Last time, we talked how about the running game is important to younger and less experienced flag football players, but it also offers the potential for big plays at key points for older and more experienced groups.

As players become more accomplished in their skills and abilities, the standard dive or reverse plays that worked at younger levels are no longer options. Being creative to get your ball-carrier in space becomes critical, and establishing the run to set up the pass is reversed. Run plays executed from read or sprint option sets using motion allow your back to take the ball at speed and forces the defense to declare coverage.

Passing first off the fake is what opens the door to the run later as the defenders will be running away from the line of scrimmage in coverage. Both are great examples, but here I’m going to break down one of my most successful plays to illustrate it best.

Start in a two-wide shotgun formation with your running back to the backside of your quarterback. Your backside receiver runs a deep post while the play side receiver executes a skinny post corner at 15 to 18 yards. The center runs an arrow route to the flat but holds position after the snap, delaying release until the rusher makes the line of scrimmage or a count of two if no rusher appears. Finally, your QB hands the ball off and runs a wheel route on the rail “sideline.”

Success on this play is no different than any other every player must execute, but the focus is on your back selling the run upon taking possession of the ball. Most defenses in flag are taught to attack the ball on hand-offs, so you will see defenders, especially those near the line of scrimmage, leave man coverage to force the run.

Your back then throws to the center in space and at speed. The pass progression is short-to-deep and across the field, but the defense will dictate where to throw the ball. If no one goes with your QB or the deep post is left alone for run support, this can open up a big play.

If defenders stay home, the field backside of the center will be open for the run. Coach your back to recognize if the defense is forcing the run or pass. We consistently gained 10 to 15 yards a clip and hit deep on a consistent basis.  

This is a perfect example of how beneficial the run game can be for older levels but also illustrates why I love flag football so much. Football at any level is like no other game we play.

For you to be successful, everyone must do their jobs on every play. From running pass routes to land marks and depth to executing fakes and proper reads every play, it will offer opportunities for positive yards. However, if one player decides to cut his pattern short or your back doesn’t sell the run first, it allows the defense the upper hand. Coach your players on the little things and big plays as well as that Kodak moment awaits your kids.

A veteran football coach on the youth and high school levels, Tom LaNeve has worked 15 years with the Baltimore Ravens as the club’s youth football consultant, coaching and helping develop Ravens Rookies Kid’s Club clinics and Women’s Fan Club clinics. A member of USA Football’s Flag Football Committee and  Heads Up Football Master Trainer, he also has worked with the NFL, NFL Europe, NFL China, American Youth Football and All Pro Dads.