Adapted American Football: Flag Football
Flag football: a non-contact version of American football where a play ends when a defender pulls one of the flags from the ball carrier's belt. Students work on throwing a football, team strategy and fair play.
How to play
- Explain the rules: the quarterback gets the snap from the center and may throw one forward pass per play from behind the line of scrimmage; the play ends when a flag is pulled, a pass hits the ground or the ball goes out of bounds; a touchdown is worth 6 points (5 min).
- Partner passing with a football at 8–10 yards: fingers on the laces and an overhand throw (5 min).
- Make 4 teams of 6 and set up two fields about 30 × 20 yards with 5-yard end zones; each team designs two plays and draws them in the dirt or memorizes them (5 min).
- Games A vs. B and C vs. D (9 min): the offense gets four downs to cross midfield and four more to score; if it fails, possession changes.
- Games A vs. C and B vs. D (9 min) with the same rules, trying out the planned plays.
- Wrap-up: which play worked and why (2 min).
Rules
- No contact: no tackling, blocking or pushing.
- No flag guarding: ball carriers can't cover their flags or belt with their hands.
- The defense lines up 5 yards off the line of scrimmage until the snap.
- A player who pulls a flag holds it up and hands it back, never throws it.
Variations
Easier
Play on a short field with passes allowed in any direction and six downs to score.
Standard
Play with four downs per section and one forward pass per play.
Harder
Require plays from the team playbook and add 1- or 2-point conversions after a touchdown.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: play as a permanent quarterback with a protected 4-second count before anyone can rush.
- Hearing impairment: start and stop each play with agreed visual signals as well as the whistle.
- Fitness level: use longer flags for slower players and a soft foam football for anyone nervous about catching.
Learning goals
- Design and run simple team offensive strategies.
- Improve passing and catching with a football.
- Play within the no-contact rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flag belts: 26
- footballs: 6
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
Have students put on their flag belts correctly before starting, with flags on the hips and shirts tucked in. Referee the first games yourself to lock in the no-contact rule.
PatioLab has "Adapted American Football: Flag Football" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More main activities for High School
1v1 Ball Volley Matches
1v1 ball volley: singles games on a small court with a low net, hitting the ball over the net and allowing one bounce. Students work on striking, court positioning and quick decision-making.
Acrosport in Groups of 4
Partner and group stunts (acrosport) in groups of 4: building simple human pyramids and balances with bases, flyers and spotters while following safety rules. Students develop strength, balance, cooperation and creativity by linking poses together.
Adapted 6v6 Volleyball
6v6 volleyball with adapted rules so the ball stays in play longer and the whole team takes part: catching is allowed on the first contact and serves come from closer in. Students practice the set, the forearm pass (bump), the serve and rotation.
Adapted Baseball/Rounders with Batting
A modified bat-and-ball game, somewhere between baseball and rounders, with hitting a softly pitched ball, running four bases and organized fielding. Students practice striking with an implement, catching, decision-making and team strategy.
Adapted Beach Volleyball (No Net)
Modified 2v2 beach volleyball with no net: a line of cones on the ground divides the courts and the ball must travel high over it. Students practice sets, forearm passes (bumps) and communicating with their partner.
Adapted Beach Volleyball 2v2
Modified 2v2 beach volleyball with a foam ball and portable net on small courts. Students work on the set and forearm pass, communication with a partner and cooperation to build a rally.