Mini Flag 3-on-3

How to run it

The first real game: three against three with the coach as quarterback for the team with the ball. A hand-off run and a short pass all the way into the end zone. Kids learn to attack forward, pull flags and that everyone has a job.

Set-up

A field of about 20 × 15 m with a 4 m deep end zone marked with discs. Blue team: three players plus the coach at quarterback. Red team: three defenders 4–7 m from the line. Everyone wears flags.

Instructions

1. 1The offense lines up: the coach with the ball, a receiver on each side and a back behind. The defense stands a little way off.
2. 2Hand-off: the back runs past the coach and takes the ball. The receivers run straight ahead and take their defenders with them.
3. 3The back runs wide to the right. The coach fakes the other way.
4. 4Up the field! The defender in the middle comes, breaks down and pulls the flag.
5. 5Everyone back to the line. The back hands the ball back to the coach.
6. 6The back moves to the other side of the coach.
7. 7Pass play: the left receiver cuts in to the middle, the right one runs straight, the back goes out to the side. The coach takes a couple of steps back.
8. 8Throw to the receiver cutting in. He catches with his hands.
9. 9He tucks the ball to his chest and runs all the way into the end zone – touchdown!
10. 10Everyone back to the line and the ball to the coach. Next play – rotate so everyone carries the ball.

Coaching points

• Call the play in the huddle with one job per child: "You run straight, you cut in".
• Switch offense and defense after every touchdown or after four downs.
• Celebrate pulled flags as much as touchdowns.
• No contact: the ball carrier may not guard his flag with his hands.

Variations

Equipment

• 6 × Markers
• 2 × Cone