Flag football coaching guide

3 flag football red zone plays that score

Fade-flat, slant-flat and the back line: how to score when the field shrinks and you have to throw.

Inside the 10, the field shrinks. The end zone is only 10 yards deep, deep routes run out of room, and most leagues make the last 5 yards a no-run zone, so the defense knows you have to throw. Good red zone plays use the sideline, the back line and quick throws, and give the quarterback one simple read.

What changes in the red zone

No deep safety help to beat. The back line of the end zone does the safety's job, so throw to spots, not to open space.
Defenders sit tighter. Expect man coverage or a short zone with everybody close to the line.
No-run zone. In most leagues you can't run inside the 5 (check yours), so every play must have a pass in it.

1. Fade-flat: the corner's choice

From the 10. Z fades to the back corner, Y runs to the flat underneath him.

Why it works: One corner can't take the fade and the flat. If he sinks under the fade, throw the flat. If he jumps the flat, lift the fade over him toward the pylon, where only Z can catch it.

Coaching point: Z must stay outside his defender and keep 3 yards of room from the sideline, so the throw has somewhere to land.

2. Slant-flat: one beat and the ball is out

From the 5. Y slants inside behind the goal line, Z runs to the flat.

Why it works: Tight man coverage near the goal line plays outside. The slant breaks inside before the defender can turn, and the flat pulls the outside man away.

Coaching point: Throw the slant on the receiver's second step, chest high and in front of him. Against zone, the flat is open first.

3. Back line: settle in the end zone

From the 10. Y and X run to the back of the end zone and settle in the windows between defenders; Z crosses underneath.

Why it works: Zone defenders in the end zone can't drop any deeper. Receivers who stop in the gaps along the back line are open, and the crosser underneath pulls a defender up.

Coaching point: Teach receivers to settle facing the quarterback, a step inside the back line, and to slide into the open window instead of running through it.

Calling it

Script two red zone plays before the game and put them in their own box on your call sheet and wristband. Call the fade-flat from the 10 and the slant-flat from the 5, and keep the back line for when the defense drops everybody into the end zone.

Common questions

What is the best flag football play in the red zone?

Fade-flat is the most reliable: the corner can't cover the back-corner fade and the flat route under it. Inside the 5, quick slants beat tight man coverage before the defender can turn.

Can you run the ball in the red zone in flag football?

Many leagues, including NFL FLAG, have a no-run zone in the last 5 yards before the goal line, where the offense must pass. Some leagues have none, so check your rulebook.