Learn The Game.
Play Smarter.
A quick guide to the rules, positions, and strategy of youth flag football — everything a first-time player or parent needs to know.
How A Game Works
5-on-5 or 7-on-7 depending on age
30 yards wide × 70 yards long, two 10-yard end zones
Two 20-minute halves with a running clock
None. Pull a flag from the belt to end the play
TD = 6 · PAT from 5yd = 1 · PAT from 10yd = 2
4 downs to cross midfield, 4 more to score
Who Plays Where
Offense
Receives the snap, reads the defense, and delivers the ball.
Snaps the ball and releases into a route.
Run routes, catch passes, and get yards after the catch.
After a 7-second count, can pressure the QB.
Defense
Cover receivers man-to-man or in zones.
Last line of defense — reads the QB and breaks on the ball.
Covers the middle, drops into zone, or blitzes.
Everyone on defense — wrap up the runner by pulling the flag clean.
Play It Clean
- 01No tackling, diving, blocking, or stiff arms.
- 02Ball is dead the instant a flag is pulled, hits the ground, or steps out of bounds.
- 03QB has a 7-second pass clock — release the ball or scramble before time expires.
- 04All players are eligible receivers — even the QB after a handoff.
- 05No running zones extend 5 yards on either side of midfield and the goal line.
- 06One-foot inbounds for a legal catch.
Small Habits, Big Plays
Spacing
Spread the field — give receivers room to break free and runners room to cut.
Read Coverage
Pre-snap, count defenders deep. Throw to the side with the matchup advantage.
Pull, Don't Grab
Square up the runner's hip, pull the flag clean — no shirts, no tackles.
Communicate
Defenders call out routes and pickups. Offense checks the play at the line.