Now your team has got the basics down, it's time to teach them about routes. A flag football route is a specific path or pattern run by an offensive player. When you put together a number of different routes, you create a play.

When it comes to coaching youth flag football, calling plays is a challenging but rewarding part of the role.

In order to support the quarterback, having predetermined routes for receivers is vital. This helps the quarterback know where the receiver will be on the field. This helps your players become more coordinated.

What is a Football Formation?

When the game begins, offensive players must create an offensive formation at the line of scrimmage. Football formations allocate positions to players on the line of scrimmage to start their play. This also stops players from colliding and crowding the field.

Flag Football Routes

Here are some of the simplest flag football routes. By learning these individual routes, you will have the context and knowledge to create new plays. All routes begin at the hike of the ball by the quarterback.

Hitch

This route dictates that the player runs forward seven yards before pivoting backwards two yards. This confuses defenders who are guarding the player, opening the offensive player up for a pass from the quarterback.

Slant

The player runs forward for a couple of yards before cutting forward at a 45-degree angle. This play can be combined powerfully with the ‘Out’ route.

Out

This route involves the player running forward for a designated distance before a cut of 90-degree in any direction.

Post

After running forward a designated distance, the player cuts at a 45-degree angle towards the center of the field. Using this route can help with yardage gain.

Corner

For seven yards, the player runs forward before heading off at a 45-degree angle to the edge of the field. This route is excellent if this player needs to catch the ball and then step off the field to stop the clock in a tight game.

Fly

This route is simple - just run straight ahead as fast as possible. Assign this route to your speediest player to gain significant yardage.

Creating Plays and Optimizing Routes

Flag football routes can be combined into plays. A good example of this is combining Slant and Out. The two players cross directions mid-route, interfering with the defensive team's ability to track their target. This breakaway opens two players up for a quick throw from the quarterback.

When two football plays cross each other, be sure the players communicate who will leave their formation first. This will prevent the players from colliding rather than completing their routes.

Looking for Plays for Young Flag Football Players?

I’m Coach D, I provide a range of plays, practice schedules, drill packs and templates on my website and YouTube. I also offer 1 to 1 sessions and a low-cost monthly membership to create plays that will help your team beat the opposition match after match.