Coaching college flag football

Your first practice: 60 minutes

Use the same 5 blocks every week. The full plan has the drills, coaching points and a free PDF.

1. 10 minWarm-up
2. 20 minSkill stations
3. 15 minTeam period
4. 10 minScrimmage
5. 5 minCooldown

• Full practice plan: High school
• Drills by skill and age
• 7v7 plays

Positions in 7v7, and what each player does

Carry 10 to 14 players. Plan substitutions by series so every player gets real snaps on offense and defense.

What to teach first

1. 1

   Flag pulling

   Open-field pulls at full speed, with help defenders taking the right angle behind the first.

2. 2

   Route basics

   Know where the next first down line is. On the down that needs it, run your route past it.

3. 3

   Snap and handoff

   Shotgun snap consistency and one run concept that pairs with your best pass.

4. 4

   No-contact habits

   Screens are legal only without starting contact. Teach the difference with walk-throughs, not with live reps.

8 rules that change how you coach

In our words, with the rulebook section to check. Your league can change some of these, so confirm with your league before the first game.

1. 1.Screens are legal, contact is not

   The rule: Screen blocking is legal if the screener does not start the contact. A defender's illegal use of hands costs 5 yards and gives a first down.

   A screener may stand in a path but may not start contact. Teach screens as body position, never as a shove, and coach defenders to go around.

   Watch: Logging a penaltyHow to stat it in BreakAway (0:32)

   College R2-2-1; R9-3; R9-4

2. 2.No rush line, no pass clock

   The rule: This rulebook has no rush line, no sack rule and no pass clock. Before the snap, defenders must stay back from the ball. Hitting the QB's throwing arm or hand is roughing. Penalty: 10 yards, plus a first down for the offense.

   There is no rush line, sack rule or pass clock. Defenders just stay behind the ball until the snap. Protect your quarterback with quick throws and screens.

   Watch: Logging a sackHow to stat it in BreakAway (0:41)

   College R7-1-5; R9-1-7

3. 3.Four downs per 20-yard zone

   The rule: 4 downs to reach the next line. Lines cross the field every 20 yards. No measuring with chains.

   First downs come at the zone lines, with no measuring. Know where the next line is and call routes that cross it.

   Watch: Moving the ballHow to stat it in BreakAway (0:36)

   College R5-1-1 to R5-1-3; R1-2-2

4. 4.A real punt

   The rule: Yes, a real punt. Tell the referee on 4th down, then kick within 4 seconds. No surprise punts. The other team can run it back. Into the end zone, they start at their 14.

   Declared on 4th down, kicked within seconds, and returnable. Practice punt and punt return like any other phase.

   Watch: Punting on 4th downHow to stat it in BreakAway (0:26)

   College R6-2-1, 2, 4, 9; R2-23-6b; R8-5

5. 5.Tries from the 3 or the 10

   The rule: Touchdown: 6. The try after it: 1 point from the 3 or 2 from the 10. Changing your choice costs a timeout.

   1 point from the 3, 2 from the 10. Changing your mind costs a timeout.

   Watch: Logging the extra pointHow to stat it in BreakAway (0:39)

   College R8-1-1; R8-3-1

6. 6.Quarters and a running clock

   The rule: Four 12-minute quarters. The clock runs nonstop through minute 22 of each half. Then comes a two-minute timeout. Play clock: 30 seconds. 3 timeouts per half.

   Four 12-minute quarters, with the clock running for most of each half before a two-minute timeout. Practice the end-of-half sequence.

   Watch: Calling halftimeHow to stat it in BreakAway (0:29)

   College R3-3-1; R3-6-1, R3-6-2; R4-1-5; R3-4-3a

7. 7.Flag guarding is 5 yards and a down

   The rule: Using the hands, arms or ball to make contact that stops a flag pull. Penalty: 5 yards from the spot and the down.

   Hands, arms or the ball that cause contact and deny a pull are a foul. Teach carriers to keep their arms in.

   Watch: Logging a penaltyHow to stat it in BreakAway (0:32)

   College R2-5-3; R7-2-1

8. 8.No hurdling

   The rule: Hurdling a standing player costs 10 yards. Diving into the end zone with no one near you is unsportsmanlike.

   Hurdling a standing opponent is 10 yards, and an unopposed dive into the end zone is unsportsmanlike. Run through the pylon, not over people.

   Watch: Logging a flag pullHow to stat it in BreakAway (0:44)

   College R9-1-8; R9-2

For your level

Game-day checklist

• A flag belt and flags for every player, plus spares, in a color that does not match anyone's shorts.
• Mouth guards, water and a first aid kit.
• Game balls in the size your ruleset sets for this age.
• Your roster with jersey numbers, and who starts at quarterback and center.
• A short play sheet: three or four plays, one for the goal line, one for the try.
• A quick word with the other coach and the official on the rules you are playing.
• Someone to stat the game in the BreakAway app. Families follow along, and every player gets a stat card.
• Punt team set, and who declares the punt to the referee.

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