Flag Football Strategy 101
Welcome to your crash course in flag strategy.
This page breaks down the most common formations, basic receiver routes, and sample plays designed specifically for youth flag football (5-on-5). It’s meant to help coaches and parents quickly get up to speed — not drown in diagrams.
If you want the deep dive, check out the full NFL FLAG 5-on-5 playbook here.
🧠 Offensive Formations & Plays
We’re not going to overload you with 47 plays. We’re going to show you the core formations, how they work, and a play or two you can actually use today.
📚 Route Lingo 101
A quick glossary so everyone’s speaking the same language:
Slant
Quick diagonal in. Fast, reliable, great for short gains.
Post
10–15 yards deep, then angle toward the center (the Goal Post).
Corner
Same depth as post, but angle toward the sideline Corner.
Fly (Go)
Sprint straight down the field. Speed kills.
Hitch
Run 5–7 yards, stop hard, and turn toward QB.
Out
Sharp 90-degree cut toward the sideline. Crisp timing required.
PRO TIP: Combine routes to stretch defenders — a fly route clears space for a hitch underneath. Think “levels” and “layers.”
🛠️ Tips for Designing Plays
Here’s how to go from drawing on napkins to actual execution:
- Keep it simple: 2-3 routes max for younger players.
- Reps without defenders: Walk it. Jog it. Run it. THEN defend it.
- Decide crossing order: Avoid WR collisions by calling who cuts first.
- Adapt to your team: Got speed? Go deep. Got a smart QB? Use option routes.
Bonus Tip: Let the kids name the plays. You’ll get more buy-in and a lot more fun.
📎 Additional Resources
Want to go deeper or print out some diagrams? Here’s where to look:
🏁 Final Thought
You don’t need a PhD in football to coach youth flag. You need a couple of good plays, a few formations that make sense, and a team of kids who know where to go. This page is the starting line — now take it to the field and make some magic.