r/flagfootball

First time coaching 3rd/4th looking for passing plays. We can definitely run the ball, but we lack passing plays and separation. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I coach HS girls flag football and I’m finding it hard to develop good cover 3 corners consistently. However, I look around my area and notice that bother teams are having that same issue. Any tips for developing these corners or identifying good prospects

Sn: 1 theory I’ve developed is that the difference between corners and lbs early on in development is their on field personality. Some players are naturally more aggressive risk takers which can lead to success at lb whereas others seem to be less risky which leads to them being more disciplined in their deep third

• This is an updated version of a previous post I put up last season when we won our first championship. I acquired 21 sacks during that run. I wanted to add to that post with some further insights as well as address some questions from the last post.

I will simply call the pass-rusher PR here.

To give background: In our 6v6 league, blitzers start 7 yards back from LOS. Blitzers must identify themselves. May blitz every play if desired.

1. Before anything, you need to know the QB you're facing:

   • Are they right- or left-handed?
   • Do they like to scramble?
   • Do they focus on getting the ball out fast?
   • If they scramble, are they good at it? Can they outrun you in open field?
   • Do they prefer certain plays over others?
   • Do their plays change if up/down by multiple scores with little time left?
   • Do they incorporate RBs into their plays regularly?
   • Do they panic under pressure?
   • Do they get in their head if they throw interceptions?
   • Do they have the arm strength to send a deep pass?
   • Do they commit penalties more regularly?
   • Do they ever have trouble in the rain/snow?

2. After this, we need to examine their line:

   • Is the center blocking?
   • Is the snap count delayed/silent?
   • Do they line up a RB every single play?
   • Do they have any players on offense that also play defense?

   With this information in hand, I want to examine the PR themselves before talking about tactics:

3. Lining up: -This may sound basic, but I see these failures all the time and they hold back defenses. If your team is pass-rushing, then do it correctly or else you'll just make the situation worse.

   • If possible, only play your PR on defense. I know in many leagues this isn't possible, however, so do what you can with this info. I sit out every offensive drive, so when I go out, I'm never gassed and can sprint the 3-9 plays needed. Contrast this also with the QB you're facing: Do they also play defense? What position on defense? Are you noticing them be winded at all as the game goes on? This may limit their desire/ability to take off full-speed.
   • Make sure the PR is always checking with the line judges to ensure they are not incurring penalties. Same goes for indicating they're rushing if needed. This should go without saying, but make sure they're ready for the snap. I often see offenses doing no-huddles, especially if down by points at the ends of the halves. The PR is caught off guard or not lined up properly and the offense will capitalize if they know that's the designated PR.
   • I will usually vote to not overcomplicate this part: understand what hand the QB is throwing with and have your PR understand the concept of strong vs. weak side. Most QBs are right-handed (not all, obviously), so if they get pressured to their left, they will likely favor the short/medium passes on the left side of the field as they will have trouble not only airing it out to their right, but opens up the opportunities for interceptions most often. This is not always the case: some QBs excel throwing on the run, and while not as effective, it can still operate as a basic rule of thumb. When in doubt, stick with pressuring their weak side.
   • With the above said, your PR should practice moving around the LOS depending on what rush they want to throw. Most of them should be pressures on the weak side, but mix it up with strong side pressures, wider-arced pressures, and fakes. We'll talk about these later.

4. The snap itself:

   • Have your PR watch the ball. Not the cadence. This is one of those points that I think gets overlooked as 99% of the time it's not a factor. Most teams say "Ready...HIKE" and the ball is snapped. No biggie. Let's talk about some things the PR should watch for on the snap. These are also ways to BEAT the PR of the opposing team.
   • How far can the center snap the ball? Every foot further that ball is snapped, the more time they have before the PR gets to them. It's as simple as that. With that said, can it be accurately done? There is nothing a PR can do with this specific item except be ready to run a lot in a game. If you're looking to defeat a PR, your answer likely starts with trying to snap it further for more time.
   • Delayed/silent snaps. Some teams don't operate normal snaps in an attempt to make the PR jump early and then snap it, rendering a PR unable to actually rush. This effect can be lessened by peeling off to assist with man/zone coverage, but then the issue becomes integrating that support in the middle of a play while a QB is all of a sudden able to throw with all the time in the world. A note here: in our league, if the blitzer jumps early and then the ball is snapped, they can become eligible again by returning back from that blitz line 7 yards back from the LOS. Obviously, this is time consuming and typically the ball is already out before that can happen, but worth mentioning in emergencies. These are typically signaled by the offense agreeing to move as one unit off of a modified snap, as they can't be moving off of verbal clues alone. With a delayed snap, the QB will often call out a cadence, and then the center snaps it at a time of his choosing afterwards. With a silent snap, there is no cadence whatsoever. With both of these, watching the ball becomes paramount. In certain circumstances, an experienced offense will even mix these cadences up (i.e. 1st and 2nd plays are delayed snaps, 3rd is normal, get the first, 4th play is silent, 5th play normal, etc.). What I'm describing is quite high-level though and unlikely to be seen, but it's worth noting as it's one of the top 3 things imho that will negate PR effectiveness.
   • Most leagues have now adopted the ability to lateral behind the line. This is important for the PR to note as, while similar to needing to identify the RB, is a little different because a competent actually wants to bring you in before the lateral. This often means you are delayed in getting to that player that just got lateralled to. To help with this, take note throughout the game if a team is relying on laterals and line up on the opposite side of that formation. That way, if the QB laterals, they are basically lateralling in the direction you are already running.
   • RPOs: Obviously, there is going to be a small delay while you identify in the thick of things where the ball is going/who it's going to. Continue to close the gap and just be ready to break for the player it pops out with. Sometimes with RPOs the goal for the PR is simply to limit the damage being down, not prevent it. Let the LBs close in to help.

5. Addressing blocks:

   • With most leagues, the center is allowed to either block or step in the direction of the PR. If you have a decent ref, there should be nothing extracurricular going on here, and these PR will simply have to ran around the center. That is the whole point of the center existing. From my viewpoint as well, the bigger the mass of the person at center, the more effective that block is as well. Sometimes I will see them spread their elbows out a little bit to catch me, but it's seldom.
   • The PR needs to define a run lane at the point of setting the line. It's not necessary, but I highly advise it as there's a better chance of getting flag called and an offensive player runs into you while they run their route. For example, if I run straight at the QB from the off-center front of him, there will often be no traffic. However, if I come from a wider angle or further back for some reason (having another player show a fake blitz instead for example), then the chances of a WR running a route straight into my blitzing lane is higher. The offense needs to avoid the blitzer, but ONLY if the blitzer is running a straight bee line at the QB. To further impart this point (and I've learned this the hard way), if you start on a straight line to the QB and then choose to run parallel to the QB before crossing the LOS and that causes you to collide with a WR, that is actually DPI and will be called.
   • If the QB hands off to a RB, the QB can then stand still and provide a block for the RB. This is a another rarity as typically the RB is running, grabbing the ball, and taking off, but there are situations where I've seen the QB and RB run together to the side, QB hands it off, and then RB takes off in that direction further, putting the QB between himself and the PR. This is legal as the QB is not making extra movements to put themselves in front of the PR.

6. Other team assignments on defense:

   • This is likely more for the team as a whole to decide, as obviously this can go one of a million directions depending on how the team wants to incorporate a PR into their team.
   • As a matter of numbers, if you don't send a PR, you have an extra guy on defense to assist with coverage. Obviously, sending a PR means that element is missing. Some teams think not sending a PR means their defense will actually be better because of this numbers game - I highly disagree. SEND A PR. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. The trade-off of an extra man in coverage is negated by the QB getting to take his time and direct his receivers to spread the defense. This is a recipe for disaster.
   • The only thing I'll say on this is have backup PRs that are highly fluid in changing coverage with the main PR. Keep them on the blitz line as often as possible, although their placement may change depending on coverage fluctuations in play. This is the difference between an average PR just doing so-so in the face of change and a lethal overall defense. This takes coordination and is not for the faint of heart. The backup PR needs to understand at least basic PR concepts and be able to change depending on who is calling the change-ups in play. In most cases, the person making this call should be pass-rusher 1. They can read the defense and make that call. Typically, communicating should be kept to a minimum so as to not arouse suspicion on the offense's side of things. Some examples I've used before:
   • Regular pass-rush: No need for any communication. This should be your default package
   • Double-rush: Typically PR1 will just point in the direction they're rushing. To the offense, they will just guess you're indicating that's where you're rushing (and you are), however, PR2 will see this and understand I'm asking for PR help and that we are sending two at once at them. Furthermore, the rest of the team should understand at least the basics of this being done. Even if they don't see the pointing in the chaos of the setup between plays, they should at least be able to see PR2 take off running and be able to either adjust the zones or play a higher man. As indicated with the numbers game above, obviously a second PR now means the receiving corps now has a leg up. If the QB is able to read the double blitz, then this can be a problem, but only if you let it. Typically, the double-blitz package is meant to more intimidate the QB when they need to make longer, accurate passes for a critical down. This is much less effective if they only need short gains. Use these sparingly or else a good offense figures it out fast.
   • Playing the run: This one is easy to signal - the PR will actually move from the blitz line and play almost on the LOS. This is a highly recommended coverage for teams that spam the run or have QBs that seem to crutch on their running abilities only. The key for this is that obviously PR1 can't go after the QB as they're over the blitz line. They will need to watch for the hand-off and then they will be in a great position to attack them with very little ground that they need to cover. If the QB does not hand-off, my recommendation to just tear off with the RB and play man on them. Sometimes you can let them run into existing zone coverage, but that can be tough on the defense. Now, big reason I bring this up under team assignments is understanding where the PR2 fits into this picture. If PR1 does indeed need to tear off with the RB, then I recommend sending in the PR2 instead as the main PR package. This is often quite unexpected by the QB as they just saw PR1 lurking near the LOS and then leave them alone, only to find PR2 gunning at them from somewhere else. Big key for this run coverage is seamlessly transitioning into of these two paths, depending on if the hand-off does/does not occur.
   • If the ball comes out into a short pass, the PR should be ready to turn around after the ball is out of the QBs hands and be ready to assist the LBs with tackling. Often I hear from PRs that they are too far away to help at that point. I can't count how many tackles I've made running down the field. Even if they gash you, it's not a TD and you can setup for another stop. Every tackle counts!

7. Attacking the QB:

   • Many will argue that this is the meat of PR strategy, but as you can tell above, everything needs to be set-up to support this. Attacking the QB varies by PR, and I recommend catering to the strengths of your PR. Some thoughts on the matter:
     • Send the PR every time - your PR needs to have the stamina to just get after it every single play and be ready to run at full speed
     • They should work on getting off the blitz line as fast as possible. Slow starts to runs is just giving the QB too much time
     • The default blitz should just be running headlong into the QB and being ready to pivot if they need to. It's my belief that too many coaches focus on breaking down before reaching the QB to get at the flags better, when in reality, this is mainly a psychological game. The QB is sensing another player running as fast as they can at them, and they are not assuming this player will miss pulling their flags, so they now need to process extra variables. (Do I evade? Do I pass early? Where's the WR I wanted to hit when we discussed in the huddle?) The PR is there primarily to get in the QB's presence. Everything else comes after getting into the QB's bubble.
     • To speak on breaking down: There is a time and a place for this, but you don't want to be letting the QB bail out to their strong side repeatedly in an effort for the PR to take their time in accurately pulling the flags. It's a fluid motion and sometimes, the PR may miss or run past the QB. This happens because of the speed involved, especially in rainy weather. The PR shouldn't get down because of these misses. They're still effective in displaying to the QB they were there and will be there next time. Instead of breaking down, try rushing with a bit of a wider angle.
     • To speak on jumping: I see a lot of advice given about not jumping in front of the QB at all. I think there is a time and a place for it depending on the QB and what they like to do. If they're mobile or have a nasty fake, then the jumping will obviously have limited effectiveness. They will simply just pump fake and then bail and you have lost that battle. However, if the QB is intent on just getting it out as quick as possible and you've been able to establish that they won't be moving too much, then jumping up to try and swat the ball can yield limited rewards. I wouldn't count on actually swatting the ball (every time I have swatted the ball has almost always been by accident) but the more important past of doing so is that you are effectively making them arc the ball at the last second to try and avoid you. I find these often result in some tasty interceptions for your defense. Have your secondary be aware of this too if they see your PR jump!
     • NOW, with the above nuance being said, BE READY TO GET YOUR HANDS UP AT A MOMENT"S NOTICE! I disagree immensely with having the hands up while running at the QB. 1. You're giving away the PR's armspan to the QB so that they'll clearly understand how high they need to arc it and 2. Running like that impedes your top speed. Instead, be watching the rock as it releases and if it comes towards you, go for the swat. This is a great strategy when the PR is taller than the QB. If it's the other way around, forget about it.
     • Even if the PR gets their hand on the flag and the ball is out a millisecond before the flag is pulled, pull it anyways. There's no harm in doing so (as long as it's legitimately at the same time). Worst case, they give the flag back and the QB understands that they were literally a breath away from being sacked. Best case? A ref calls it as an actual sack.
     • If you know the QB is going to be mobile, try and note where they like to bail out to. Most of the time it's their strong side so that they can have more of an arm to use. Objective is to stop this. Feel free to take a quick cut pre-emptively in the direction you believe the QB will go, just understand that this is a gamble. The QB could do several things to counter this: step up, bail to their weak side, or simply throw as you're giving them a little extra time. These are all trade-offs though if you're getting burned by a scrambler.
     • Pulling the actual flags. Some people think this is an exact science and will recommend to always aim for the root of the flag attached to the hip. In practice, it's almost never this simple. The aim is simple: Pull the flag as any costs and at any speed. Both the PR and QB/RB will be moving at extreme speeds and theory only goes so far. This is something I can't really give advice for. Every PR is different and they need to aim for flags however it works for them: breaking down, sprinting headlong, coming at them from an angle, etc.
     • If I had to give any advice on the above, when the QB starts to move, their flags will start billowing in the wind behind them. Same thing if they choose to spin. If you can anticipate this, you can be going for a part of their body where the flag isn't, but will be.
     • Oftentimes my sacks are coming from the ends of their flags, with very little to grab. For this reason, I recommend gloves most of time, except in rain.
     • Pursuit: Even when the QB has released the ball, the PR's job isn't over! They need to immediately turn around and get downfield to assist the rest of defense. I've lost count of how many times I didn't think I would be of any help trying to pull a flag on someone who completed a pass 20 yards downfield and yet, the linemen harried the receiver long enough that I was able to run down and get the tackle. Never give up on the play until the flag is pulled!

8. Penalties:

   • An interesting topic for sure, but in a nutshell, the PR needs to be aware of what penalties can be called on you/in your favor. A lot of this relies on the ref and their tendencies to call
   • If a penalty legitimately looks to have happened on the opposing team (e.g. QB goes across the line of scrimmage), I always make it a point to make a motion of shrugging in the air with my hands up to signal I'm confused about why it wasn't called. FINISH THE PLAY BUT DON"T SAY A WORD. Refs don't look kindly upon players telling them they need to do a better job of calling the game. What you can do is signal your confusion and then silently go back to the line and get ready for the next drive and hope they call it more in your favor next time. IT DOES YOU NO GOOD TO EVEN SAY A SINGLE WORD TO THE REFS. Instead, look to maximize the advantage of a potential flag in your favor:
   • As mentioned above, a QB can't go beyond the line of scrimmage. This is way its important for a PR to finish the blitz. If the QB does dodge your blitz, then continue moving from behind them. Most QBs tend to start running towards the sidelines to maximize their window to throw. If you're coming from behind them after you missed from them sidestepping, try to cut them off by running at an angle towards the sideline as well, anticipating that they'll be doing the same. I see many PRs who act like a dog chasing a car and try to tackle in open field. Not only does this take longer, but the QB has you in their peripheral vision to act off of. Make them guess a little and there's potential for them to cross that LOS for a flag.
   • Impeding the blitzer: in many leagues, the offense cannot interfere with the blitzer. They need a clear lane. Maximize the potential for one of them to run into. Not on purpose mind you! The refs are smart and won't call it unless it's legitimate. But for example, if they run trips on one side, you can attempt to come off at an angle and make a straight beeline for the QB. I have had runners sprinting head on just blindly run into me and I get the call. Remember: the offense is responsible for avoiding the PR, but this does not mean the PR can be running weird routes themselves to the QB, it NEEDS to be a straight line.
   • Offsides: Obviously a reminder to be back behind the blitz line. I usually check in with the ref before the game to let them know I'm the main blitzer and I will always look their way to make sure they aren't giving me a look to move back or anything. Getting a sack just to find out you were past the blitz line is the worst feeling in the world.
   • Roughing the passer: This is a good one to look out for. It can happen easily, especially if the QB has a long throwing motion. If the PR is jumping in front of the QB, then they need to be incredibly careful that momentum doesn't carry them into that throwing motion. This is another reason why I just avoid jumping most of the times, it's not worth it. You will also need to make every effort to avoid contact with the QB. If I am coming at them head-on and they release the football, I will just throw my body away from the QB to avoid any possible calls from the ref. Some light contact may happen, but good refs won't call that as its not intentional.

9. Weather considerations:

   • Rain - the most likely condition to be encounter outside of the norm. I actually like the PR in the rain and I think the benefit is in defense's favor here. The ball is wet and when pressured, the QB is throwing awful balls, sometimes without the laces properly lined up. Sometimes I see them just straight-up drop the ball when they panic. This can also happen with the center where they hike it incorrectly! Teams will often play the run more often on offense in the rain, and if so, it's important to play the line closer. If the center is stressed/gassed, if you line up at the blitz line and then quickly get up to the line to get in their face to then play the rain, I've seen some mishandled snaps come out of those. They're rare, but they happen. Another big tip for the rain is to watch your gait. Small steps will win over speed here. This obviously comes with trade-off of letting the QB take off, but if you go too fast, you may cut poorly in the wet ground and fall. The QB and receivers are dealing with the same issues and they will likely be utilizing small throws. Let your linemen deal with those and focus on pursuit.
   • Snow - while rare, I have played in at least a half dozen now in the driving snow. I will say the opposite of the rain above: I hate the PR in the snow. You slip, you fall, you can't plant whatsoever. It's miserable and you just honestly just do what you can. Some teams may honestly even consider abandoning the PR altogether to drop more into coverage. It's not a bad idea, but be aware of the big thing you'll give the QB: time. That will be the one resource that they'll want in the snow and, again, if you can pursue at all, they will be a little more likely to be sliding and I've found they love bailing to the sidelines immediately
   • Wind - I love the windy days as PR. I can still plant and pursue, but the QB needs to be factoring these variables into their throws on the run. Just use your normal tactics and let the pressure speak for itself. The big item to keep in mind with the wind is which way it's blowing after halftime. If it's to the QB's back, they can air it out easier. If it's in their face, they will prefer the short throws. If it's coming across the field, they're going to want precision and you may have another second on the pursuit.
   • Sun/the heat - The points above about where the sun is and what direction you're driving comes into play here. I've found the sun in the QBs eyes doesn't really affect them too much, it's the receivers when they need to look for the ball coming to them. This is important! If the receivers are looking at the sun for the ball, you almost want the QB to be throwing a deep ball so that the receivers need to catch a contested sun ball. Most receivers will fail these tests as it disappears straight into the ball of fire. Because of this, as a PR, you will actually want to prefer some jumping here. Your aim is to have them put too much air on the ball when they throw downfield - you want them to arc that sucker as much as possible to put it up high. Obviously, don't abandon the pursuit, but don't let them bail as easy. Almost let them feel comfortable with the pass. Especially in the heat, they will get sweaty fast and will just want to get it out and be done with the ball as the game goes on. The heat will be pressing the PR, they are sprinting every play after all. But it's just getting it done, stamina will be see it through here. Stay hydrated kids.

10. Ways to defeat the PR - to summarize, I want to give perspective as to the tactics that make life as a PR hell:

    • Delayed/silent snaps - these are my worst enemy. If a center/QB/line can pull these off, it will easily gain you a good quarter of a second extra to throw. The offense will need to be disciplined though, as I find some teams attempt these and they commit false starts 1 our of every 6 times. Need to be operate this cleanly.
    • Snapping the ball back as far as possible - if your QB takes snaps in shotgun, then you are a tasty meal for the PR. Get the center to practice snapping as far back as possible and to a point where it can be replicated each time. The further that distance is, the further the PR needs to run.
    • Having an effective center - if you have a larger person, then make him the center and have him block after the snap. He will help slow the PR down to a certain extent. After the PR is past, just have them be the bail-out option.
    • Running? Work on jet sweeps. Anything else is the RB taking off from a stand-still and a good PR will be right there. If you have a good RB that can beat the PR, then by all means, abuse it. If the PR is not coming up on the line, abuse it.
    • Passing? I hate the short passes. The PR works best when the passing game is accounting for 3+ seconds of route formation. At that point, the PR is on the QB and causing them all sorts of headaches. The QBs I sack the least are the ones who get it out in 2 seconds and consistently do so each and every time. Even if they are only picking up a few years, as long as they're moving the ball down the field, what they're doing is causing the PR to sprint for about 7-8 plays. This is where the offense can save the PR: if the offense can extend a drive AND the PR is able to rest (some times have the PR as a WR as well keep in mind), then the offense should focus on lengthening the drives if possible.
    • Evading the PR - the QB should get good at bailing to their strong side if they need to. Many QBs take the bait and start to just run away from the PR: this is exactly what a good PR is planning on happening and why they attack that side. A good QB should be either adept at sidestepping to avoid a head-on rush or be able to start to their strong side ahead of time before the PR is there. By doing so, they can buy themselves another second or so and extend that play until a WR can get open.
    • Punting/going for it on 4th - This is an evaluation for the offense to make. Most teams will punt on 4th unless very close to the goal. However, if you're struggling with the PR in the first place, just go for it anyways on 4th regardless of field position. I've seen too many teams get worried about a stern PR that they fall back on the punt thinking that the next drive with be better and next thing you know, they're down by two scores. Then, all of a sudden, they want to go for it on 4th. By then, it's too late.

Feel free to PM or comment with any questions - happy to give my perspective on anything!

I coach a 12U boys team... we won a regional and are moving on to the tournament in Indy and I can only imagine the level of play steps up dramatically. From my experience (4 tournaments in 4 years - so not much) - in what is a 24 minute game, 90% of winning is flag pulling, avoid penalties and avoid turnovers. I can plot our entire journey of success and failure to those points. Our playbook is a lot of crossing patterns, misdirection and if we can shake the blitzer, we go big. Our QB is not super fast and the blitzers almost always are... but he has a big arm to get downfield... and we have pretty quick WR weapons, so we get the ball out quick or try misdirections. Our kids are pretty good flag pullers but are short - size is an issue.

Generally speaking... we don't run a lot... we blitz pretty much every down (I have personally not seen any success giving the QB time to throw)... we rotate height and speed at the blitzer... but consistently run the same defense. Cover 2 with the blitzer blitzing every time - if they try to expose the middle, we cheat inside a bit. It works... at least the teams we've played! I don't see the need to change but it sounds naive as I say it out loud. We have explored a 1-2-1 as well but never really run it.

What do the best of the best do in terms of overall themes I should be aware of? We are a rag tag bunch and are playing club teams - so, we need to be smart! I'm assuming installing another defense to show different looks at the offense - just don't look so predictable.

At the same time, with this age of 12 year old boys - my general strategy has been don't change too much... what got us here, got us here... evolve for a few scenarios, but otherwise stick to our playbook we've mastered and spend practice really focused on pulling flags and execution. I can not express how frustrating it is when we get "impeding the rusher" or "offsides" against us - it absolutely is killer to a drive. It's all in the execution.

Any and all advice particularly on defense, I would love to hear it. I've seen so many amazing coaches at the tournaments that make me jealous - so hoping some happen to be on this thread (but not in our division! :-))

Thanks!