Keys to Offense and Defense in Youth Flag Football
Flag football is enjoyed by young kids and coaches througout the US
. There are many different types of leagues which offer casual to competitive youth flag football. Flag football is growing very fast among younger and older players. There are many factors to consider when coaching youth flag football. Which offense to run and what type of defense. Depending upon the answer you chose, there are a few consistent keys to focus on when coaching flag football.
Keys to Offense:
On offensive the key to success is getting the players to be patient while running the play so the play develops. Surprising, many flag football plays, basic or advanced, can result in positive yards if the play is run correctly. It is important to get the timing down for the plays. Quick hit plays must be run quickly meaning the runner and QB must execute their part as soon as the ball is snapped. In other plays the plays can be run at a comfortable pace to ensure fakes and hand-offs are completed without mistakes. Many of these plays consist of misdirection and fakes. It is important that the players not getting the ball take the fake correctly and the actual ball carrier is patient to let the play develop ahead of him so the lanes are open. Proper delays and clean hand-offs can be the difference between being competitive or not.
Keys to Defense:
On defense the key to success is also patience. Many flag football teams will runs fakes and end-a-rounds, so the defensive players must stay in their position or zone until the player with the ball comes through their area, or cross the line of scrimmage. The goal is to keep the runner inside, meaning the defensive ends must not let the runner get to the outside of them. Defense should be designed to utilize every player regardless of their skill. Each player should be taught their position, and coached for improvement throughout the year.
Keys to Offense and Defense in Youth Flag Football