Coach's Corner

This flag football is designed to pull the defense to the right with a fake.  The running back on the left side of the formation will cut toward the right behind the QB.  The QB fake the hand off.  The running back on the right side will delay, until the fake is complete.  They will then proceed toward to the left just behind the QB and take the hand off.  Depending upon the defense response, the running back will either take it straight up field and extend the run toward the outside.   The timing on this play is critical.  If...

What is the best way to beat man to man defense that has incredible speed in flag football?  Any Tips?

The best way to stop man to man defense that has speed is either to out speed them (if you have speedsters) or better yet out smart them with mis-direction plays and decoys.  First thing to do is try to disguise your fast players, so don't come out of the gate with giving your fast players that ball every time.  Try to create mis-matches to provide each player the best chance to get yards.  Misdirection plays, and counters in...

Question:  I have a team of 10 young players, and we play in a 5 on 5 flag football league. How do I teach them a basic football play without the other 5 getting bored? Should I have them doing something else while I work with the 1st group and rotate when they are done?

Our Answer:  We found the best way was to split them up into two groups.  The first group is learning the coaches plays while the other is working on individual skills (drills) or defense.  I usually have one of my other coaches take one of...

Basically, there are two types of parents that put their kids in youth sports: The kind that are at every practice and game rooting on their kids, and the kind that just drop their kids off at the practice field. Depending on the parent type, either can be a pleasant or unpleasant relationship. Regardless, if you're coaching a team its best to get the parents as involved as possible, or at least give them the opportunity to be involved. Positive parent involvement in youth sports promotes better attitudes for the players, and more successful practices and games. Here are 5...

I was recently asked "what defense should I run with 6 year old, 5 on 5 flag football team"?

At this age flag football is still very new to the players.  We try not to over complicate things and make sure the players can accomplish their assignment.  In the younger divisions of 5 on 5 youth flag football, eliminating the big play is the primary goal.  

Staying simple and stopping the long run, we suggested the 3 - 2 defense.  Three players on the line (1 nose guard and 2 ends) - the defensive ends should contain plays run their way, and force them back to the middle (basically...

Here is a quick tip to keep your flag football flags organized and fitted, during your football season.  This will save you time before your flag football games and practices, and eliminate the hassle of refastening and resizing flags each week.