers and blitzers on defense. Five players per team are on the field.
Can the quarterback run?
Only in limited cases. The quarterback may not run beyond the scrimmage line unless another player has had sole possession of the ball and returned it, or a defender has touched it in flight (Rule 7-1-3 e). After a hand-off, the ball carrier can run.
What is the difference between a rusher and a blitzer?
A blitzer starts more than 7 yards from the line and signals with one raised hand in the last second before the snap, which gives them right of way if they rush straight at the quarterback. A rusher is any defender who gives no signal and legally crosses the line. No more than 2 players may blitz (Rules 2-2-6 and 7-1-4 d).
How many players are on a flag football team?
Five on the field, and a roster of up to 15, which leaves 10 substitutes (Rule 1-1-1).
Do I need experience to play a position?
No. Ljubljana Frogs take men aged 16 and over with no flag football experience. The application form lets you pick a position or say you are not sure yet.
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.
Not sure which one yet?
The Ljubljana Frogs application form lets you choose a position, or say you are not sure yet.
Turn up to any training day (18:00–19:30, or 17:30–19:00 when the sun sets earlier). First week is free.