Flag Football Study Sheet (9/06)

Flag football is a recreational activity that can be played almost anywhere. It is also called "Two Hand Touch” Football because the players are tagged with a two-handed touch. In class, flag football is played on the “meadow” east of the parking fields.

Play is begun by the defensive team throwing the ball deep downfield to the offensive team. The offensive team then has four (4) plays, or “downs” to advance the ball for a touchdown. In regulation football, a team has four attempts to advance the ball 10 yards and can continue to do so until they score or until the defensive team gains possession. In Flag Football, if the offensive team cannot score a touchdown after the 4th down, the defensive team gains possession of the ball and begins four plays in the opposite direction to try to score. At this point, they become the new offensive team. In all sports, the offensive team is the one trying to score points and the defensive team is the trying to prevent them from scoring.

A touchdown is worth 6 points. After a touchdown, the offensive team attempts a field goal. In flag football, if the field goal attempt is caught in the end zone it is worth one (1) point, if the football is run into the end zone it is worth two (2) points. Another name for a field goal attempt which is run into the end zone is a two point conversion.

The quarterback in football controls the play. After a huddle, the offensive team will begin their play at the line of scrimmage. The quarterback will receive the ball from the center and attempt to pass the football downfield to a teammate to score touchdown. The defensive team must count to “7-Mississippi” before they can rush the quarterback. The quarterback may choose to run the ball herself or may pass the ball laterally. Once a pass is caught forward of the line of scrimmage it cannot be passed off again in the same play. If a pass from the quarterback is dropped by the receiver it is incomplete. If it is caught in the end zone or carried past the goal line it is a touchdown. A pass must be caught inbounds to be good. Any time a pass is attempted, it can be caught by the defensive team. This is called an interception or a turnover and wherever that player is stopped, that is where the team sets up a new line of scrimmage. The team that intercepted the ball will then have four attempts (downs) to score a touchdown.