Welcome to your crash course in flag football strategy.
This page breaks down the most common formations, basic receiver routes, and sample plays designed specifically for youth flag football (5-on-5). It’s meant to help coaches and parents quickly get up to speed — not drown in diagrams.
If you want the deep dive, check out the full NFL FLAG 5-on-5 playbook here.
🧠 Offensive Formations & Sample Plays
We’re not going to overload you with 47 plays. We’re going to show you the core formations, how they work, and a play or two you can actually use today.
📚 Common Receiver Routes (AKA: Route Lingo 101)
A quick glossary so everyone’s speaking the same language:
| Route |
Description |
| Slant |
Quick diagonal in. Fast, reliable, great for short gains. |
| Post |
10–15 yards deep, then angle toward the center. |
| Corner |
Same depth as post, but angle toward the sideline. |
| Fly (Go) |
Sprint straight down the field. Speed kills. |
| Hitch |
Run 5–7 yards, stop hard, and turn toward QB. |
| Out |
Sharp 90-degree cut toward the sideline. Crisp timing required. |
Pro Tip: Combine routes to stretch defenders — a fly route clears space for a hitch underneath. Think “levels” and “layers.”
🛠️ Tips for Designing & Teaching Plays
Here’s how to go from drawing on napkins to actual execution:
- Keep it simple – 2-3 routes max for younger players.
- Reps without defenders – Walk it. Jog it. Run it. THEN defend it.
- Decide crossing order – Avoid WR collisions by calling who cuts first.