A coach’s guide to teaching children

How to Teach Beginner Flag Football Plays to Kids

Start with one play your children can explain and repeat. These five lessons give you words to say, movements to show, and small practice steps that connect a diagram to a child’s job.

By FlagPlays · Four 5v5 examples and one clearly marked 6v6 running play.

Explain the field before the arrows

The line of scrimmage is an imaginary line across the field through the ball before the snap. Mark it with cones: “This is where our play starts. Point to the end zone we are trying to reach.” In each diagram, it is the dashed line across the field; the offense moves toward the top.

QB means quarterback, C means center, and X, Y and Z name the receivers. RB is the running back in the six-player example. A route is the path a player follows. A snap sends the ball from the center to the quarterback to begin the play.

Say: “Point to your letter. Show me where you start. Trace your route with your finger. Now walk it.” Watch the animation together, pause it, and let one child explain their job. The illustrated throw is one example, not a command to throw to a covered teammate.

Lesson 1 · 5v5

Strong Right: finish the snap, then get open

Every play starts by getting the ball securely into the quarterback’s hands. Then the center becomes a checkdown: a short passing option when another receiver is covered.

Strong Right · C Left. Left and right are from the offense’s view, facing upfield.

Every player has a job

QB
Find an open teammate and a clear throwing lane. The short checkdown is a successful choice; no receiver is chosen before the snap.
C
Finish the snap, then find open space to the left, beyond the line of scrimmage and in the quarterback’s view. Stay out of the middle throwing lane.
X
Run the weak-side slant across the field. Cross Z with enough space to avoid a collision.
Y
Push upfield, then break out toward the called sideline.
Z
Run the outside slant across the field. Keep a different depth from X and watch for each other.
Open play and add it to your playbook →

Say this to your players

“Center, eyes on the quarterback. Wait for the call. Put the ball into their waiting hands and make sure they have it. Then get up and find your space on the left. Turn and be ready to catch. Quarterback, a short pass to an open teammate is a good play.”

Teach it step by step

  1. Start with just C and QB. If your league allows the article’s one-knee, two-handed snap, have C settle on one knee with the ball on the ground and eyes on QB. Otherwise, use your league’s required snap technique.
  2. Wait for QB’s call. For the two-handed technique, scoop the ball into the quarterback’s waiting hands. Finish the exchange before getting up or looking toward the route. Repeat until both players are comfortable.
  3. Put a cone in the short left receiving area beyond the line of scrimmage. Now combine the snap, getting up, moving into that space, and turning toward QB for a short catch. Rotate children through both jobs.
  4. Add X, Y and Z one at a time. Walk their routes at separate depths, then try the whole play with a short pass. Remind C: finish the snap first, then go find your space.

Adapted from It Starts with the Snap: one knee, eyes on the quarterback, two hands, then become a receiver. Read the article for the full teaching approach and when this snap technique fits your league’s rules.

Check understanding

Ask C: ‘Who are you watching? What are you waiting to hear? How do you know you can leave?’ Have C demonstrate the exchange and then become a receiver. Ask QB to point to the short option, and have each receiver walk their route.

Fix common confusion

If the snap goes wrong, reset: were both players ready, was C watching QB, and did they finish the exchange before moving? If C stays down after the snap, cue ‘They have it—get up and find your space.’ If X and Z meet, separate their crossing depths and walk again.

Make it simpler

Practice only the exchange, without routes or a return pass. Add the center’s release and short catch once both children can complete the snap comfortably. Give each child a turn at center.

When they are ready

Add a walking defender near C. Ask the quarterback to find an open receiver instead of copying the animation’s throw.

Lesson 2 · 5v5

Trips Right: share the side, keep your space

Trips puts three receivers on the same side. They still need different paths and catching spaces.

Trips Right · C Left. Left and right are from the offense’s view, facing upfield.

Every player has a job

QB
Find an open teammate and a clear throwing lane. The short checkdown is a successful choice; no receiver is chosen before the snap.
C
Finish the snap, then find open space to the left, beyond the line of scrimmage and in the quarterback’s view. Stay out of the middle throwing lane.
X
From the inside Trips position, cross toward the opposite side at the deeper illustrated level. Keep space from Z.
Y
Push upfield, then break out toward the called sideline.
Z
Run the outside slant across the field. Keep a different depth from X and watch for each other.
Open play and add it to your playbook →

Say this to your players

“Three teammates start on the right, but everyone has their own route. X takes the longer crossing route. Z crosses underneath. Y goes up and out. Leave room for each other.”

Teach it step by step

  1. Place starting cones for X, Y and Z on the right. Let children point from their label on the diagram to their cone.
  2. Walk X’s deeper crossing route, then Z’s shallower crossing route. Add Y’s out toward the right sideline.
  3. Add the center’s short left outlet and the snap. Practice without defenders before adding a pass.

Check understanding

Ask X and Z to show where their routes stay apart. Ask Y to point to the sideline they will turn toward.

Fix common confusion

If everyone gathers around the ball, reset the cones and say ‘your route makes room for your teammate.’ Receivers must not block or deliberately screen defenders.

Make it simpler

Walk one route at a time; keep the same children in their roles until they can show their starting spots.

When they are ready

Rotate positions, then add a walking defender. Keep the center’s short option available rather than requiring a long throw.

Lesson 3 · 5v5

Strong Right Sweep: secure the handoff

A sweep takes the ball toward the outside. Here Z starts on the right and runs left behind the quarterback after the snap.

Strong Right Sweep. Left and right are from the offense’s view, facing upfield.

Every player has a job

QB
Receive the snap, then hand off to Z crossing behind you after the snap. Rehearse the exchange together.
C
Run your route away from the left running side. Clear space without blocking or screening defenders.
X
Run your route away from the left running side. Clear space without blocking or screening defenders.
Y
Run a go on the formation side, away from the sweep.
Z
After the snap, sweep behind the quarterback for the handoff, then swing wide to the left sideline and turn upfield.
Open play and add it to your playbook →

Say this to your players

“Z, wait for the snap. Come behind the quarterback, take the ball carefully, then go around the outside cone. Everyone else, follow your route away from the runner’s side.”

Teach it step by step

  1. Check that running and this handoff are allowed in your league and field position. Mark the exchange behind the starting line.
  2. Walk just QB and Z through the exchange. Pause once Z has the ball securely, then continue left and upfield.
  3. Add the center’s snap and the other routes. Y goes up the right side; C and X release right. Walk together before adding speed.

Check understanding

Ask Z to show when to start, where to receive the ball, and which way to turn. Ask teammates how they leave the running side clear without blocking.

Fix common confusion

If Z outruns the exchange, slow both players down and repeat the handoff at the marked spot. Speed comes after a reliable exchange.

Make it simpler

Practice the exchange without a snap or defenders, then add the snap once both players are comfortable.

When they are ready

Add one controlled flag-pulling defender outside. Let Z choose open space after securing the ball; do not force the exact drawn path.

Lesson 4 · 6v6

6v6 Run Left: give the running back one job

This six-player example adds a running back behind the quarterback and a direct handoff toward the left.

Strong Right Run Left. Left and right are from the offense’s view, facing upfield.

Every player has a job

QB
Receive the snap, then hand off to RB coming from behind you. Rehearse the exchange together.
C
Run your route away from the left running side. Clear space without blocking or screening defenders.
X
Run your route away from the left running side. Clear space without blocking or screening defenders.
Y
Run your route away from the left running side. Clear space without blocking or screening defenders.
Z
Run your route away from the left running side. Clear space without blocking or screening defenders.
RB
Take the handoff and find a direct path through the called left side. The drawing is one option; the opening may be almost straight ahead.
Open play and add it to your playbook →

Say this to your players

“Running back, start behind the quarterback. Take the ball, hold it securely, and find space on the left. Teammates, run your routes to the right and leave that space clear.”

Teach it step by step

  1. Use this play with six players per side when your rules allow the run. Show RB the starting spot behind QB.
  2. Practice the snap and handoff at walking speed. Add a cone on the left to give RB a direction, not a mandatory running track.
  3. Walk C, X, Y and Z’s routes away from the running side. Then combine the exchange and routes.

Check understanding

Ask RB: ‘Who gives you the ball, and which side are you looking for?’ Ask the other players to show how they keep out of that space.

Fix common confusion

If RB bumps into QB, reset their starting distance and rehearse the exchange slowly. If teammates stand in the running lane, walk their rightward routes again.

Make it simpler

Teach the handoff with QB and RB first. For a 5v5 team, use the previous sweep example instead of adding a sixth player.

When they are ready

Add a controlled defender and let RB choose a clear left-side opening. Rotate the ball-carrying role so each child practices the exchange.

Lesson 5 · 5v5

Strong Right Victor: teach an audible

An audible is a change the quarterback calls at the line before the snap. In this example, Victor changes Y’s out route to a straight go route. Coaches can choose any call word they wish: Omaha, Cheetos, Pizza, or something else the team enjoys and will remember. Let the players help choose it and make it fun. Agree on what the word means, then use it consistently. The diagram keeps the name Victor; your team can use its own word. Teach this change only after Strong Right feels familiar.

Strong Right Victor · C Left. Left and right are from the offense’s view, facing upfield.

Every player has a job

QB
Find an open teammate and a clear throwing lane. The short checkdown is a successful choice; no receiver is chosen before the snap.
C
Finish the snap, then find open space to the left, beyond the line of scrimmage and in the quarterback’s view. Stay out of the middle throwing lane.
X
Run the weak-side slant across the field. Cross Z with enough space to avoid a collision.
Y
Victor changes your out route to a go. Stretch the defense in your lane.
Z
Run the outside slant across the field. Keep a different depth from X and watch for each other.
Open play and add it to your playbook →

Say this to your players

“Our audible is Pizza! When the quarterback calls Pizza before the snap, Y runs a go route instead of an out route. Same starting spots, one change. Everyone else keeps their job. Quarterback, you can still choose the short pass.”

Teach it step by step

  1. Show Strong Right again. Ask Y to walk the usual out route, then compare it with the straight route in this diagram.
  2. Choose your team’s audible word together. Pizza is just the example in the script above—substitute your own word. Explain that this call changes only Y’s route, and have every player repeat what it means.
  3. Line up in Strong Right, then have QB call the audible clearly before the snap. Walk the changed play together. Keep C’s short left outlet and X and Z’s separate crossing depths.
  4. Add a throw only at a distance your quarterback can comfortably reach; the animation still shows the short option. Give different players a turn making the call.

Check understanding

Ask: ‘What is our audible word? When do we call it? Whose job changes?’ Have Y demonstrate the out route without the audible and the go route with it. Let the other players explain what stays the same.

More coaching notes: Teaching an Audible: One Word, One Change. Help the team choose a call, understand its meaning, and listen for it before the snap.

Fix common confusion

If everyone changes their route, return to the original call and change Y alone. A go route does not mean the quarterback must throw deep.

Make it simpler

Leave Victor out of your first practice. Repeat Strong Right until players can show their jobs without prompting.

When they are ready

Alternate snaps with and without the audible so players practice listening for the change. Then add a defender. Keep safe spacing and choose an open receiver within throwing range.

Take one play to your first practice

  1. Show the starting spots. Mark the line and direction with cones. Let each child match their letter to a spot.
  2. Walk without the ball. Ask each child to show their job. Praise a specific action: “You waited for the snap before moving.”
  3. Add the snap and ball. Slow down if the exchange or spacing breaks down. Work on one correction at a time.
  4. Add a controlled defender. Practice a flag pull and stopping on the whistle separately before combining them with the play. Keep contact out of the drill.
  5. Rotate and explain. Give children practice in different roles. Finish by asking them to show one thing they learned, rather than asking only “Does everyone understand?”

Build your printable playbook

Open a lesson’s play, choose “Add to a playbook,” and create a practice playbook or choose an existing one. Add only the plays you plan to teach, then open that playbook and export its PDF.

For a ready-made reference, download all five diagrams and their player assignments below. The PDF includes the 6v6 example; the teaching scripts and practice steps stay on this page.

Open my playbooks →

Next: teach a reliable snap, explore individual routes, or read the simple system behind these plays.

Help shape the next coaching guide

What is your team having the hardest time learning together?

Choose the one thing you would most like help teaching. Tap an answer to send it. No name or account needed.

Choose one teaching challenge

One response per browser. Answers are reviewed privately.