Flag football playbooks are essential for coaches and trainers engaged in the sport. They can formulate game plans and prepare defense using the information provided in a playbook. The data can be passed onto the players, preparing the football team for success. It introduces them to various plays, ranging from basic to advanced ones. Everything from fundamentals to complex game plans is covered in flag football playbooks.
What is a Flag Football Playbook?
A flag football playbook is a guide or manual containing strategies and plays employed by teams in the sport. They list various formations and introduce coaches and players to some of the best game plans. Teams and their trainers can devise aggressive strategies for scoring and strengthen their defense against the opposition. Most flag football playbooks use graphical representations to explain the formulations and plays. Some of them may be available in video format wherein participants act out the game plan, making it easy to understand for coaches and players.
Flag football games can have anywhere from four to nine players on each team. A majority of games organized in the United States have either five or seven players. Therefore, 5 on 5 and 7 on 7 are the most popular flag football playbooks available today. Generally, most strategies can be implemented across all games irrespective of the number of players on each team. However, more players facilitate additional play formations. By preparing and practicing game plans from flag football playbooks, a team can execute them well in the field. Players won’t be confused about which play they are making if they have decided upon it beforehand. It will facilitate quicker decision making and reduce indecisiveness or uncertainty while playing.
Flag Football Playbook Game Plans
There are three main components of a game plan in flag football playbooks. Players can understand them by familiarizing themselves with these elements–formations, routes, and plays.
Formations
A formation in flag football playbooks refers to how the players are positioned at the beginning of an offensive play. Each player has a specific location at the line of scrimmage, an imaginary line that separates the two teams’ players before the play begins. A proper formation enhances player safety by preventing accidental collisions. Different types of formations are provided in flag football playbooks.
Routes
A route in a flag football playbook describes the path that players take when they are on the offensive. Each player may follow an individual route to assist the team in scoring a touchdown. Here are some of the basic routes listed in flag football playbooks.
• Hitch –A player following the hitch route pivots suddenly backward after running straight for seven yards.
• Slant –Slant requires a player to move forward a couple of yards and then cut at about a 45° angle.
• Out –The player runs forward for a specific number of yards before suddenly turning at a 90° angle towards the left or right direction in Out.
• Post –In the Post route, after running forward for several yards, the player moves towards the center of the field by taking a 45° turn.
• Corner –A player following the corner route goes straight for a few yards and then takes a 45° turn, running towards either edge of the field.
• Fly –The Fly route is suitable for players who are quick on their feet. They just have to run forward in a straight line and cover maximum yardage.
In addition to these basic flag football playbook routes, there are many complex routes like Option, Stop and Go, Post Corner, and Chair.
Plays
The plays in a flag football playbook are made up of the individuals routes followed by players. A team may follow a play depending on the number of players on their team.
5 On 5 Flag Football Playbook Plays
Most leagues in the US, including NFL FLAG teams, organize 5 on 5 flag football games. There are no dedicated linemen in such a game, a player whose objective is to guard the quarterback and prevent their flag from being pulled. These plans typically require the following player positions.
One Quarterback
Most 5 on 5 flag football playbook strategies require one quarterback. The ball is given to this player when the play begins. This player has to pass the ball to either a receiver or the center player. The game plans are similar to those seen in football pass plays.
One Center
There is one center player assigned in flag football playbook strategies. When the play starts, the center gives the ball to the quarterback. After that, they can either assume the role of a lineman and guard the quarterback, buying them more time for throwing the ball, or act as a receiver and run a route.
Three Receivers
The remaining three players in flag football playbook strategies are receivers. Their objective is to act on the running routes according to the play while positioning themselves so that they are open to receive a pass from the quarterback. Each receiver follows a different running route.
7 On 7 Flag Football Playbook Plays
Many flag football leagues feature teams that play 7 on 7 games. They can be leagues for adults, recreational matches, and co-ed tournaments. In addition to the five players in 5 on 5 matches, 7 on 7 flag football strategies have two additional player positions.
One Lineman
There is a lineman in 7 on 7 flag football games. His or her job is to guard the quarterback and prevent the opponents from pulling their flag. They have a non-violent role and are not allowed to tackle the opponents. Most leagues don’t let them handle the ball either, although a few may permit the same.
Fourth Receiver
The other additional player required in 7 on 7 flag football playbook strategies is a receiver, making them four in total. Two of them are close to the quarterback, while the other two are farther behind. They are known as slot receivers and wide receivers, respectively.
Where can I get a Flag Football Playbook?
Flag football playbooks are published by various governing bodies and organizations associated with the sport directly or indirectly. USA Football, the national body that governs amateur football in the United States, National Football League, the league responsible for professional American Football, and American Instructional Football League are some of the entities that publish and provide flag football playbooks. They may also be available from various other bodies and independent organizations linked with the sport.