Developing a running game in flag football is essential.

At younger ages, players just starting out pick up this skill faster than the passing game, so focus on this part of your offense first and add your passing game second. Your practice plan should include drills designed to teach the quarterback-running back exchange and one-on-one drills in space for running backs with defenders.

The younger and more inexperienced your players are, the greater the impact good running can have on your game plan and become your best offensive option. Flag football is no different then what you see on Sundays as it’s about down and distance and gaining ground every play through your team’s strengths. To illustrate, let’s start with a basic dive play.

By lining up your receivers on each sideline, you add space for your running back to operate. At the snap, coach your running back to take a lead (first) step to the opposite direction you want him or her eventually to go. Your quarterback will boot play side after the handoff, creating indecision with the defenders and slowing the rush. Your center will run an arrow or short out route in the same direction. This will draw the defense, creating more space for your running back to cut back and move upfield. The backside receiver will run off the defender with a go route while the playside receiver runs a deep 10- to 12-yard out or drag. Coach your players on north-south running once direction is defined by you and your playbook as gaining ground is essential every play.

By executing each assignment and pattern, your players create a “pass option” for this play. Simply have the quarterback fake the handoff to the running back, who executes a good fake then runs a 5-yard drag. Your quarterback should look short to deep on his pass progression. While everyone wants to “go deep,” it’s easier to complete the short pass, and the running back can take it from there.

By now, you may be asking why I am talking about a pass when the subject is the importance of the run game. Simply put, good offensive football feeds off the basic rule of having several play options from a single formation. This keeps the defense guessing and at times indecisive, putting your offense in a better position to be successful. If you don’t have a run game, you don’t have this option for your offense. Defenses can simply defend the pass and take away your best options more easily without the threat of you running the ball. 

Here is one final thought: Give everyone on your team – regardless of ability – a chance to carry the ball and contribute to the offense. Your players all want to experience the sense of excitement that comes with running with the football and, eventually, scoring. My goal every season was to get everyone in the end zone at least once, whether with a touchdown or an extra point. Our reward as coaches is looking into the eyes of our kids as they have that moment, is it not? By committing to this idea, everyone on your team will have more fun while learning the football and life skills that this great game has to offer.