Flag football practice plan for 11-12 year olds

The 60 minutes at a glance

1. 0-10 minDynamic warm-up10 min
2. 10-30 minPosition work20 min
3. 30-45 minTeam period15 min
4. 45-55 minSituational scrimmage10 min
5. 55-60 minCooldown5 min

Dynamic warm-up: 10 minutes

Change of direction, then a sideline flag pulling rep.

• 5-10-5 shuttleSprint 5 yards one way, 10 back the other way and 5 to finish. It builds the change of direction every route and every flag pull uses.
• Sideline leverageThe defender takes an angle that pins the runner on the sideline. The line works like an extra defender.

• Aim where the runner will be.
• Inside-out leverage every rep.

Position work: 20 minutes

Passers work on reads. Receivers work the sideline. Defenders work man coverage and the rush.

• Read 1, 2, 3The quarterback learns to look at receivers in order. First, second, then third. She throws to the first one a coach leaves open.
• Sideline catchReceivers run an out route toward the sideline and make the catch with both feet in bounds.
• Hip pocket man coverageThe defender stays right on the receiver's hip without touching her. When the receiver's hands go up, the defender plays the ball.
• Rush laneThe rusher starts at the rush line and bursts out on the snap. She goes for the quarterback's flag with her hands up to bother the throw.

• Quarterbacks say their read order out loud.
• No hands in coverage. Play the ball when her hands go up.

Team period: 15 minutes

The offense runs this week's plays against a live defense. Switch the defense between man and zone.

5v5 plays: Mesh (#3), Flood (#6), Smash (#5), Man with one rusher (#12), Two-deep zone (#13).

• Run mesh against man, flood against zone, and show the players why.
• Mesh crossers pass each other. No picks.

Situational scrimmage: 10 minutes

Start drives in the red zone and on fourth down. Score it like a game.

5v5 plays: Slant-flat (#1), Stick (#4), Hook and lateral (#10).

• Fourth down: call it like you will on Saturday.
• Save the trick play for one rep. It works once.

Cooldown: 5 minutes

Stretch and review the scrimmage numbers together.

• Show the team one stat that went up this week.
• Set one goal for the next game.

What to stat at this age

• Completions, incompletions and interceptions per quarterback.
• Receptions and receiving yards, so you can see who is getting open.
• Flag pulls, sacks and interceptions on defense. At Olympic Level, targets and pass breakups too.

Stat the scrimmage in the BreakAway app the same way you stat a game. The how to stat guide covers every button, and the rules page covers rush distance and no-run zones.

Tips for 11 and 12 year olds

• Wristbands start to make sense here. Number your plays.
• Film or stat the scrimmage, then show players one thing from it.
• Fair playing time still matters more than one more win.