Plays & Formations
You’ve bought the cleats, prepped your flags, and now it’s time to equip yourself with flag football plays and formations. Whether this is your first season coaching or you’re coming back for your tenth championship, this guide provides a strong foundation for your team.
We recommend beginning with a strong set of fundamentals before conquering complex setups. Some of the best football plays are actually quite simple.
What is a formation? At the beginning of all offensive plays, players must create an offensive formation at the line of scrimmage. This gives each player a specific location to begin their play, preventing collisions and crowding.
The Route Tree
Want to score touchdowns? Let’s dive into individual routes that give you the knowledge to create your own plays.
0 - Hitch
Run straight for 7 yards, then quickly pivot backwards. This throws off defenders running backwards and opens a quick pass.
1 - Slant
Run forward a couple yards, then cut at a near 45-degree angle forward. Deadly when combined with an Out route.
2 - Out
Run forward for designated yardage (usually 5), then cut on a direct 90-degree angle toward the sideline.
Pro Tip: Combine a Slant and an Out to cross defenders up. Just make sure players communicate who leaves first to avoid collisions!
3 - Post
Run forward 7 yards, then cut 45-degrees to the center (towards the goal Post). Reliable for big yardage.
4 - Corner
Run straight 7 yards, then run 45-degrees toward the corner of the field. Great for stopping the clock near the sideline.
5 - Fly
The easiest route in the book. Run straight—and fast! Give this to the player with serious wheels.
Advanced Routes
- 6 - Option: Fake a slant, then cut parallel to the sideline.
- 7 - Stop and Go: Run 7 yards, stop, fake the catch, then take off deep.
- 8 - Post Corner: Fake the post (center), then break to the corner.
- 9 - Chair: Run 4 yards, cut out, then shoot straight up the field.
Best Flag Football Plays
Now that you know the routes, let's put them together.
1. Single-Back Criss-Cross
Two receivers start at the line. One receiver starts behind the QB.
- Center & Left Receiver: Perform reverse slants, slightly staggered. This cuts off guards for quick yardage.
- Right Receiver: Performs a 10-yard "In" route. Throw here if you need a first down.
- Backfield Receiver: Runs toward the outside and up the field. Being stacked behind the line gives them time to get open.
2. Trips Right
Stack three receivers on the right side to overload the defense and cause confusion.
- Outside Receiver: Slight slant then Fly up the field to pull the defense deep.
- Middle Receiver: Performs a Corner route to spread the defense wide.
- Inside Receiver & Center: Crossing "In and Out" routes. The misdirection usually leaves one of them wide open for a quick pass.
3. Single-Set Right Cross
Perfect for when you need heavy yardage with little time left.
- Right Receivers: One runs a 7-yard Corner, the other a 7-yard Post. This cross throws off defenders deep.
- Backfield Receiver: Starts a slant, then breaks into a Fly. Perfect for a hail mary!
- Center: Releases for a 5-yard Out as a safety valve.
Safety Tip: Always designate which player crosses first to avoid bumping heads!
5 on 5 Format Breakdown
Traditional flag football leagues participate in 5 on 5 play. Here is your offensive personnel:
1 Quarterback
Aims to throw to an open receiver. Since there are no linemen, most 5v5 teams rely on passing.
1 Center
Snaps the ball. Can then guard the QB or release and run a route (eligible receiver).
3 Receivers
Run designated routes to get open. Mixing and matching their positions creates your unique plays.
Download Full 5v5 Playbook