NFL FLAG powered by USA Football has two designated no-run zones on the field – the five yards before the first down line and again five yards before the end zone. The purpose is to prevent power football in tight spaces. With no pads, NFL FLAG is designed to limit contact while allowing children to develop the skills they need to play the game.

When your offense finds itself in the no-run zone, having designed plays ready to go is crucial. Many teams rely on the play illustrated below where the end runs a delayed play side slant under three backside slants.

Well-coached defenses will be prepared for this popular play call, making it harder to execute in a big spot. Think about running different versions of the same concept by picking one of the inside receivers to run the playside slant. Here is one example of that.

The success of these plays, whether running the more popular version or the counter, relies on several coaching points.

Set up the counter by running the most common version first.

Have the playside receiver hold his or her start stance and delay release until the nearest receiver crosses past while executing the route.

Coach your receivers to get their heads and eyes around immediately upon release from the line of scrimmage.

Use the option of taking a lead step instead of a delayed release before cutting back and under the other routes.

As your team sets up at the 5-yard line or closer, the defense gains an advantage as open space shrinks. Plays should be designed to force coverage throughout that area by running to landmarks and keeping good spacing. Practice precision route running for all your plays but particularly for this one. I recommend you use discs or cones at the landmarks during practice to develop the proper execution.

Two receivers will have defined routes to run while two others have initial routes with secondary options if they aren’t open early or the play breaks down. Your QB should be coached to look for the outside slant first then work right to left for his or her progression. If pressure forces your QB to move, it will be up to him or her to make a play at that point.

Two distinct no run zones with different challenges. Be prepared by having a plan for both.

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.