3-on-3 Flag Football with a Rotating QB
Small-sided 3-on-3 flag football games where the quarterback changes every down, so every student throws, catches, and defends. It builds teamwork, passing and catching, and the habit of calling very simple plays.
How to play
- Set up 4 fields, 20 x 12 m (about 22 x 13 yd), with 4 m (13 ft) end zones. Make 8 teams of 3 in pinnies and flags, numbered 1 to 3 (3 min).
- The offense starts on its own 5 m line with 4 downs to score. Each down, the next number on the team is the QB.
- A teammate snaps between the legs; the QB has 5 seconds and may not run. The other two run routes, and nobody rushes.
- Flag pulled: the next down starts there. Touchdown, 6 points. After a score or four failed downs, the other team starts from its 5 m line.
- Play two 8-minute games; in between, winners move up a field and losers move down (18 min). Finish with a 4-minute review on each field.
Rules
- No contact: only flag pulls, no pushing or grabbing clothes.
- The QB may not run with the ball; everyone else may run after the catch.
- Safety: fields are separated by a 3 m (10 ft) buffer, and nobody dives for the ball.
Variations
Easier
Allow a 6-second throw clock, and no flag pulls within 2 m (6 ft) of the end zone.
Standard
Three-on-three, a new QB every down, a 5-second throw clock, and 4 downs to score.
Harder
Add one defender who may rush the QB after counting out loud to five.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair can be the permanent QB and receive the ball handed over instead of snapped.
- Shyness: let each team agree on a code word for each play so no one has to shout directions.
- Fitness or skill level: balance teams with one player of each level, and the most experienced player may not score twice in a row.
Learning goals
- Play every role in the game: quarterback, receiver, and defender.
- Agree on simple plays with teammates before each down.
- Follow no-contact rules and respect each teammate's turn.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flag belts: 25
- foam football: 4
- cones: 32
- pinnies: 12
Teacher tip
Write the QB order as a number on the back of each pinnie so there are no arguments. If a team can't complete passes, suggest the simplest play: one receiver runs short and one runs deep.
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