Welcome to your crash course in flag football 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 & Sample 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.
🟦 Single Back Formation
A balanced look: one receiver on each side of the quarterback, one in the backfield (the "slot"), and the center snapping the ball. Super flexible — great for beginner teams.
Sample Play – “Double Post with Corner Release”
Coaching Tips:
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Teach the slot receiver to read the defense — if they bite on the posts, the corner is wide open.
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Remind the center they’re eligible once the ball is snapped — sneaky weapon.
🧠 Why it works: You stretch the defense vertically and give your QB 3 layered looks.
🟨 Spread Formation
All three receivers are near the line of scrimmage, spread out sideline to sideline. Great for using space and finding mismatches.
Sample Play – “Fly, Option, Dump”
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Left WR: Fly route (go deep and fast)
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Right WR: Option route (can break in or out based on coverage)
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Center: Quick release across middle as a check-down
Coaching Tips:
🧠 Why it works: You force defenders to cover the entire field and let your fastest kid win a footrace.
🟥 Bunch Formation
Receivers start close together (think triangle or stack), then explode outward after the snap. It’s about confusion and timing — like a firework show.
Sample Play – “Corner + Double Out”
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Receiver 1: Deep corner route
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Receiver 2: Short out route (cutting right)
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Receiver 3: Slightly delayed out route (cutting left)
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Center: Corner or drag (based on space)
Coaching Tips:
🧠 Why it works: You overload one zone and force defenders to choose wrong.
📚 Common Receiver Routes (AKA: Route Lingo 101)
A quick glossary so everyone’s speaking the same language:
| Route | Description |
|---|
| Slant | Quick diagonal in. Fast, reliable, great for short gains. |
| Post | 10–15 yards deep, then angle toward the center. |
| Corner | Same depth as post, but angle toward the sideline. |
| 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 & Teaching Plays
Here’s how to go from drawing on napkins to actual execution:
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Keep it simple – 2-3 routes max for younger players.
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Reps without defenders – Walk it. Jog it. Run it. THEN defend it.
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Decide crossing order – Avoid WR collisions by calling who cuts first.
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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.
📣 Ready to go deeper?
Check out the full playbook or head over to our [Coaching Tips & Guidelines page].