Players Positions Guide
FLAG FOOTBALL POSITIONS
Picture a traditional offensive line in tackle football, all 11 players. Now, remove the linemen. This is where the idea of 5 on 5 flag football comes from—it’s essentially the shell of tackle football, without the linemen. In other words, from an offensive standpoint, everyone can catch the pass, creating a continuous, fast-paced game. Here’s a closer look at flag football positions, and what skills are needed for both offense and defense:
Picture a traditional offensive line in tackle football, all 11 players. Now, remove the linemen. This is where the idea of 5 on 5 flag football comes from—it’s essentially the shell of tackle football, without the linemen. In other words, from an offensive standpoint, everyone can catch the pass, creating a continuous, fast-paced game. Here’s a closer look at flag football positions, and what skills are needed for both offense and defense:
OFFENSE
Typically, teams set up in a formation with these 5 positions: 
- Quarterback
- Center
- Wide receivers, running backs, or a mix of both
At the start of a play, the center snaps the football back to the quarterback, who can either hand it off or throw it. One question we hear frequently is: Can the QB run in flag football? No, most youth flag football rules don’t allow the quarterback to directly run with the ball. They must hand it off behind the line of scrimmage, or complete a forward pass. But if handed off, the quarterback can then run to receive a pass. The center is also allowed to run for a pass.
While 5 on 5 flag football leagues typically don’t have offensive linemen, 7 on 7 or 9 on 9 might offer this position. Exactly how does offensive linemen work in flag football? Like tackle, they’re responsible for protecting the quarterback and buying him/her more time to find an open player.
Of any rules, though, you’ll find that flag football blocking rules differ the most from league to league, with some allowing forms of contact.
If it is allowed, here’s how to block in flag football: Instead of launching forward at the snap, blocker’s use quick footwork and lateral movements to disrupt the defensive player’s path. Their hands are up and palms are open—arms can’t be crossed or fully extended.
Typically, teams set up in a formation with these 5 positions: 
- Quarterback
- Center
- Wide receivers, running backs, or a mix of both
At the start of a play, the center snaps the football back to the quarterback, who can either hand it off or throw it. One question we hear frequently is: Can the QB run in flag football? No, most youth flag football rules don’t allow the quarterback to directly run with the ball. They must hand it off behind the line of scrimmage, or complete a forward pass. But if handed off, the quarterback can then run to receive a pass. The center is also allowed to run for a pass.
While 5 on 5 flag football leagues typically don’t have offensive linemen, 7 on 7 or 9 on 9 might offer this position. Exactly how does offensive linemen work in flag football? Like tackle, they’re responsible for protecting the quarterback and buying him/her more time to find an open player.
Of any rules, though, you’ll find that flag football blocking rules differ the most from league to league, with some allowing forms of contact.
If it is allowed, here’s how to block in flag football: Instead of launching forward at the snap, blocker’s use quick footwork and lateral movements to disrupt the defensive player’s path. Their hands are up and palms are open—arms can’t be crossed or fully extended.
DEFENSE
Without linemen in the mix, there are really two kinds of flag football defensive positions: rushers and defensive backs. Rushers try to get to the quarterback as quickly as possible, while defensive backs line up to face wide receivers, or even farther back as safeties.
What is a safety in flag football? The safety is an essential defensive position who acts as a catch-all, covering deep throws and any players who get loose. They’re responsible for keeping offensive players in front of them and covering players who slip through the cracks.
Coaches typically teach both man-to-man and zone defensive strategies. But the most important skill players learn on defense is the proper way to pull off an opponent’s flags. This technique actually lays the foundation for tackle football. For example, when breaking down, players are taught how to square up their opponent, where to align their head and knees, and what angles to take when pulling off flags. Essentially, it’s the exact position an athlete would need to take to physically tackle their opponent. This is a transferable skill set that benefits players who eventually want to play tackle football.
Without linemen in the mix, there are really two kinds of flag football defensive positions: rushers and defensive backs. Rushers try to get to the quarterback as quickly as possible, while defensive backs line up to face wide receivers, or even farther back as safeties.
What is a safety in flag football? The safety is an essential defensive position who acts as a catch-all, covering deep throws and any players who get loose. They’re responsible for keeping offensive players in front of them and covering players who slip through the cracks.
Coaches typically teach both man-to-man and zone defensive strategies. But the most important skill players learn on defense is the proper way to pull off an opponent’s flags. This technique actually lays the foundation for tackle football. For example, when breaking down, players are taught how to square up their opponent, where to align their head and knees, and what angles to take when pulling off flags. Essentially, it’s the exact position an athlete would need to take to physically tackle their opponent. This is a transferable skill set that benefits players who eventually want to play tackle football.