7th GRADE FLAG FOOTBALL STUDY GUIDE

Flag football is a game that is a modification of . Basic football skills such as passing, catching, throwing, defending and running are used in this game. It is a non-contact sport with minimal equipment required. Players wear a belt with a flag around their waist. The person in possession of the can be “downed” when their flag is pulled off by the defending team. Each team has a different color flag to differentiate between teams.

A football is incased in a leather or rubber cover; therefore, it is referred to as a “pig skin”.

Field – 100 yards long, 50 yards wide (can be modified for school play).

Scoring Area – is called the end zone.

Boundaries – are defined by: *Goal lines *End zone * Side Lines *Field is divided into 10 yard increments

SNAPPING THE BALL- From the line of scrimmage the ball is ether handed or passed back through the centers legs from a three point stance to the quarterback upon which play starts.

CLOSE STANCE

• “Center” grips the ball with the front point of the ball facing up, back point of ball touching the ground, arm of holding hand should be reaching out in front fully extended. On the command “hike” or “hit” the center pulls the ball (snaps) while turning the ball sideways, both points of the ball facing the inside of the knees. • Center reaches back as far as possible and holds the ball laces facing the Q.B. (Quarterback).

SHOTGUN

• Center grips the ball holding the laces up (palm facing downward). • “Belly” of the ball on the ground. • On the command “Hike” or “Hit” the center pulls the ball back reaching through their legs turning the palm up with a sharp motion to create a “spiral” motion while passing the ball through their legs by passing the ball back to the Q.B. Center follows through by reaching backward toward the Q.B. with the throwing hand.

HAND POSITION TO RECEIVE A

CLOSE STANCE – Quarterback holds their hands palms facing each other, fingers facing forward, touching heal of hand to heal of hand fingers spread hands open like a duck’s bill enabling the ball to fit in the Q.B. hands. After the Q.B. receives the ball he drops back to either pass the ball or hand the ball off.

BLOCKING – act of protecting your ball carrier or the Q.B. by getting in the way of the defender.

THREE POINTS STANCE – body position used by a linemen when preparing to block the opposing team.

CLOSE STANCE POSITION – a method of snapping the ball to the Q.B.

SHOTGUN POSITION – a method of snapping the ball to the Q.B.; in this position the Q.B. is about 8 to 10 yards behind the center.

HUDDLE – Circle formation made by team members so all are informed of the next play.

OFFENSE – team that has possession of the ball and is attempting to score points.

DEFENSE – team trying to prevent team that has possession of the ball from scoring or advancing towards their goal.

SPIRAL – the spin that occurs when throwing a football to make it more aerodynamic.

LINE OF SCRIMMAGE –invisible line that extends from sideline to sideline; spot where the play is ruled dead and the new play begins.

POSSESSION – the team that is in control of the ball.

INTERCEPTION – when the defending team catches a pass from the opposing team, therefore creating a turnover (causing a change of possession).

RECEPTION – when a [ass os caught from one’s own teammate.

FUMBLE – when an offensive player has control of the ball, then loses control of the ball and the opposing team obtains possession (example—player has the ball and runs with the ball, drops the ball, and the opposing team regains possession of the ball.

KICK OFF – the method in which a football game is started. After points are scored the game is restarted with a kick off.

SCORING – * a touchdown equals 6 points • an EXTRA POINT that is kicked through the uprights is worth 1 point • an EXTRA POINT that is a completed pass or that is run across the goal line AFTER A TOUCHOWN is worth 2 points—known as a TWO POINT CONVERSION. • a SAFETY is worth 2 points • a FIELD GOAL is worth 3 points

PASSING PATTERNS OR ROUTES

• FLY – the receiver runs in a straight line towards their end zone or goal line. • POST – the receiver runs on a diagonal line towards the sideline. • HOOK – the receiver runs straight for approximately 12 yards and turns back towards the line of scrimmage for about 3 yards. The HOOK should look like and upside down j or and upside down fishing hook. • FIVE and IN – the receiver runs forward approximately 5 yards, pivots in towards the middle of the field to form a 90 degree angle and continues to run in front of the Q.B. • FIVE and OUT – the receiver runs forward for approximately 5 yards, pivots toward the sideline closest to the receiver and continues to run toward the sideline.

DIAGRAM OF PASSING PATTERNS OR ROUTES:

FLY

POST

HOOK

FIVE and IN

FIVE and OUT